Today’s reading from John 11, is a straight up mirror of the Gospel.

Jesus brings dead people to life.

That is the Gospel story. It is not people finding themselves, religion, or what happens to be right for them.

It is Ephesians 2:1-5

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

If you are a Christian it means that you have been made alive. You were not thrown a life-jacket while you were drowning. You were dead, and through the miracle of a rebirth, you were brought to life.

We are now new creations. The old is gone, the new has come.

This was only because of Jesus who death could not conquer. His resurrection gives us the assurance of our new life and also for the one to come.

THAT is the Gospel. Jesus making dead people alive.