Day 102: The Death of Lazarus

Today's readings: John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5.

I. John 10 begins with Jesus teaching that He is the Good Shepherd, that He will save the "sheep" (us), and for whom He willingly lays down His life and takes it up again. Again, the Jews tried to stone Him, but He was able to get away.

In the next chapter, we have perhaps the most dramatic of Jesus' miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Some witnesses told the Pharisees about this, and with the chief priests, they plotted to kill Jesus.

John 12 begins with Mary anointing Jesus with costly ointment, to which Judas Iscariot objected. When the crowds came to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised, the chief priests plotted to kill him, too. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, to the delight of the crowds on Palm Sunday. Later, Jesus speaks of His death, and some did not believe. The chapter ends with a summary of His teaching.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, notes:

As the "sheep" of Jesus' flock, we have an Enemy, who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. But Jesus comes that we may have abundant life (see John 10:10). This is the Good News... With everything he says and does, Jesus shows that he cannot be just a holy man or prophet; he must be the divine Son of God. (p. 218)

II. Proverbs 6:1-5 is the first part of this proverb, warning young men not to ensnare themselves with pledges. Essentially, debts.

That's it for today!