Click on this link to access the document: Jesus Wept March 29 2020 Rev Dolson
Greetings to my church family on this blustery and sunny day. You will notice that this message has been expanded a little to generate some sense of our usual worship service. Although most of the music is not included, for obvious reasons, we will attempt to lift up our voices with the familiar tunes. Music is one of our most beloved aspects of worshiping together. Perhaps, for the more courageous among you, we could begin with one of our most familiar hymns. You can find a beautiful rendition at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5NCyuRhoGY to help you sing along. If there are others at home with you, they may want to join in. If nothing else, remember that it is joyful for others to hear you sing, regardless of your ability. In my home, others often find it amusing to hear me singing hymns. So, let’s keep our spirits up and our voices strong.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace,
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T’was blind but now I see
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T’was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home
Amazing grace, Howe Sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
T’was blind but now I see, T’was blind, but now I see.
Prayer For Illumination
Give us undivided hearts and undistracted minds, O God, so that we might walk in your truth and live in your light. God of wisdom, soften our hearts and direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word. Amen.
Many of you may be familiar with the following reading from the gospel of John chapter 11:1-45. It has been slightly altered to better identify the speaker and the shifts in the story. Take a moment to read through the passage.
John 11:1-45 [NRSV][i]
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he [Jesus] said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11 After saying this, he [Jesus] told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.”
12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.”
13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
16 Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She [Martha] said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” 28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately [Martha said to Mary], “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29 And when she [Mary] heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her [Mary] in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she [Mary] was going to the tomb to weep there.
32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and [Mary] said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her [Mary] weeping, and the Jews who came with her [Mary] also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He [Jesus] said, “Where have you laid him?”
They [Jews] said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to weep.
36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them [Jews] said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.”
43 When he had said this, he [Jesus] cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.
Message Jesus Wept
We are in the midst of an unprecedented time and it is world-wide. We are collectively dealing with the very real impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. It seems the only region unaffected in Canada, at this moment, is Nunavut. Each and every Canadian is encouraged to stay home as much as possible. Quarantine, isolation at home for 14 days, is expected of anyone who has travelled outside the country and those who are experiencing symptoms. All of us are expected to actively practice physical distancing. Many are turning to their television or radio each morning to hear updates from our Prime Minister and other key officials. New terms and new behaviours have become an important aspect of our new ‘normal’. In order to ease anxiety and fear, it is important to practice safe self-care and retain routines whenever possible. We are adjusting to new ways of being in the midst of upheaval within our social structure.
Our reading from the gospel of John shares the story of the illness and death of Lazarus, a friend whom Jesus loved. It tells the story of illness, death, burial, and resurrection. It tells the story of being called from death to life, with burial wrappings still clinging to him. Yet this story is about much more. This story tells of a foreshadowing of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The people are given a demonstration of the true miracle that will happen soon. The people are given a glimpse of the power of God, of life after death. This and the other signs point to Jesus and Jesus points to God in prayer. We can think of the metaphor of the sheep recognizing their shepherd’s voice. Lazarus comes out of the tomb at the command of Jesus. The result is that many more will find their way to Jesus and believe.
During this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, many are dealing with the painful reality of unexpected illness, death, and altered social realities. We yearn for a return to normalcy where routines include known expectations. The lack of physical connection is posing quite a challenge for many. We yearn for the ability to shake hands, to hug, and to sit close together. Soon, soon this time will be a distant memory and we will resume our close interactions. We are mindful that our Christian faith points us in the direction of hope, in the promise of the resurrection. A time for the faithful to remember the promises of our loving God.
When we read the scriptures it is helpful to look at the passages just before and just after. This practice helps us to better understand the context of the story. Just before our reading this week, in the gospel of John, Jesus was in Jerusalem for the feast of the Dedication. Many there opposed him and pushed Jesus to reveal whether he was the Christ, the Messiah foretold in the scriptures. Offended by his response, they gathered up stones to kill him, believing that he was a fraud. Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem, travelling across the Jordan River to an area that was more welcoming to them. It was there that Jesus received the news about Lazarus’s illness.
The disciples were constant companions throughout his ministry, traveling with him through the villages, towns, and mountainous regions. The gospels tell of how they were often concerned with limitations within their situations. Perhaps you can recognize some of their practical concerns in contrast to the focus of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus was aware of the dangers but the disciples were just learning. They were becoming more aware of the opposition to his ministry as they were developing their faith in him. They were learning a new normal, too. The disciples were trying to understand how to live in a way that was completely new to them. They were learning to trust that Jesus was leading them in a way that was foreign to them.
