Explanation of the Readings
The Day’s Readings focus on identifying the nature of the Savior and Redeemer who is to bear the sins of the world. The four prophecies come from the Book of Genesis, Isaiah the prophet, Zephaniah the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, for us to draw the image and likeness of the world’s deliverer from sin, fear, death and Satan.
Prophecies
The Book of Genesis (Gen.49:1-28)
(Note: This prophecy is the same which is said in the Greek Church on Palm Sunday Vesper, during Sunset Prayer, held on the evening of Lazarus Saturday [The book of the Holy Pascha, by father Athanasius al-Maqary – first part – P.83]).
The first prophecy comes from the Book of Genesis, chapter 49, with the blessing given by Jacob our father and father of the fathers, to his children, the twelve tribes; wherein there are two obvious prophecies about the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
The first part of the Book of Genesis’ prophecy is the blessing given to Judah:
“Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes.” (Gen. 49: 8-11)
This prophecy shows who the Son of God is, the Lion coming forth out of the tribe of Judah (Gen.49:9, Mark 1:3, Amos 3:8, 5:5). That is Him who binds His donkey and His donkey’s colt (Matt.21:2); and at the same time, His clothes are dipped in blood (Isa.63:1-3).
The second part of this prophecy is the blessing given to Joseph. “Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), by the God of your father who will help you, and by the Almighty who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.” (Gen. 49: 22-26)
The prophecy obviously shows the passions of the Savior, and the counsel of the wicked and the archers against Him. It also shows the everlasting blesses that exceed and exalt over all the blessings of the earth. That is, the Savior, according to the Book of Genesis’ prophecy, is: –
great in might, (a lion);
meek in humility, (the donkey and the colt, Gen. 49:11);
perfect in redemption, (dipped in blood, Gen. 49:11);
victorious over those who resist Him (“and the arms of his hands were made strong” Gen. 49:24).
He will overflow mankind with the blessings of His salvation (“blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath”, Gen. 49:25).
The Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 40:9-31):
“O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, You who bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span, And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains And the hills in a balance? Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or as His counselor has taught Him?” (Isaiah 40:9-13)
Here, the figure of the Savior is shown in the power of His coming “Behold, the lord shall come with a strong hand.” (Isaiah 40:10) and also shown in his compassionate pastorship and Fatherhood “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11).
His high dispensation “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or as His counselor has taught Him?” (Isaiah 40:13).
So he concludes the prophecy by showing the power of the redeemed and saved in the New Testament, on whom the Son of God poured the overflowing power of His salvation.
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
The Book of Zephaniah (Zeph. 3:14-20):
“Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”” (Zeph. 3: 14-17.)
The Son of God is here to take away the judgment, to save us from the enemies, rule as a King in the midst (by the cross), and pour His joy on all humanity, renewing it in His love.
It is a call for joy for the salvation granted to the church of the New Testament by the Son of God.
The Book of Zechariah (Zech.9:9-15):
(This fourth prophecy is also said in the Greek church during sunset prayer, held in the evening of Lazarus Saturday – the book of the Holy Pascha, by FR. Athanasius al-Maqary – First Part – P.84).
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.’ “As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope.” (Zech.9:9-12)
This is the prophecy at which Saint Matthew the evangelist signed (Matt.21:5, 4); it shows the meekness of the Savior, and the message of peace: “Lowly, and sitting on a donkey.”
But at the same time, He is strong, and His salvation and power is prevalent over the whole world: (His dominion shall be “from sea to sea” (Zech.9:10) “As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.” (Zech.9:11)
In addition, the prophecy points to what the Son of God is to do for the souls of the righteous who went to hell, by His death on the cross. Today He will bring Lazarus forth out of hell, to reveal His Divine power. This also is a manifestation of what He is going to do some days after having fulfilled the salvation “As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.”
Matins Psalm (Ps.29:3, 11): –
“O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
It is as if such words were those of Lazarus when he had died and gone to hell, and the Lord called him to come out from hell to be brought to life once again; which is proved by the prophecy of Zechariah for this day “I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit” (Zech.9:11).
Matins Gospel (Luke 18:35-43): –
“But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Luke 18:39)
“and immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.” (Luke 18:43)
Same is the call of humanity on Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. On Lazarus Saturday the humanity thrown on the road seeks His Divine mercies. “Son of David, have mercy on me”. But on Palm Sunday, it shouts, asking Him for salvation. “Hosanna O Son of David”.
In both cases, it seeks its salvation of the incarnate Word, the Son of man who was likened to us in all things except for sin only; He who accepted coming from the lineage of mankind so as to save it, and bring numerous children forth to glory.
The need of sight, vision and internal enlightenment is necessary for us all; that we may glorify and praise Him all the days of our life.
It is amazing that the Psalm includes five Divine gifts, encountered by five human acts included in the Gospel; seeming to be the way leading to the free gifts of God and the riches of His grace.
The Divine gifts included in the Psalm are: “You brought my soul up from the grave … You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit… You have turned for me my mourning into dancing… You have put off my sackcloth… clothed me with gladness.”
