Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of John Chapter 11
Metaphysically Interpreting John 11:1-16
11:1Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 11:2And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 11:3The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 11:4But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. 11:5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 11:6When therefore he heard that he was sick, he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.
11:7Then after this he saith to the disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 11:8The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 11:9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 11:10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. 11:11These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 11:12The disciples therefore said unto him, Lord, if he is fallen asleep, he will recover. 11:13Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. 11:14Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 11:15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 11:16Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said unto his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Sunday, November 9, 1930: John 11:14-16
Explain the verse: “Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” The meaning of “Lazarus” is “God is helper.” When man fails to recognize God as the one Helper and the one support of his life, spiritual understanding becomes weak in him and he sinks into materiality. To all intents, he is dead to the truth of his own being.
What is the meaning of the passage: “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him”? Jesus, who represents the I AM in each individual, is always glad of the opportunity to develop a greater faith in the disciples, or the twelve faculties of man. Out of a torpid condition of soul like that described in the lesson, the I AM, together with its twelve faculties, calls forth the living Spirit, or the Christ, and reawakens the consciousness of true understanding. The whole man is thereby quickened and uplifted.
Why do some Christians seem to suffer from periodic lapses of faith? In spiritual unfoldment man at times feels that he has lost his hold on Spirit; his consciousness seems devoid of faith. This seemingly backward step, however, is the result of the soul's letting go in order that it may get a stronger grasp on the Word of God.
June 2, 1946: John 11:1-3
What faculty links us with eternal life? Love. As we express the love of the Christ in our relations with others, we become conscious of eternal values.
Have we within ourselves the power of resurrection? Potentially we have. Innate in every child of God is the deathless essence of Spirit, the divine idea of eternal life, the Christ. When we individually understand our divinity to the extent that Jesus did, we can overcome death and resurrect our body as He did.
How do we gain the capacity to see and live ideally? By developing love in ourselves. Love puts us in touch with the ideal realm and enriches all the life that we know.
Is the self brought under control through love? It is. Love in the heart acts as a solvent of selfishness, allowing it to disappear as a trait of character.
When we see ourselves as expressions of the universal life, what effect has that seeing on us? We learn to see ourselves in others and to serve them with joy and satisfaction. As we share in the life universal, we find our place in the scheme of things and realize fulfillment of life's purpose.
May 19, 1946: John 11:7-8,16
What phase of understanding is represented by Thomas? That which includes reason and intellectual perception. Thomas did not understand that life is eternal, but did understand the truth that made Jesus fearless in the face of danger, and was loyal enough to his Master to be willing to die with Him if necessary.
February 2, 1947: John 11:11-13
What is apparent in the raising of Lazarus? The lifting up of the whole man, spirit, soul, and body, into the Christ consciousness of power.
Why is the forgiveness of sin mentioned so often in the healing work of Jesus? Because sin, the missing of the mark of perfection, paralyzes the will to perfection and makes the realization of perfect health and strength impossible, so long as it continues. Jesus therefore forgave the sin and opened the way for the healing forces to operate. In His name we can do likewise.
February 17, 1952: John 11:1-5
What one thing makes life a happy, successful experience? Intuitive understanding, for it connects us with the Infinite and brings us true satisfaction.
What is the rightful home of the soul? The perfect regenerated body, but to build the perfect body we must learn to combine the qualities of love and understanding.
Sunday, April 13,1952: John 11:14-16
What is death, and why does the race mind fear and dread it? Death is the supreme degree of inertia, the total withdrawal of consciousness from the body. Fear and dread of death are due to the race thought of it as the great finality, the end of human experience, the impenetrable wall that shuts out all possibility of further knowledge of whether life is continuous or not.
Does the Truth that Jesus lived and taught throw any light on the subject of death? Jesus was “the life” as well as “the truth.” He recognized the withdrawal of consciousness from the body and called it “sleep,” a state admitted by all, medical science included, to be a necessity to continued life. Jesus taught the true meaning of life; that it is eternal, capable of being lifted beyond the reach of death. He was able to disperse the inertia of death.
What is the meaning of the name Lazarus? The meaning of this name is disputed by Hebrew scholars, but all agree that it has to do with the help of God. Some authorities say it means “God is helper,” or “whom God helps;” others claim it means “without help” or “helpless.” Lazarus, like all of us, required the help of the Christ to realize continued life.
