READING: Mark 11, John 12
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Sometimes the tragedies of the Bible would be comical if they weren’t, in fact, so tragic. I think, for example, of the story about Lazarus in John 12.
The religious leaders’ opposition to Jesus had quickly grown. Just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus visited the home of Lazarus in Bethany. The chief priests had been seeking to arrest and kill Jesus (John 11:53). Now, a large crowd of Jews gathered not only to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, “the one He had raised from the dead” (John 12:9). The reaction of the religious leaders was quick: “Therefore the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus also because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus” (John 12:10-11).
They wanted to kill Lazarus, too, because he was a living witness to the power of God. If he could be removed, perhaps fewer Jewish people would desert their Judaism to turn to Christ. Here’s the problem, though: the religious leaders wanted to kill someone that Jesus had already raised from the dead once! They sought to kill someone whose very life was evidence that death is hardly the end for Christ followers. That's almost comical.
“Kill Jesus. Kill Lazarus, the evidence of His power,” the leaders thought, “and others won’t follow Him.” Yet, Lazarus remained a living witness to God’s resurrection power, and Jesus Himself would soon become an illustration of that power. You simply can’t keep in the grave the One who is the Life.
And, even when somebody kills one of His followers, the story is hardly over. Martyrdom illustrates the story — not end it.
ACTION STEPS: Consider believers around the world today that others want to kill because they are directing people to Jesus. Pray for them.
PRAYER: “Father, You have been gracious to give me life. Remind me that if I live or if I die, I am in Your hand.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 22, Mark 12