Collects for Lent 5 – Passion Sunday
Romans: 8: 6-17
John 11: 1-45
The raising of Lazarus. One of those Gospel stories that most people know, in particular including the famous ‘shortest verse in the Bible’: John 11:35 – ‘And Jesus wept’.
There are so many aspects to the story that can form the basis of a sermon, if not a full-blown detailed analysis of Jesus’ actions that would need a whole book. His friendships, not least including women; His anointing by Mary; the delay in His arrival; His willingness to face hatred and rejection; His prophetic proclamation that Lazarus is dead; Martha’s confession of trust in His God-given authority; His declaration that faith in Him will conquer death; His human emotions; the muttering doubt of the people; and then the earth-shattering demonstration of the Glory of God as He raises His voice to command Lazarus walk from death back to life.
But there is one detail that can often be overlooked in the midst of such drama.
Verse 16: Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’
Thomas speaks with a sense of resigned inevitability – but is still prepared to follow Jesus without reservation. His response speaks volumes about Jesus’ leadership – and Thomas’ role in the disciples as well, in that when you might expect Peter to be the one who is prepared to rush headlong into trouble, it is Thomas – the one who would later look for concrete proof of resurrection – whose faith in Jesus will extend to accept suffering and potential martyrdom.
We have to ask ourselves if, like Thomas, we are prepared to follow Jesus at whatever cost, trusting that in walking in His light we are equipped to serve and proclaim salvation and freedom in His name.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 4th May 2025
But difficult as it is to forgive, it is even harder to be forgiven – even though words of forgiveness have been offered, there will be times during early sleepless hours of wondering whether it will ever be possible to forgive oneself.
Praying Together April 27th 2025
The passage from Matthew’s Gospel gives a warning and example against which every Christian teacher and leader must be tested. As fallen humans, everyone will fall short of perfection– but we can measure lives against it.
Praying Together 20th April 2025
So together, morning, noon and night, we shout Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Praying Together 13th April 2025
He is sinless, we were not – but He takes our sin unto Himself, allowing us the freedom to choose to serve His purpose rather than our own
Praying Together 6th April 2025
Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.
Praying Together 30th March 2025
As Julian of Norwich wrote, ‘the example of a mother’s service is closest, most willing, and most sure because it is most true’, and thus we use that example as part of our Lenten journey.
Praying Together 23rd March 2025
God gives us the freedom to make that choice, and will always offer us another chance when we fail, as He did to the barren fig tree.
Praying Together 16 March 2025
Unlike the other tragic heroes, Jesus has no flaw or blemish other than those inflicted by others: the scars on His back, the thorn-blood on His forehead, the betrayal by His friend.
Praying Together March 9th 2025
God’s demand for perfection need not discourage you in the least in your present attempts to be good, or even in your present failures.
Praying Together 2nd March 2025
God of the nations, whose sovereign rule brings justice and peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world.
Praying Together 23 February 2025
Meditation for the Second Sunday before Lent CollectAlmighty God,you have created the heavens and the earthand made us in your own image:Teach us to discern your hand in all your worksand your likeness in all your children;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who with you...
Praying Together 16th February 2025
And if you accept Him as Lord, allow Him to lead you as you walk into the future without looking back, and do what He has equipped you to do as His body on earth