The Gospel of Lazarus? ~ Week 1

This past week, I began a new sermon series titled, "The Gospel of Lazarus?" The series is based upon an article I read by an Asbury Theological Seminary professor, Ben Witherington, III. At the end of this series, I will post a link to that article for your pleasure. As promised, each week I will reveal another clue as to why I think it is possible that Lazarus is the original author of the Gospel according to John. This last Wednesday, we looked at the story of Lazarus in John's Gospel (chapter 11). It is commonly held that the "Beloved Disciple" is the author of this text. The first time we see these words specifically in this text does not come until the 13th chapter (Jn 13:23). However in the 11th chapter, we find the text pointing to Lazarus as someone whom Jesus loved. In fact, it is mentioned twice in the telling of the Lazarus story (Jn 11:3 & 36). Remembering that this text would have been retold or read orally, one listening to this text would hear Lazarus being loved in chapter 11, then Lazarus hosting a meal in chapter 12, and finally we find the phrase, "Beloved Disciple" in the 13th chapter. So if we believe that the Beloved Disciple is the author of this text, we cannot rule out Lazarus as the author. This coming Wednesday night (Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 6pm), we will compare John's version of Jesus being anointed with burial perfume to Mark's telling of the seemingly same story in a message titled, "All in the Family." Come join us for worship in Music, Word, and Table!