To receive His gifts we need to have asked what it meant. And he cried out, saying… But he cried out all the more… He said, ‘Lord, that I may receive my sight’ and followed Him, glorifying God.”
That is, God brings us up from the hell of sin, and saves us from the pit of despair accompanying it; thus turning our sadness to joy, putting off our sackcloth to gird us with the life of joy and gladness. However, we should seek the Prince of our salvation, and shout for seeking Him, letting no one nor anything stop us; but we should go on shouting, asking Him to open the eyes of our hearts in order to see His glory; that we follow, glorify and praise Him forever.
Liturgy Reading
Pauline Epistle (1 Cor.2:1-8): –
“And I brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power”. (1 Cor.2:1-4)
The cross Here plainly relates weakness to the power and meekness of the Divine wisdom which surpasses the pride of the worldly wisdom, which is vanity. For, the cross is the “Mystery” unknown by the strong and wise men of the world; but is revealed to the children and the simple; those who realize their weakness and need of His power, love, and wisdom. It is wonderful that this also is the life of God’s children and ministers; the proof of the Spirit and power, coming out of the potter vessels, who know that they are weak; but at the same time realize the treasure they have (2 Cor.4:7). Now, preaching and ministry do not rely on abilities and capabilities; but on the wisdom and power of the cross.
Catholic Epistle (1 Peter 1:25 – 2:6): –
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.’” (1 Peter 2:4-6)
This illustrates the mystery of the cross rejected by men but chosen by God the Father; or even His dispensation. For He is the living stone that tore and ceased all stones of the world and kingdoms of people (Dan.2:44, 45). It is amazing that such a precious stone will make all those who believe in Him living, precious stones. As He is the Light of the world, and the Sun of Righteousness (Mal.4:2, John 8:12), He also made His children shining as lights in brightness and vividness to the whole world (Matt.5:14, Phil.2:15).
Here the language of the Pauline and the Catholicon is the same: what is weakness for the world is strength for God and His children; what the world ignores, is of power experienced by God’s children; and what is rejected by men and refused by the spirit of the world, has the honor, power, beauty and brightness, seen by God’s children.
Praxis (Acts 27:38-28:1-10): –
“But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live’. But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.” (Acts 28: 3-6)
Here we see the end of the journey of Saint Paul’s travels, and his readiness for martyrdom in Rome. We see how the devil tried to come near to him so as to put him to death; and how he shook off the beast, and how the people’s reaction changed, from regarding him as a sinner to thinking that he is a god (not an ordinary man). Thereby he is an example of the Son of God who came for the salvation of the barbarians (mankind): that when the devil came close to him to take his soul, the Son of God pushed him out, turning him back to the fire. And, how the multitudes surrounding the cross bore the testimony of His Godhead (Mark 15:39, Luke 23:47).
Liturgy Psalm (Ps.128:8, 2): –
“The blessing of the Lord be upon you; We bless you in the name of the Lord! Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; Yet they have not prevailed against me.”
When the blessing comes in the name of the Lord, it comes with power. Before them stand helpless all human wars, no matter how numerous or powerful they may be.
Liturgy Gospel (John 11:1-45): –
Note:
“This Gospel Chapter is included in all Eastern Traditions for this Day – The Holy Pascha book, by FR. Athanasius al-Maqary – First Part – P.89).
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live… Jesus wept He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’”
Now so many facts are revealed:
The Divinity and Humanity of the Son of God.
The essentiality of the incarnate Word, shown in His Divine power over death and hell.
The recreation of Man.
His Humanity and the tears of His eyes, shed for the death of humanity caused by transgression.
His sharing with everyone in passion, like Martha and Mary.
Then there is no contradiction between His tears and His cry, being the Son of God “Lazarus, come forth”.
With this miracle the holy church begins the Week of Pascha so that it may draw our attention to the fact that the Son of God was not crucified for weakness, but for power; as he said, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…” (John 10:18).
Inspirations of Lazarus Saturday Readings
“The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17 – Lazarus Saturday Prophecies).
Such is the work of God in us and in all children of His.
For us He should be the source of our salvation, joy, delight and feast.
This is the aim of His Divine dispensation and His daily call to every human being, as He stands at his door and knocks (Rev.3:20) waiting for the response to come in, and fill us with the Divine riches.
How hard it is to see God through a non-Christian culture, thinking that He is always watching and counting our faults and points of weakness; not yet knowing that He does want us to put on Him our briers and thorns so that He would cut them off and burn them together through His love (Isa.27:4).
How good it is for us to know that God rejoices for us with singing as on a day of a feast!
But God, by His free grace, will give us to understand this, being renewed in His love, and living in His salvation.
Such would be our message to the others.
So let us endeavor for all in order that they may taste the free, absolute love of God, which they will believe if they smell its odor in us.
Let us be a good preaching to all those whom we serve. Let us all be renewed through the Divine grace (both ministers and ministered) in the rich and overflowing love of God.