The disciples are concerned with the decision to make the treacherous journey to Judea. They questioned whether it was wise to return to Judea. They had barely escaped being stoned to death in that area just a short time ago. There was deep concern that they all might die if they travelled there. They were also confused and concerned since they knew that Lazarus was already dead. Jesus told them the journey was for a greater purpose and that the death of Lazarus would help them to believe. Imagine the confusion as they listened to him and everything within them told them it was dangerous. Then, Thomas –yes, doubting Thomas- supported him saying, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
We can imagine the scene when they arrived in Bethany. Mourners were at the family home of Mary, Martha, and deceased Lazarus. Many had travelled from Bethlehem to mourn with the women. Mary stayed home with many of the mourners, while Martha went out to meet with Jesus on the road. The next part of this story seems to move in slow motion. In her grief, Martha states that Jesus could have saved her brother and still has the power to ask God to do so. Martha believes that Jesus is referring to the resurrection into the afterlife when he says that her brother will rise again. Jesus asked and Martha affirmed her belief that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that those who believe in him, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in him will never die. She [Martha] said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
Martha then called Mary to join her with Jesus on the road. Mary quickly joined them on the road, with many of the mourners following her from the house. Mary knelt in the road, at the feet of Jesus, and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw Mary weeping and others weeping, he was greatly disturbed and deeply moved. Jesus asked where Lazarus was laid and the mourners told him. Then, Jesus wept. The Son of God, the Messiah, stood on the road and wept.
We can only imagine the cause of his sorrow and tears. Was it the death of his friend? Was it the surge of grief from Mary, Martha, and the people who had gathered? Jesus had been surrounded by surging emotion throughout his journey. Was it the impact of un-relentless caregiving that flowed from him? Perhaps, it was the knowledge that this would be his final journey into Jerusalem. We cannot know for certain why Jesus wept. We can wonder over his sorrow. We can feel his tangible sorrow. This is Jesus weeping at the sight of his friend’s corpse. Those who see him weeping remarked: “See how he loved him!”
The Greek word for love is agapē—selfless, self-giving love. The word used to describe Jesus’ love for his friend Lazarus is philia, the common Greek word for friendship, human affection, or deep feeling. Philia is the love we have for our friends.
Then Jesus ordered the tomb to be opened. It was a command that would create a deep appalled response. Martha reminded him that Lazarus had died four days ago. In a few short words, Jesus reminded her that she would see the glory of God.
The stone was removed and Jesus spoke again, looking upward to the heavens, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” Jesus then cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
When Lazarus came out of the tomb, the strips of cloth were unwrapped from his body. Those who were present with Jesus, Mary, and Martha … their faith was deepened and they believed in Him. This is the third story of ordinary people raised from death in the gospels. Mark shares the story of Jesus commanding the recently deceased daughter of Jairus to rise up (Mark 5:22-43). Luke tells of their experience in the town of Nain when the widow’s dead son was told to get up (Luke 7:11-15). Ordinary people pointing the way toward the magnificence of God.
On another day, another Mary, will be weeping at another tomb. She will ask the same question that Jesus asked: “Tell me where have you laid him?” On that day, the burial cloths will be left behind in the tomb—the face cloth rolled up in a place by itself—no longer required for the one God has raised. On that day, the disciples will see a sign even greater than the raising of Lazarus. Here, at this tomb of Lazarus, death is denied for a time. There, at the tomb of Jesus, death is overcome for good.
This story helps us to understand how people were further led to actively believe in Him. This story also helps us to understand the events that led to further conflict with authorities. The resuscitation of his dead friend will also send a message to the authorities. That message will make them fearful and set the events that lead to the crucifixion in motion.
The gospel of John will continue to share the events that following today’s reading. The reader will discover, “But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council and said, ‘What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.’ But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.’ … So from that day on they planned to put him to death”.
Yet, this story continues today as we believe, in our Christian faith, in the power of resurrection. Our traditional worship practices recognize birth, life, death, and resurrection as cyclical. We pray for the power of resurrection in the lives of those who are bound by war, genocide, poverty, disease, disease, and systemic oppression. We pray today for resurrection for individuals, communities, nations, and the world decimated by the impact of COVID 19 pandemic. We pray for those confined in abusive households and oppressive nations.
When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, he also urged those who were present to, “Unbind him, and let him go.” The unbinding of Lazarus can also be seen as a metaphor. Their bindings to an oppressive and unforgiving way of life were also loosened and stripped away. We are called to care for others, to nurture and strengthen them until they are able to walk on their own. We are called to remove the bindings of self-doubt, social isolation, marginalization, and oppression.
Even in this time of physical distancing and isolation we are called to be social beings. We are called to connect with one another in different and creative ways. In our neighbourhood this week, people were encouraged to put teddy bears in their windows. When families walked with their children they would stop to notice the many bears on display. We are building community in new and creative ways. Feeling connected in ways that lessen the sense of being alone and reminding us that others care. We carefully and lovingly remove the bindings of fear, anxiety, loss, and grief. This tender care works to unbind women, men, and children so they can walk in dignity within the world. This loving care embodies our faith and follows in the way of Christ. Praise be to God!
