Web Assignment 2
Second section Do one of these essays:
Rewrite a major story in the Gospels from the first person perspective of a minor character inthat story. Take time, be alone, and imagine what you would have thoguth and felt if you were a Jew in the crowd when the woman was caught in adultery and Jesus interceded or if you were a servant in the upper room at the Last Supper or if you were one of the Apostles with Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemene.
The Raising of Lazarus
My name is Anne and I am a good friend of Mary and Martha. This is the story of how Jesus raised their brother Lazarus from the dead from my perspective.
I was at Mary's house one day because she asked me to be with her in her time of trouble. Her dear brother Lazarus had become ill with a severe disease. There was a lot of hype going on at that time because Jesus had just entered our village, Bethany. He and his apostles were getting to be pretty famous. I had only heard of some of his teachings from neighborhood gossip. I had no idea he was the holiest human being on earth. Anyway, he was in town and my friend wanted some help. She had heard this guy was able to cure people of their illnesses through the power of God. She said to him in the town square "Master, the one you love is ill." I wasn't sure I would place my brother's fate in the hands of some preacher or prophet if I were in her spot. It was a very desperate move, but I kept my mouth shut and waited for his response. "This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." That just made my case. I now knew that this guy was nuts. I was so lost as to why my best friend trusted this man so much. Jesus ended up staying in Bethany for two days. He then decided to travel back to Judea with his disciples. Lazarus' condition wasn't improving. He actually died while Jesus was away. Jesus' disciples were not happy with the idea of traveling back to Judea, but of course they didn't know Lazarus was dead yet. Thomas, also known as Didymus,
said that they should follow Jesus to his death in Judea. If I were him I would be thinking the same think. All of the Judeans really didn't him too much. Anyway, Jesus arrived in Bethany to find Lazarus was dead for four days already. I was at home with Mary and a whole bunch of her friends from Jerusalem, when we got word Jesus was on his way. Martha went out to greet him. She was so faithful and believed that he could really help her brother rise to life. Jesus asked her, "Do you believe in me?" She responded yes. We followed as Mary went to greet Jesus. We all thought that she was going to the tomb to weep. But when she knelt and wept at Jesus' feet, she looked so vulnerable. We were very sympathetic. She led Jesus to Lazarus' grave. As he followed her, he wept. I was shocked. Some people said "Look at how much he loved the man." Others questioned, "Why wouldn't a man who could give sight to the blind help prevent this man's death?" I asked myself these questions and couldn't find answers to them. Jesus asked someone to remove the stone. I was stunned at how certain he was of being able to help out Mary and Martha. Mary questioned Jesus' request. She told him there would be a horrible stench, for he has been dead for four days. Jesus again questioned her faith and she believed. She removed the stone looking slightly confused. Jesus raised his eyes and said, "Father I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me. But because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me." He rose up his voice and shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" I was at the point of fainting the smell was so bad, but the situation was so weird, that I was on my toes the whole time. What could have made the situation even more bizarre than having the dead man climb out of his grave. Out came Lazarus, bound hands and feet, all wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus asked us to untie him and all were amazed. There was a long silence. No one knew what to say. Someone began to clap, and then another did, and finally we were all cheering and hugging Lazarus and Jesus. I wasn't quite sure if I should have believed my eyes and nose or not. That was a life changing experience. I must admit that right now, I am a true follower of Jesus. He really made me think my imperfect life through. We follow him wherever he goes now, no matter what other people think about it.
This story was based on the Gospel of John 11:1-44.