Easter Message 2014
Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
2014 Easter Message
The idea of a comeback appeals to us.
Whether it be sporting figures or entertainers resurrecting their careers, or films and books about loved ones miraculously coming back to life.
Even in politics, a former Prime Minister once described the likelihood of his own comeback as 'Lazarus with a triple bypass'.
Who was Lazarus?
He was a friend of Jesus, and in the Bible we read that his sisters sent word that he was sick, but Jesus arrived after Lazarus had died. In fact, he deliberately delayed his coming so that he could show his power over death when he raised Lazarus from the grave.
This was an astounding comeback to life in this mortal world, but for Lazarus there would be yet another funeral.
In contrast, the resurrection of Jesus, which we celebrate this Easter weekend, was unique.
The words he spoke alongside Lazarus’ tomb touch us all.
Jesus said ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’
These words have been said at funerals since the time of the New Testament.
They speak of hope and resurrection life, which is available to all who put their trust in Jesus – risen from the dead.
Even a triple bypass would not have saved Lazarus from dying yet again—only Jesus can perform the heart operation that brings eternal life, for only he has conquered death on the Cross, once and for all.
Dr Glenn Davies,
Archbishop of Sydney,
Easter, 2014 AD