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
It was brought to my attention this week that there is some confusion about the process of donating to the church during this time of cancelled services. Donations may be made in several ways:
- The traditional method of Canada Post mail, just be sure to include the post office box:
- Knox Church, Box 565, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
- This is a good time to consider the consistency of postdated cheques or PAR. Both are easy to set up and easy to change.
- All cheques can be sent to the church by Canada Post. We would greatly appreciate monthly cheques, if possible.
- PAR, the Pre-Authorized Remittance, is an automatic monthly withdrawal from your bank.
- Contact Brenda McLean (519) 524-8645 or email brmclean@hurontel.on.ca She is an expert at setting up PAR (and many other things too).
- Adjustments are made to postdated cheques and PAR by contacting Brenda. All financial information is confidential.
All that we have is a gift from God. In faith and gratitude, we return a portion of what we have so abundantly received.
During the worship service, we sing the doxology, a song of praise. You may actually hear an echo of the tune that Jean Walker and Betty Lou play each week.
We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be;
all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O lord, from thee.
Blessing Of Gifts *
Let us pray to bless the gifts received by the church.
Gracious God, we dedicate these gifts with deep gratitude. We are thankful for your call on our lives, for your guidance, and for blessing us that we may be a blessing to others. We pray you will multiply what we offer for your own good purposes. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Prayers Of The People
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with Rev Lisa. Her contact information is at the bottom of the page. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in daily prayer with Rev Lisa and others in our congregation. Let us pray for the people and all of God’s creation.
O God, your wisdom exceeds our understanding. We pray for your help and guidance as we offer our prayers for the world.
Holy God, you give release to the captives and food to the hungry. Guide us as we hunger and thirst for your justice and righteousness. May all who are in need find their hope in you.
Compassionate God, we thank you for your mercy. We are assured of your forgiveness when we stray from your path. You call us to offer forgiveness to others. May we serve be instruments of reconciliation when conflicts arise. May those who are resentful or destructive be opened to your grace.
Righteous God, we thank you for your justice. You watch over all who suffer and empower your people to act for good. Guide us as we find new ways to be good stewards of our creation. Guide us in our efforts to be healthy and prevent disease. Strengthen us as we learn new ways of connection that allow us to remain physically apart. Help us to keep one another safe. We pray for all who suffer with the threat of violence. May they find safety in your keeping.
Caring God, we thank you for your comfort. You strengthen us when we are weak and pick us up when we fall. May your Spirit linger with us as we support and care for one another. May all who mourn find light in your love.
God of new life, we give you thanks for your life giving Spirit. You give courage to the persecuted and inspire the weary. We pray for all who work in the helping professions…the doctors, nurses, personal care workers. We pray for those who continue to work in the public so that others will have access to the essentials. We pray they will feel your presence and gain strength from your care. Be with all of your creation as we strive to make a difference.
Loving God, we lift up our people who are in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as they continue to deal with the impact of Ron’s treatment. We lift up Brenda, Mark and family as they mourn the death of George and care for his widow, Evelyn. We lift up Betty Lou’s daughter, Bonnie, as she continues treatment for breast cancer.
We lift up Susanne’s extended family in New Zealand as they heal from surgery. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney and new great granddaughter Kyla. Be with them as they heal and grow together. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. Be with him as he lives with the impact and consequences of a brain tumor. We lift up Lisa, daughter of Grace, in her duties as nurse & caregiver. We lift up Russell, son of Melissa and Charley, as he gains his breath in this larger world.
Oh holy God, be with your people as they suffer and seek your peace. Allow your Spirit to linger with them. Be with those in isolation and quarantine. Be with those who have difficulty with social distancing.
We are thankful for the gifts you provide to those who care for your people. We pray that you will continue to bless the work of PWS&D, Presbyterian Sharing, and all others who devote their efforts to walking alongside those in need.
We pray for people who are seeking you this day, for those who are searching for new meaning and purpose for their lives. Guide and direct them in their spiritual journey. Give them the vision to see signs of your promise, the wisdom to discern what is false and what is true, with courage and curiosity in all their searching. May the joy of Christ surprise them and lead them to a place of welcome.
Where hope has grown tired and thin, lift our sights, so that we may see hope beyond hope, life beyond death, and you, lifted up before us. We pray all this through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, forever and ever. … Amen.
Benediction
Arise and live! Give glory to God! May the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, bless and keep you in this life and the life to come. Amen
Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield
Knox Presbyterian Church, Box 565, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
Website: www.pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield/
Ministry of Music: Jean Walker and Betty Lou Norris
Session Elders: Jan Sloane, Deb Cosford,
Brenda McLean (519) 524-8645 brmclean@hurontel.on.ca
Minister: Rev. Lisa Dolson
(519) 572-8529 [call/text] revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com
[i] NRSV New Revised Standard Version