Thursday, December 22
A reason to believe
Scripture: Haggai 1-2, John 12
John 12:9–11 Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, 11 because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.
Observation
Here’s another small observation from this chapter with lots of big ones!
Lazarus became a huge drawing card for Jesus. People came not only to see Jesus, but to see Lazarus. I imagine he was asked many questions about his experience. Notice two things:
First, Lazarus “was the reason many of the Jews were…believing in Jesus.” His story was a powerful witness to Jesus. While my story is not nearly as dramatic as his, I’d like it to be said of me that I was the reason many people believed in Jesus.
Second, “the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also,” to silence his witness. Thus, Lazarus may have been the first Christian martyr (we don’t know if he was actually killed or when), and a foreshadowing of the bloody resistance to come.
And here is a telling example of our human tendency to eliminate the evidence we don’t like. The living Lazarus was powerful evidence of Jesus’ identity. But the religious leaders refused to accept Jesus and needed to eliminate any evidence that conflicted with their entrenched position. So Lazarus had to go.
Application
Two things:
First, I offer my life to Jesus today with the prayer that He could use me to be a reason for others to come to Jesus. Live the life. Tell your story. Point to Jesus! He’s done something in my life worth sharing.
Second, I ask that Jesus will help me in my continued effort to “be curious, not judgmental.” It’s so easy to get entrenched in our narratives and reject anything that challenges or questions them. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did that and missed Him. It’s human nature…but I want His help to rise above it.
Prayer: I love you Jesus! Here’s my life—let me be a witness, a light that points others to Jesus and is a “reason to believe.” And help me be more curious, less judgmental, less entrenched.