Jesus in Ephraim with His disciples

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Fifth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 11:45-56*

*First Reading : Ez 37:21-28*

*Responsorial Psalm : Jer 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13*

*Jesus in Ephraim with His disciples*

*1) Jesus goes to Ephraim*

Jews are looking for Jesus and His arrest, in order to put him to death 

Caiaphas, the High Priest has already given to green signal for the arrest of Jesus 

In this context Jesus could not walk publicly among the Jews

So he goes to the region of Ephraim. 

It was not an accidental movement of Jesus to Ephraim. 

It has its own theological and spiritual symbolism

*2) A Place of Retreat Before the Final Hour*

Jesus' move to Ephraim signifies a strategic and spiritual pause before the Passion. 

The raising of Lazarus had deeply disturbed the religious authorities (John 11:45-53), who began to plot His death at the earliest

By withdrawing to Ephraim, Jesus was not escaping, out of fear, but stepping back to allow the divine timeline to unfold according to God's will.

Sometimes, stepping away from the crowd is not avoidance but alignment with divine timing. 

Ephraim becomes a space of quiet obedience and preparation before the greatest sacrifice

*3) Ephraim: On the Edge of the Wilderness*

Ephraim is described as being near the wilderness—a symbol of solitude, testing, and intimacy with God (as seen in Moses, Elijah, and even Jesus’ own 40 days). 

Being near the wilderness may suggest Jesus was preparing His heart and His disciples for what was coming—His passion, death, and resurrection.

The wilderness, often brings the deepest encounters with God. 

Ephraim reminds us that preparation often requires separation

*4) A Model of Discernment and Prudence*

Jesus’ decision to move away shows His discernment. 

He knew the plot against Him was active, but He didn’t provoke confrontation prematurely. 

He acted with wisdom, avoiding unnecessary conflict until the appointed time (John 7:30, “His hour had not yet come”).

Discerning the right moment is part of walking with God. 

Ephraim represents a season of waiting on God’s perfect timing.

*5) A Place of Fellowship*

Jesus stayed in Ephraim with His disciples. 

This  was not just a retreat; it was a time of closeness with His closest followers.

Likely, He was teaching, praying, and preparing them for what was ahead.

Even in moments of retreat, Jesus builds up the community. 

Our *Ephraim moments* are not just for isolation, but for deepening fellowship and strengthening others.

*6) Ephraim moments of My Life*

These are quiet seasons when God draws you away from the crowd or from the busy schedule to listen to him, to rest and to reset

Ephraim moment is a sacred waiting room, not a wasteland

In  Ephraim, Jesus stayed with His disciples. It was a time of closeness and communion.

Jesus didn’t stay in Ephraim forever. He left when the hour came.

Where is my Ephraim? Am I ready to spend some time in Ephraim?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*