Contemplative Bible Reading

John 11:38 (New Living Translation)

38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance.

This is part of the (hi)story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus had been dead for several days. Jesus was among believers, not among people attacking his ministry. Why angry? And what is this “still” angry?

A few sentences before, Jesus became angry and deeply troubled when Mary, a sister of Lazarus, complained about Jesus being late, too late to save Lazarus. The people were weeping and wailing over the death.

Jesus was angry about the lack of faith and belief. Jesus was the life. THE LIFE. Human death was not powerful.

Okay, let’s step back a moment. Jesus was omnipotent or all powerful. The people had seen Jesus heal and do other miracles. But Lazarus had died several days before. There was a funeral and a burial and rolling the stone over the mouth of the burial cave and all that. The family and friends felt betrayed that Jesus had not come in time. This was awful. The family and friends felt awful. This was three days. Put ourselves in that position. Awful. Sure, Jesus is here now. So what.

So everything. Was Jesus putting on a show or was Jesus actually upset with these people. When would they believe? When would they REALLY BELIEVE? Not today. Good grief! Okay, let’s show them.

Jesus told Lazarus to come out of the tomb. The dead Lazarus did as told. I think it is at this moment in the movie that they played the Hallelujah chorus. That aside, try to imagine being there. No wonder Jesus was angry and still angry. See the wonder. Believe. Please God, help me in my unbelief.