In this eighteenth installment expounding the book of John, John Ritenbaugh reflecting upon Jesus' reluctance to go immediately to Lazarus when learning of his grave condition, suggests that He intended to impress upon His close friends, Mary and Martha, the gravity of sin's consequences. The example also forcefully illustrates that Jesus (reflecting God the Father) keeps His own timetable; nobody pushes Him. The issue of fear of death is addressed in this study, with the conclusion that trust in God's ability to resurrect can neutralize this most basic universal debilitating fear, a fear that increases exponentially the older we get. Christ gives us the assurance that death is not the end. Internalizing this assurance opens the way to the abundant life, enabling us to live boldly, conquering, with God's help, the fear of death. Our approach at that point will become God-centered rather than self-centered. The episode of Jesus' weeping emphasizes that God has emotions, revealing anger, compassion, and empathy. The resurrection of Lazarus, the last of the seven signs Jesus performed before His death, proved to be the last straw for the religious leaders, who became motivated to crucify Him.

Abundant life Agoraphobia Anxiety Bondage to fear of death Burial customs Competition Death as enemy Death, certainty of Death, fear of Empathy Fear of death Fear Funeral customs Gnosticism Lazarus Mary and Martha Phobias Preservation of self Primal instinct Self condemnation Trust in God Vanity