Scripture Study for
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Ezekiel 37:12–14 / Psalm 130:7 / Romans 8:8–11 / John 11:1–45 or 11:3–7, 17, 20–27, 33b–45
<< Back to LECTIONARY RESOURCES
Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
The passage from Ezekiel testifies to God’s absolute and unconditional control over the powers of life and death, over destruction and restoration. The prophet employs the metaphor of the restoration of life to dead bodies to illustrate the unbelievable nature of the restoration of the nation. The people probably thought that neither restoration was possible. However, the prophet is insisting that anything is possible with God. If God says it, regardless of how incredible it might appear, it will surely happen. This decisiveness is underscored in the last words of the passage, “I have promised, and I will do it” (37:14).
Paul contrasts two ways of living: life in the flesh and life in the spirit. Life in the flesh (limited human nature) cannot please God. Life in the spirit, on the other hand, is a form of union with God. Paul assures the Christians that they are in the spirit if the Spirit of God dwells within them. In true Trinitarian fashion, he likens the Spirit of God to the Spirit of Christ, and he maintains that it is through this Spirit that resurrection is promised. The Spirit of God raised Jesus, and that same Spirit will raise those who live in the Spirit of Christ.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus point to the future death and resurrection of Jesus and of everyone who believes in him. When Jesus told Martha that her brother would rise, she probably thought that he meant at the general resurrection, a position taught by the Pharisees. Jesus then declared, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The meaning of this claim is the heart of Jesus’ teaching here. Belief in Jesus establishes a bond of life that not even death can sever. Although believers die physically, this bond will bring them back to life. Furthermore, this bond will survive physical death and keep believers from an eternal death. A solemn question is posed: “Do you believe?”