In order to overcome death what measure of faith is required? Total faith. Jesus thanked God that He had already heard Him before He called Lazarus forth. He said to the disciples: “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe.” He felt equal to the undertaking, and His tears were for the unbelieving among those who accompanied Him.
What must those who wish to do spiritual healing develop? Faith in the Christ way of approaching and expressing life. Jesus Christ commanded life, and it responded. His attitude toward death was never negative. He said, “Lazarus is dead ... nevertheless let us go unto him.” Thomas suggested, “Let us also go, that we may die with him,” but Jesus went to restore Lazarus to life. Therein is the difference.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 11:17-27
11:17So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already. 11:18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off; 11:19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 11:20Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.11:21Martha therefore said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 11:22And even now I know that, whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee. 11:23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 11:24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; 11:26and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou this? 11:27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.
August 18, 1935: John 11:17-28
What is the rightful home of the soul of man? The regenerated body is the true home of the soul, which man learns to build through the combined exercise of love and understanding.
What does the resurrection of Lazarus mean? It symbolizes the lifting up of the whole man, spirit, soul, and body, into the Christ Consciousness.
Sunday, February 28, 1943: John 11:20-29
What is indicated by the statement “Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house”? Martha represents the part of the soul that is preoccupied with externals. This part leads us to show our love in service. Mary was preoccupied with the inner realities of thought and understanding, and showed her love by learning at Jesus' feet. Martha ministered to His physical needs. Mary allowed Him to minister to her spiritual needs. His physical presence was not essential to her. When He drew near she “still sat in the house.”
What does the raising of Lazarus first of all reveal to us? That death is not the finality that the race has considered it.
Is the generally accepted belief that the resurrection of the dead occurs “at the last day” the true one? No. Jesus denied the truth of this belief in His statement “I am the resurrection, and the life.” The resurrection is an occurrence in the present.
Is it an external fact altogether or an inner awakening? It is first of all an inner awakening. The “I” is the “Word” that was made flesh, the eternal truth of life. The eternal, the primordial, that existed in the beginning, rose again in Lazarus.
Sunday, February 21, 1937: John 11:23-28
What does the raising of Lazarus represent? This one of Jesus’ works represents the restoring to consciousness of the idea of youth. This idea sleeps in the subconsciousness (tomb) of the body of all who believe that youth is evanescent.
What is the work of the I AM (Jesus) in the body? The I AM restores the body to its spiritual state by claiming for it the perfection that belongs to it in Divine Mind.
Can the soul (Martha) exercise living faith, when it is overwhelmed with sorrow, although it continues from force of habit to deal with externals? The soul cannot effectually exercise faith under such conditions, even though it affirms, “I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.”
What is the “brother” of the soul? This term designates the positive phase of subconscious thought, and this positive or constructive aspect of soul energy can be quickened into renewed life by the I AM.
What is the meaning of the statement “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die”? This statement sets forth man’s uninterrupted consciousness of individual identity with Christ regardless of life, death, or other limiting circumstance. Man cannot lose his identity as a son of God.
Is there any reason in Divine Mind why man's body should age, become diseased, and die? None whatever. The restorative and renewing functions are adequate to the perfect health, strength, and youthfulness of the body. The mind first lets go its hold upon the idea of eternal youth, and the body follows the action of the mind.
February 17, 1952: John 11:24-27
How does the resurrection power of the Christ become operative? Through the receptivity of the soul. When fully awake to the Christ understanding, it enters into the love universal and witnesses the resurrection life in its fullness.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 11:28-37
11:28And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Teacher is her, and calleth thee. 11:29And she, when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him. 11:30(Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met him.) 11:31The Jews then who were with her in the house, and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going unto the tomb to weep there. 11:32Mary therefore, when she came where Jesus was, and saw him, fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 11:33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 11:34and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see. 11:35Jesus wept. 11:36The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him! 11:37But some of them said, Could not this man, who opened the eyes of him that was blind, have caused that this man also should not die?
