Everyone is somewhere along the spectrum between sleep and death. Which is why Jesus comes to do something to us that is along the spectrum between waking and reviving.
To those who have never woken up at all, he shocks them out of slumber, shining his light upon them like the sun glaring sharply through a bedroom window. For his friends who have fallen back asleep, he rouses them once again with his warm voice, welcoming them to live yet another day energized by his creative power.
To those who have been dead, he breathes his life anew into them like the breath of God was breathed into Adam in the garden. For his friends who have been made newly alive, yet feel death creeping, he gives another foretaste of resurrection after which there will be no more pain, suffering, death, or sorrow.
Whether you feel closer to sleep or to death—and whether that feels more literal or figurative for you today—take heart at Jesus’ intention towards you as he says, “Our friend ___________ has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him / her up.”
