John 11:45-46 - Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Lord, thank You for this day and for new directions. I trust You with everything Lord and lean not on my understanding of anything. In all things I acknowledge You and show me the straight path You layout and You lead down in this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Each day I feel a bit better and I'm so grateful as it allows me to get back to more of a normal walk with the Lord. Being sick and having major storms going on in life can really make it difficult to get into that deep quiet place with the Lord. Sometimes near impossible. In those times you really must choose to fight for the time and focus on keeping Him a priority.
Today as we journeyed into the Word, we see two types of reactions to Jesus raising Lazarus. One consistent thing I've learned on this adventure in following Jesus is His very existence and presence causes people and things to react.
The "Jews" mentioned are the group of mourners (family, friends, others) who'd followed Mary from the house to meet with Jesus, then over to Lazarus' tomb. These people had more than likely been there with Mary and Martha for most, if not all four days. They'd more than likely even helped move Lazarus' body to the tomb even. So, they were well aware of just how dead this man had been.
Now, they hear Jesus thank God the Father, turn, and cry out in a mighty, strong, violent voice for Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Then BAM out shuffles Lazarus after four days of death. He commands them to remove the grave clothes and let Lazarus go. Which some did. So, this group has not only heard and seen all of this, but some even touched Lazarus as they unwrapped him. They each had been thoroughly confronted by something absolutely beyond all human possibility and logic. Now comes the reaction.
First, we see "Many" of the group believed in Jesus. Right there, on the spot, this guy is exactly who He said He was, the Son of God. The word "many" in the Greek is polys and means many, much, a large part. So, the majority of this group need no further info, their minds are settled. Which is exactly why Jesus prayed aloud in verse forty-two.
For the second reaction we find "some" of the group went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Obviously, this small section of the group cared more about or possibly feared the Pharisees more, than what they'd just witnessed with their own eyes. Seeing Jesus perform this supernatural miracle, caused them to run from Jesus and straight to man. "Man" being the religious leaders.
Also, keep in mind this was the exact reason the disciples had tried to keep Jesus from coming, as the town of Bethany was only two miles from Jerusalem. It was nothing but a brisk 45-60 minute walk for the "some" to make it to the religious authorities. However, we'll also find in the coming verses this was all plays a major part in God's plan. We'll see once again Jesus doing exactly what God the Father directed and allowing God's timing to play out. More on that to come!
Christian, remember this, if you are genuinely following Jesus, there will be reactions everywhere you go. Some are drawn to Him, some run away, some joyful, some angry, some may persecute you even, but there will be reactions.
Beloved, also know, this isn't about running around shouting the name of Jesus at everything and everyone. Anyone can do that. Many will face Jesus in the end and say, "Didn't we prophesy and cast out demons in your name?" and He will tell them to depart because He never knew them. Just read Matthew 7:21-23. Also, interesting Jesus specifically said "prophesy" and "cast out demons".... something for another day.
So, getting a reaction isn't "Jesus" being a magic word to make good things happen. Sadly, we have far too many false teachers and those who follow hook, line, and sinker because the American Jesus Genie is easy to follow and doesn't involve sin, require repentance, dying to self, picking up crosses, or really following Jesus anywhere. Just something heavy to think about.
That's where the journey went today! Don't take my word on anything, get into the Word of God, and read it for yourself. I pray you will.
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
Kommentare