The Gospel of Lazarus? ~ Week 2

Last week, we looked at another familiar text in John (John 12:1-11). While imagining that Lazarus was the author of this text proved enlightening, the clue from this text was discovered in comparing this text or story to the other gospels. John's text is in complete detail. We know the names of all the people in the house, including what each person was doing. In the other gospels, we find only vague descriptions. We are told that the story takes place in Simon's house, the leper. So, here's a theory. Simon is the father of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. It is further possible that Lazarus succumbed to leprosy and died. This would explain the oddness of three adult siblings living together without additional family. If Simon were their father, they could be continually unclean and hardly to "catch" to be married off. (Again, this theory is not my own and I promise to share my source at the end of this series.) As mentioned in the beginning of this post, the real clue here is in the details. Someone with intimate knowledge of the players probably wrote this text. This coming week, we turn to the nineteenth chapter (John 19:23-27) in a message titled "Behold, Your Mother!" Again, we will be comparing John with the other gospel stories. Come join us for worship in Music, Word & Table!