Collects for Lent 5 – Passion Sunday
Romans: 8: 6-17
John 11: 1-45
The raising of Lazarus. One of those Gospel stories that most people know, in particular including the famous ‘shortest verse in the Bible’: John 11:35 – ‘And Jesus wept’.
There are so many aspects to the story that can form the basis of a sermon, if not a full-blown detailed analysis of Jesus’ actions that would need a whole book. His friendships, not least including women; His anointing by Mary; the delay in His arrival; His willingness to face hatred and rejection; His prophetic proclamation that Lazarus is dead; Martha’s confession of trust in His God-given authority; His declaration that faith in Him will conquer death; His human emotions; the muttering doubt of the people; and then the earth-shattering demonstration of the Glory of God as He raises His voice to command Lazarus walk from death back to life.
But there is one detail that can often be overlooked in the midst of such drama.
Verse 16: Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’
Thomas speaks with a sense of resigned inevitability – but is still prepared to follow Jesus without reservation. His response speaks volumes about Jesus’ leadership – and Thomas’ role in the disciples as well, in that when you might expect Peter to be the one who is prepared to rush headlong into trouble, it is Thomas – the one who would later look for concrete proof of resurrection – whose faith in Jesus will extend to accept suffering and potential martyrdom.
We have to ask ourselves if, like Thomas, we are prepared to follow Jesus at whatever cost, trusting that in walking in His light we are equipped to serve and proclaim salvation and freedom in His name.
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They know what they should do. But they don’t do it. It is the ones who do God’s work, who serve without expecting any reward who will receive eternal life in the Kingdom.
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Hallowmas is a season we should not ignore, but instead celebrate as a festival of light, in the beauty of Autumn colours and enjoying a time for creation to rest in peace.
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Whoever we are – even unto this last -Jesus asks us to dine with Him. He has bought us the entrance fee. All He asks is that we accept Him as Lord.
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Throughout the centuries, God offers a gift being able to choose life and starting again, but when continually refused, He shakes the dust off His sandals and moves on. Could you blame Him, then, if He turns Hs blessing to the poor?
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The reward for accepting Him is the joy of knowing freedom, and then to accept His command to work in the vineyard, to feed His lambs – not with empty words, but with deeds.
Praying Together 24th September 2023
Heavenly Father, help us to work to accomplish your will for us according to our individual gifts without comparing ourselves to others. Help us to acknowledge our own failures and avoid condemning others for theirs.
Praying Together 17th September 2023
And when it comes down to it, I will always need forgiveness – as do we all. For all of us have sinned and fallen short.