Were You There (Lent Week5)

 (Place yourself in this fictional glimpse based on the Gospel of John.)

  Your mother suddenly appeared at your door breathless. "He's coming! Jesus is back! Come, let us go and welcome him!"

  The two of you run through the streets as quickly as you can! Your excitement builds as you get closer to the city gates. The raising of Lazarus is all anyone has been talking about for days. Imagine coming back to life after being in the tomb for four days! Jesus must be the Messiah! Who else could perform such miracles!!

  A crowd of people has also gathered. Everyone is waving palm branches and crying out in joy! You join in shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel!" Up and down the streets, everyone was praising Jesus and praising God! You have never felt more alive in your life! You wondered if you would witness even greater miracles this week? The thought was exhilarating! You wonder why you had never run down the streets praising God like this before? Surely the Lord deserves to have his people filled with love and excitement!

  Just before Jesus is led down another street, Jesus looks directly at you. It is difficult to explain, but even over all the noise in the crowd, you can hear Jesus' voice as if he was standing before you. You are not sure if your ears or heart heard his voice, but you are moved by his words. "I am the Resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

-Susan