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Jesus told his disciples concerning Lazarus in John 11:
Jesus and his disciples set out to see Lazarus, John 11:
Of course, the dramatic irony here is that the readers also knew earlier that somehow Lazarus would not end in death, but neither Mary nor Martha knew that.
The questions in the minds of the readers are
I would love to hear a professional storyteller telling this story to some young teenagers and see their reactions.
BTW, people often tell the joke that good thing Jesus had explicitly pointed out 'Lazarus' in "Lazarus, come out!". Otherwise, pandemonium would break out on the scene
But then Lazarus physically died. How would this work out? That's the irresistible story.4 "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
Jesus and his disciples set out to see Lazarus, John 11:
This sentiment was reinforced in 11 verses later by Martha's sister:21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
The repetition thickens the plot so that the readers will agree with Mary and Martha's mindset: Lord, if you had been here, their brother would not have died. Yes, Lord, you should have come earlier. Why didn't you?32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
Of course, the dramatic irony here is that the readers also knew earlier that somehow Lazarus would not end in death, but neither Mary nor Martha knew that.
The questions in the minds of the readers are
- How will the irony unveil itself?
- Will Mary and Martha believe in the words of the Lord?
- How will Lazarus play it out?
From the story-telling perspective, John has successfully written a compelling account of the story of "The Rising Lazarus". The readers are convinced of the power and the glory of Jesus Christ.43 Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
I would love to hear a professional storyteller telling this story to some young teenagers and see their reactions.
BTW, people often tell the joke that good thing Jesus had explicitly pointed out 'Lazarus' in "Lazarus, come out!". Otherwise, pandemonium would break out on the scene