John 11:17-37
The last verse of this section links the bringing of light to darkness, by recalling the giving of sight to the blind man described in chapter 9, to the life from death that is about to be displayed. The action that is about to take place illustrates what Jesus is as “life” just as the bringing of sight to the blind man showed his power and will to bring light – to those who would receive it.
To receive Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” is to gain life that will never be taken away. Even though we go to the grave, the grave has no power over the life we receive by being “born again” (chapter 3), meaning also (so the Greek scholars say), “born from above”. Jesus brings release from both present darkness and death that comes to all, with light and life that come from above. The spatial aspect need not be taken literally. It means from beyond ourselves, from a dimension other than what we immediately experience, from a God who is 'wholly other' as some theologians say, yet who has chosen also to be wholly with us.
Prayer:
I praise you, Jesus, for divine compassion and grace displayed, lived, and offered fully in and through you. May this precious offer and gift be valued and shared above all else. Amen.
Monday, May 15, 2006
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