Musing

Although Easter Sunday was several days ago, a new question just popped into my head. We know, according to the gospel accounts, that most of Jesus' followers deserted him during his trial and that most of them stayed away as he was being crucified. Maybe the mob of people mocking him prevented all but a few of them from getting closer. Maybe they were still afraid. According to John's gospel, at least one disciple, Jesus' own mother Mary and several other female followers were close enough to hear Jesus speak.

Of course the news had to spread quickly, even in a time with only in-person spoken communication. People outside Jesus' inner circle, large groups who heard him teach or witnessed his miracles, would have been told of the trial and execution of their rabbi. Friends he might have made during his ministry would learn too, and I am sure they all expressed sadness at the loss of their leader, teacher or friend.

Except...

Do you wonder if, when word reached the nearby village of Bethany, home of sisters Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, instead of weeping, Lazarus smiled a small wry grin and said, "Wait for it..."