Jesus is now advancing towards the 'hour' of his death, resurrection and glory. Read: John 11:1-16. This is a crucial story: raising the dead is the ultimate proof of Jesus' messiahship (only God can raise the dead, 5:21), and it consolidates the enmity of those who would eventually kill him. Jesus is 'glorified' both in the miracle and in his dying (12:26ff). Lazarus was a special friend, loved by Jesus. His sisters were the compulsive Martha and the contemplative Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Their home in Bethany, two miles east of Jerusalem, was a favourite lodging place for Jesus when he was in Judea. 'With superb dramatic form the Lazarus story sums up Jesus' career. It is the ultimate sign. Jesus, the source of life (10:28; 11:25), now gives life to one man. But even this ultimate revelation is condemned, leaving Jesus judged as worthy of death (11:50).' (Gary M. Burge, Commentary on John, in Walter A. Elwell, ed., Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1989 p. 863). Meditate: As you imagine yourself participating in this event, put yourself into the 'skin' of one of the disciples, or of Mary and Martha, especially when Jesus delays a couple of days before going to the tomb where Lazarus has been buried. How are we supposed to trust this One when he treats our calls for help like this?

Lord there are unresolved issues in my life... Sometimes your 'not yet' is harder to take than 'never'... Amen.