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Originally Posted by hcap

Hate to tell you, but John 11 is a dud compared to other more direct passages describing Jesus Christ as one way to to grow spiritually.

Although the story of Lazarus, may be a powerful message that Christ has power over death, (external), it is mixed with too many irrelevant sub themes. Not as significant and clear as the mustard seed parable. A problem that occurs often. 10% inner or esoteric value, mixed with 90% historically exoteric, handed down misunderstanding and distortion of what IMHO is important and relevant.

I will point out that there is a major way the NT points to the esoteric.
The entire story, from the birth of Jesus to his crucifixion and resurrection, is itself an analogy for one individuals POSSIBLE inner growth and spiritual enlightenment.

Most of the structure of biblical stories and parables although having some truth as an outer story, are really teaching stories about the esoteric goals of finding "god" within. All the outer servants and hierarchy of saints, bishops, lords are symbolic of the similar hierarchy within.

I've posted this before

http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/s...postcount=8334

Of course, John 11 would be a dud to you. You can't allegorize it! At least not without torturing to death the entire passage.