May 30, 2008 By Rev. Alex Jalso 4 min read

Scripture reading: John 11:1-45. Text: “On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.” Matthew 14:6-12. Read the whole story from the 1st verse. THE BACKGROUND OF THE DEATHS OF LAZARUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST.

We do not know much about Lazarus; he was the brother of Mary and Martha, and the Lord loved all the three of them, John 11:5. When Lazarus was sick, the sisters had notified Jesus, 3rd verse, but when Jesus had arrived it was too late, Lazarus had already been buried. Our Lord raised Lazarus from the dead; however, before it happened, an interesting dialogue had taken place between Jesus and Martha, see verses 20-27. With one single sentence: “Lazarus, come out!” 43rd verse, Christ had given Lazarus back to his sisters alive. (Please read the whole episode John 11:1-45.)

We know more about John the Baptist. He was related to the Lord, Luke 1:36. He had baptized Jesus, Matthew 3:13-17; had preached about the arrival of the Christ (in Hebrew Messiah), Matthew 3:1-12; and dared to criticize King Herod: “Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.'” Matthew 14:3-4. For this he had paid with his life. Please see our text. Jesus knew that John the Baptist was arrested because he had sent messengers to Jesus from the jail: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:3. Please read the whole story Matthew 11:2-6.

HOW CAN THE FAITHFUL, WHO IS A THINKER, TOO, COMPARE LAZARUS’ DEATH TO THAT OF JOHN?

We find almost all the most important elements of our faith in Jesus, in his divine power, and in his saving mission as He had raised Lazarus from the dead:

– It was recorded that Jesus had manifested love, compassion, and supernatural power.

– Our Lord had made it very clear his messianic ministry: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies …” John 11:25.

– Faith, love, and service (see Luke 10:38-42) had been graciously rewarded.

But does such a miracle happen all the time? In the case of John the Baptist, we can raise the same question that the Jews did at Lazarus’ grave: “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” John 11:37.

Here with strong faith and basic biblical knowledge we should try to unfold the mystery of God’s providence, Jesus’ miraculous power, and our human fate.

– The primary goal of Jesus’ ministry was spiritual and not charitable, or medical, or advisory. If anyone starts to help unfortunate people, the need for help is endless.

– Regardless how painful it is in life, there must be a line beyond which we cannot go. How far can we help our children? How much can we donate to charity? How long can we put up with irritation? We can assume that saving John the Baptist’s life was not included in Jesus’ ministry. (Had he done it, would not it have been nepotism?)

– It is tragic but true, the blood of the martyrs is the best proof of faithfulness.

– Courageous behavior always invites risk, and adhering to our convictions can be dangerous. Think about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, if you heard about this German martyr.

– In the early church history, we find examples for both; miraculous escape from the jail, Acts of Apostles 5:17-20; and the death of the first martyr Stephen, Acts of Apostles 6:8-15 and 7:1-2 and again 54-60.

Two Bible quotations help us see John the Baptist’s martyrdom in a different view:

– “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28.

– “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.