Such love is not about sentiment but about action for the beloved.

Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore one of the most profound narratives in John's Gospel: the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). This episode examines the seventh and final sign in John's Gospel—a passage that reveals not only Jesus's power over death but also his deep solidarity with human grief and loss.

The hosts unpack why this 44-verse narrative dedicates so much space to grief and death itself, rather than rushing to the miraculous sign. Caroline Lewis highlights a crucial theological insight: Jesus declares "I am the resurrection and the life"—two distinct promises, not one. Resurrection points to our future hope, while "the life" speaks to abundant life available in relationship with Jesus here and now.

The episode explores the poignant words spoken by both Martha and Mary: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." This lament echoes through our own experiences of loss and absence. The hosts discuss the significance of Jesus weeping—not just shedding a tear, but sobbing, crying an "ugly cry" over death's reality.

The hosts offer concrete suggestions for proclamation, including the use of reader's theater scripts to bring the multiple voices to life, considering breaking up the reading with brief preaching segments, and remembering not to ask congregants to stand for the entire lengthy gospel reading. They discuss how this passage serves powerfully at funerals, offering the promise that the Good Shepherd will call our names even when we are "deader than dead."

This episode is essential listening for pastors preparing Lent 1 sermons (February 22, 2026), ministry leaders facilitating Bible studies on John's Gospel, and anyone seeking deeper understanding of how Jesus meets us in our grief and loss.