Jesus is encouraging disciples for persecution that awaits them. “Jesus said to the Twelve: ‘Fear no one.’” Who is it we typically fear? Likely people willing to cause us physical harm, for example, violent men. What is it we typically fear? Likely things able to cause us physical harm, for example, a violent disease…
Jesus is summoned for a sick friend but upon arriving “found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” When Jesus tells Lazarus’ sister, Martha, “Your brother will rise,” she mistakenly thinks Jesus means a “resurrection on the last day.” He does not. Together they go to the tomb where Jesus…