Metaphysically Interpreting John 11:38-44
11:38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 11:39Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time the body decayeth; for he hath been dead four days. 11:40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?11:41So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me. 11:42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me. 11:43And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 11:44He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
April 9, 1905: John 11:32-45
Every thought we have takes up its abode in our consciousness in association with other thoughts of like character, and, combined, they make a colony. This colony of thoughts finally externalize themselves in cells, nerves, muscles, blood, bones, etc. This is the way the organism is built up. The I AM is not always present in all parts at all times, but works at certain points to carry forward some idea that is necessary to the rounding out of the whole man. Hence we are told in today's lesson that Jesus was at Bethabara, which means house of confidence. He was affirming confidence in himself, his ability and dominion. This is a treatment we need to give ourselves daily in order to meet and overcome the weak spots in our character, when they come to the surface.
The weak spot in human consciousness is the belief in the reality of matter and material possessions. Professor E. H. Plumpter, in his Lazarus and Other Poems, suggests that there is very strong reason for believing that Lazarus was one of the Jewish rulers; that he was the rich young ruler referred to in Mark 10:17-22, whom Jesus loved, and whom he bade to sell all he had and follow him, but who had “much possessions,” and could not give them up. The poet may have intuitively perceived that this referred to the love in man of materiality and the things of this world.
Lazarus is the ruling thought in the intellect; the name means court of God. At its centre it is good; we could not draw to ourselves the potentialities of Being without this accumulative faculty, but its fault is in piling up thoughts and things on the material plane. Jesus loves this young man, but groans in spirit and weeps over his sense sleep and entombment in matter.
When man lets his intellect spend all his energies in money getting, he is sowing the seeds of a long sleep in matter. The human love, Mary, and the natural life, Martha, are sisters to this intellect, and although they, like all women, have faith in the Spirit, they allow themselves to fall under the mortal law thought, and believe in the reality of death. The whole world is under the hypnotism of this material belief, and it is making tombs for thousands every day.
When the intellect thus kills out the spiritual life, and man is buried in his own materiality, the only way out is through the spiritual I AM. When softening of the brain, paralysis, and the various forms of physical collapse, so prevalent among feverish money getters, overtakes the man, then the sisters come to their senses, and call upon the Son of God for help. These are severe experiences, and we should and must learn to avoid them by raising the standard of man's object in life.
The treatment for this sleep in matter is silent asking, then audible commanding. This is the formula given by Jesus, and it is found very effective by Christian healers. Then give perfect freedom: “Loose him, and let him go.”
December 14, 1924: John 11:31-44
What phase of soul and body development is exemplified in this lesson? This lesson accentuates the idea of life associated with the thought of youth. The way is revealed, symbolically, by which one who is following Jesus in the regeneration may bring the consciousness of youth to life and action in the body.
What is represented by Mary’s falling down at the feet of Jesus? Mary represents the love of the soul calling upon the higher self to redeem the sleeping energies of the body.
Why did Jesus groan and weep at the tomb of Lazarus? Lazarus represents the consciousness of youth, which is spiritually born in man and should ever remain part of his consciousness. When the youthful consciousness falls asleep, the whole man suffers.
What is represented by the cave and the stone that “lay against it”? The cave represents the darkness of materiality, and the stone that “lay against it” represents that which seals the thought that the end of youth has come.
What is represented by, “Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone”? In this statement Jesus makes a denial of the thought that material conditions can confine life.
Does time have power to limit life action in the flesh? Time is not a factor in bodily conditions. When Jesus was told that the body of Lazarus had been dead four days and was decayed, his reply was: “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
Why did Jesus give thanks to the Father before there was any evidence that his Word of life had taken effect in Lazarus? Jesus was praying in spirit, and in his own consciousness he felt the quickening life before it made its external appearance.
What is the meaning of verse 43: “And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth”? The “still small voice” is the inner realization of Truth, and the “loud voice” is the outer manifestation.
When our sleeping energies are quickened in the subconscious by the word of Truth, how shall we give them full expression in the body? The youthful thought first expresses itself in the subconscious centers, but it is still bound, hand and foot and face; that is, it has not yet been manifested in the external members of the body.
How shall we fully manifest eternal youth in our bodies? We shall first quicken the life into action in the subconscious centers, then we shall loose it and let it express in the nerves, muscles, tendons, hands, feet, and face. “Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
Sunday, February 21, 1926: John 11:32-44
[TruthUnity note: this lesson appears to be an exact reprinting of the December 14, 1924 lesson]
What phase of soul and body development is exemplified in this lesson? This lesson accentuates the idea of life associated with the thought of youth. The way is revealed, symbolically, by which one who is following Jesus in the regeneration may bring the consciousness of youth to life and action in the body.
