Moving The Stone

Moving The Stone

 There is a passage in the New Testament which invites thoughtful consideration.  It’s the story of Jesus and the raising of Lazarus – or, more precisely, what happened in the cemetery.  It is found only in the Gospel of John.

        John dutifully and faithfully recounts the fact that Jesus deliberately arrives at Bethany a few days after Lazarus has died and been buried.  It is here that the evangelist records perhaps the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept” (Jn 11:35). 

         Lest a tomb be violated, it was a common, even necessary practice for stand-alone tombs to be sealed with a large stone.  For example, when Jesus was buried, all the evangelists record the custom: (Mt 27:59-60; Mk 16:5; Lk 23:53; Jn 20:1).  Even though Lazarus had been sealed in the grave for four days, “many Judeans had come to see Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother’s death” (Jn 11:19).  Jesus makes His way to the burial area: “Deeply moved once more, Jesus went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone placed at the entrance. ‘Take the stone away!’ Jesus ordered” (Jn 11:38-39).

         The mourners are shocked – it is a blatant and unthinkable desecration to disturb the final resting place.  Moreover, they are leaving themselves open to the penalty of ritual impurity.  Understandably, the practical Martha gives Jesus a severe reminder: “There will be a bad smell, Lord.  He has been buried four days.”

 “Take the stone away!”

         Certainly we know that Jesus can say a word and the stone would miraculously move aside.  We know that in other situations Jesus has not involved individuals or groups.  But, contrary to our subconscious wishes, Jesus is not Mr. Fix-it.  His mission is to preach His Gospel, and any miraculous cures usually require the faith of others.  In this particular situation Jesus wants mourners to be involved.  Lazarus cannot come forth without their cooperation.  Much to think about here.

 “Take the stone away!”

         Obviously Jesus is speaking to the men among the group.  What are their feelings (so similar to ours in other situations)?  Some may be wearing their best clothes… and they don’t want to soil them.  Others may be saying that they can’t stay there any longer – they have to get back to their jobs.  And at least a few would surely not want the religious leaders to know about their presence.  (By this time Jesus is notorious and living on borrowed time.)

        To whom is Jesus talking?  To His apostles?  To His disciples?  To the mourners?  Or – to us?  We need to pause here, and reflect where we are in this story.

“Take the stone away!”

        There are times when doubt and despair hold us in a spiritual tomb.  We feel helpless, abandoned, confused and, above all, lonely.  It is precisely during these depressing times that we must recall we are part of the church, which is the body of Christ.  Our great danger is to forget the church and each of us in that community: We are not ignored, and we in turn must not ignore.  Whether we feel it or not, we must in faith cling to the gathering of the faithful who pray with and for us in those moments (days, months, years) and personally reach out when we feel isolated and even trapped in a darkness without answers.  In good times and especially in bad times, the Lord does not abandon us or those whom we encourage to come forth from their particular tombs.

“Take the stone away.”

        Questions:  Will you “take the stone away” for another person?  And will you reach out to another in your isolation and helplessness?  That is the challenge and the promise:

When you pour out your soul to the thirsty

And refresh the soul of the afflicted,

then shall your light shine in darkness,

and the Lord will give you rest continuously

and fill your soul with brightness;

and you shall be like a watered garden

and like a spring whose water never fails.

(Isaiah 58: 3-4)