John the Evangelist’s focus seems quite unique, compared to the Synoptic
gospel writers.
John’s gospel is indeed unique in comparison with the three “synoptic”
gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Those three gospels mention twenty-eight
different miracles, whereas John’s gospel has only seven miracles which he calls “signs.” Of those seven, four are exclusive to John, including this miracle of the resuscitation of Lazarus.
The seven signs are seven forerunners of the glorification of Jesus, which
will take place at the Hour of his passion, death and resurrection. Each sign
symbolises one aspect of the meaning of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus for us. The raising of Lazarus, the seventh sign, opens the way for the coming of the Hour, the glorification, which takes place through death (Jn 12:23; 17:1). One of the reasons why Jesus is condemned will be the resuscitation of Lazarus (Jn 11:50; 12:10). Thus, the seventh sign will be in order to manifest the glory of God: "This sickness will end not in death but in God’s glory and through it the Son of God will be glorified" (Jn 11:4).
It is not enough to believe in the resurrection at the end of times, we must believe that Resurrection is already here today in the person of Jesus and in those who believe in him. The central point of our story is the contrast between
the old way of believing in the resurrection at the end of times, and the new brought by Jesus, which even now conquers death. Death no longer holds power over believers, because Jesus is the "resurrection and the life". And Martha, even though she has not yet seen the concrete sign of the resurrection of Lazarus, professes her faith: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world."
gospel writers.
John’s gospel is indeed unique in comparison with the three “synoptic”
gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Those three gospels mention twenty-eight
different miracles, whereas John’s gospel has only seven miracles which he calls “signs.” Of those seven, four are exclusive to John, including this miracle of the resuscitation of Lazarus.
The seven signs are seven forerunners of the glorification of Jesus, which
will take place at the Hour of his passion, death and resurrection. Each sign
symbolises one aspect of the meaning of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus for us. The raising of Lazarus, the seventh sign, opens the way for the coming of the Hour, the glorification, which takes place through death (Jn 12:23; 17:1). One of the reasons why Jesus is condemned will be the resuscitation of Lazarus (Jn 11:50; 12:10). Thus, the seventh sign will be in order to manifest the glory of God: "This sickness will end not in death but in God’s glory and through it the Son of God will be glorified" (Jn 11:4).
It is not enough to believe in the resurrection at the end of times, we must believe that Resurrection is already here today in the person of Jesus and in those who believe in him. The central point of our story is the contrast between
the old way of believing in the resurrection at the end of times, and the new brought by Jesus, which even now conquers death. Death no longer holds power over believers, because Jesus is the "resurrection and the life". And Martha, even though she has not yet seen the concrete sign of the resurrection of Lazarus, professes her faith: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world."
RSS Feed