Day 3: With Jesus at Lazarus' Tomb
Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.
Jesus has heard that his dear friend Lazarus is ill. His disciples resist traveling to Bethany, knowing that leaders in Jerusalem are seeking Jesus' death. After a few days' delay, Jesus insists on going.
Read the passage slowly, using your imagination to experience what Jesus saw, heard, smelled, and felt.
Read the passage a second time. What images do you see, hear, and smell? What do you feel? Stay for a moment with Jesus as he weeps outside Lazarus' tomb. What does he feel?
As you close this time of imaginative prayer, talk with Jesus about what it brought up for you.
Reflection Questions
Personal reflection:
In what ways are Jesus' emotions at the tomb similar to what you have experienced in your own difficult life events? When have you wept or been deeply moved?
Community discussion:
Jesus was deeply moved and wept with his grieving friends. How does seeing Jesus' tears at Lazarus' tomb help you connect more deeply with him in your own losses?