What is represented by Mary’s falling down at the feet of Jesus? Mary represents the love of the soul calling upon the higher self to redeem the sleeping energies of the body.
Why did Jesus groan and weep at the tomb of Lazarus? Lazarus represents the consciousness of youth, which is spiritually born in man and should ever remain part of his consciousness. When the consciousness of youth falls asleep, the whole man suffers.
What is represented by the cave and the stone that “lay against it”? The cave represents the darkness of materiality, and the stone that “lay against it” represents that which seals the thought that the end of youth has come.
What is the meaning of this sentence: “Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone”? In this statement Jesus makes a denial of the thought that material conditions can confine life.
Does time have power to limit life action in the flesh? Time is not a factor in bodily conditions. When Jesus was told that Lazarus had been dead four days and that the body was decaying, his reply was: “Said I not unto thee, that if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
Why did Jesus give thanks to the Father before there was any evidence that his word of life had taken effect in Lazarus? Jesus was praying in spirit and in his own consciousness he felt the quickening life before it made its external appearance.
What is the meaning of verse 43: “And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth”? The “still small voice” is the inner realization of Truth, and the “loud voice” is the outer manifestation.
When our sleeping energies are quickened in the subconscious mind by the word of Truth, how shall we give them full expression in our bodies? The youthful thought first expresses itself in the subconscious centers, but it is still bound, hand and foot and face; that is, it has not yet been manifested in the external members of the body.
How shall we fully manifest eternal youth in our bodies? We shall first quicken the life into action in the subconscious centers, then we shall “loose” it and let it express in nerves, muscles, tendons, hands, feet, and face. “Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
Sunday, February 28, 1932: John 11:32-44
[TruthUnity note: this lesson appears to be an exact reprinting of the December 14, 1924 lesson]
What phase of soul and body development is exemplified in this lesson? This lesson accentuates the idea of life as associated with the thought of youth. The way is revealed, symbolically, by which one who is following Jesus in the regeneration may bring the consciousness of youth to life and action in the body.
What is represented by Mary’s falling down at the feet of Jesus? Mary represents the love of the soul calling upon the higher self to redeem the sleeping energies of the body.
Why did Jesus groan and weep at the tomb of Lazarus? Lazarus represents the consciousness of youth, which is spiritually born in man and should ever remain part of his consciousness. When the consciousness of youth falls asleep, the whole man suffers; “Jesus wept.”
What is represented by the cave, and the stone that “lay against it”? The cave represents the darkness of materiality, and the stone that “lay against it” represents that which seals the thought that youth has come to an end.
What is represented by, “Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone”? In this statement Jesus makes a denial of the thought that material conditions can confine life.
Does time have power to limit life action in the flesh? Time is not a factor in bodily conditions. When Jesus was told that Lazarus had been dead four days and was decaying, his reply was: “Said I not unto thee, that if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
Why did Jesus give thanks to the Father before there was any evidence that his word of life had taken effect in Lazarus? Jesus was praying in spirit and in his own consciousness he felt the quickening life before it made its external appearance.
What is the meaning of the 43rd verse: “And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth”? The “still small voice” is the inner realization of Truth, and the “loud voice” is the outer manifestation.
When our sleeping energies are quickened in the subconsciousness by the word of Truth, how shall we give them full expression in the body? The youthful thought first expresses itself in the subconscious centers, but it is still bound, hand and foot and face; that is, it has not yet been manifested in the external members of the body.
How shall we fully manifest eternal youth in the body? We shall first quicken the life into action in the subconscious centers, then we shall “loose” it and let it express in nerves, muscles, tendons, hands, feet, and face. “Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
February 21, 1937: John 11:32-44
Interpret the commandment of Jesus “Take ye away the stone.” The stone represents the unquestioning acceptance by man of material law as inviolable and final. This acceptance must be recalled, and man be freed to come out of his narrowness and blindness.
What is the idealistic side of the soul, and why does it not accomplish the work of resurrecting the positive life energy in the subconsciousness? The idealistic side of the soul (Mary) alone cannot resurrect the sleeping subconscious energies. Love and sympathy are ideal qualities, but it requires the I AM to call them into conscious expression.
