John 11:7-16
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In our previous reading, Mary and Martha, friends and disciples of Jesus, sent word that their brother Lazarus was seriously ill. The message would have probably taken a day to reach Jesus, but in spite of the urgency of the situation, Jesus delayed going to Bethany for two more days.
Read John 11:7-16 recognizing that Bethany is only a couple of miles from Jerusalem (in Judea) where the religious authorities are actively seeking to stop Jesus at all costs.
Jesus is on the verge of his final and most dramatic miracle before he begins his journey to the cross, but in this part of the story his disciples are in a state of total disorientation. They are full of fear not understanding why Jesus would risk a trip into the hornet’s nest, and they are utterly confused and unable to grasp what Jesus intends to do regarding Lazarus. The light of the world is there among them, lighting the way and instructing them to follow, but all they can see is danger.
In spite of this, Thomas calls the others to obedience. He too sees only peril ahead, but he simply must be with Jesus whatever happens.
Liminality is the space between what we have been and what we are about to become. It is a passage from one state to another in which we experience a loss of certainty and control. We cannot choose the timing of these passages, but to become who we are intended to be, we must be willing to move into liminal space over and over.
Stop for a moment to consider where you are in the process of transformation. Are you in a time of certainty? A liminal passage? A new chapter? Share your thoughts and feelings about this with Jesus.
Read John 11:7-16 again noticing anything that stands out to you.
From the perspective of the disciples, the situation in Bethany is completely hopeless. Jesus has just told them that Lazarus is dead, and in their minds there is nothing else that can be done for him. Yet Jesus calls them onward into dangerous territory. They cannot possibly imagine what he has in store.
Has there been a time in your life when you felt hopeless about your circumstances? Looking back, how was Jesus present with you during that time?
What did you learn or gain from that experience?
For the final moments of this meditation, ponder the idea that transformation requires periods of liminality. Talk this over with Jesus and consider asking him to give you the courage to follow him even when the way is unclear or counterintuitive.
Jesus may prompt you to respond with an action of some kind. If he does, make a plan to follow through before you move on with your day.
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