February 28, 1943: John 11:38-44
In what respect was the sickness of Lazarus for “the glory of God”? Because it was to result in the manifestation of God in the resurrecting of Lazarus from death. Life (God) was to be brought forth from apparent death and inaction. The spirit came to life within Lazarus.
What is the “glory of God” referred to in the admonition to Martha “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” Life triumphant over death; in other words, eternal life. “This is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ.”
Why did Jesus groan in the spirit and weep before raising Lazarus? Because those who accepted Him as the Christ had no understanding of life eternal, and could not use their faith aright, falling back despite His teachings on traditional concepts and leaving Him to do the work alone.
How did He attempt to enlighten them? By praying aloud.
Did Jesus' prayer alone bring Lazarus forth from the tomb? No. Jesus prayed; then spoke the word of authority: “Lazarus, come forth.” He could speak thus with authority because He had already realized the truth of the words “I and the Father are one”; “I am the resurrection, and the life”: “As the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.” No one can do good work unless he understands what he is doing. Jesus understood life.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 11:45-57
11:45Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him. 11:46But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done. 11:47The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs. 11:48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation. 11:49But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 11:50nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 11:51Now this he said not of himself: but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation; 11:52and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad. 11:53So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.
11:54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples.
11:55Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves. 11:56They sought therefore for Jesus, and spake one with another, as they stood in the temple, What think ye? That he will not come to the feast? 11:57Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment, that, if any man knew where he was, he should show it, that they might take him.
April 12, 1908: John 11:1-57
Jesus represents man in the regeneration; that is, restoring his body to its natural condition, where it will live right on perpetually without old age, disease or death. A necessary step in this process of body restoration is the quickening of Lazarus, who represents the vitalizing energies in the subconsciousness that feed the body and give it the life force that renews its youth. The outer senses say that this vitalizing force is dead, that it has been dead so long that it has gone into dissolution, decay, but the keener knowledge of the spiritual man proclaims, “He is not dead but sleepeth.”
The bringing to outer consciousness this sleeping life is no easy task. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the prospect. The higher must enter into sympathy and love with the lower to bring about the awakening: “Jesus wept.” But there must be more than sympathy and love. “Take ye away the stone.” The “stone” that holds the sleeping life in the tomb of matter in subconsciousness is the belief in the permanency of present material laws. This “stone” must be rolled away through faith. The man who wants the inner life to spring forth must believe in the reality of spiritual powers and exercise his faith by invoking in prayer the presence of the invisible, yet omnipresent God. This reveals to consciousness the glory of the Spirit and the soul has witness in itself of a power it knew not.
In Spirit all things are fulfilled now. The moment a concept enters the mind, through the law that governs the action of ideas, that which is conceived is consummated. The inventor mentally sees his machine doing the work designed, though he may be years in making it do that work. The spiritually minded take advantage of this law and affirm completeness of the ideal, regardless of outer appearances. This masses the energy in the thought-process and gives it power beyond estimate. This is the step that Jesus took, when he lifted up his eyes and said, “Father I thank thee that thou heardest me. And I knew that thou hearest me always.” There is no appearance of the sleeping life (Lazarus), but the prayer of thanksgiving that it is now in action gives the assurance that calls it at the next step to the surface: “Lazarus, come forth.”
The narrator is careful to recite that Jesus “Cried with a loud voice.” This emphasizes the necessity of strenuousness in vibrating the inner life to the surface. Neophytes find it easy under proper instruction to quicken the various life centers in the body and connect them in a vibrating body-battery, that, under the direction of the will, throws a current of energy to any desired place. But a time comes when the outer flesh must be vitalized with this inner life; then arises the necessity of the “loud voice,” or powerful will vibrations in eye, and ear, in fact, every function. This is removing the napkin from the “face,” which represents the conscious intelligence.
Freedom from all trammels is necessary before the imprisoned life can find its natural channels in the constitution. “Loose him, and let him go” means unfettered life, expressing itself in joyous freedom of spirit. The flesh would take this vital flood and use it in the old way, put the new wine into old bottles, but the Spirit guides those who trust it and they are led in righteous ways, if they patiently listen to the inner guide.
This raising of Lazarus is performed every day by those who are preparing for that next step: the crucifixion at Jerusalem and final mastery over the whole consciousness, body, soul, spirit.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-06-2014
