3/22/11 John 12:9-11

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.


(In the garden outside Bethany (El Eizariya)- Mark and LInda Sloan- the author's brother and sister-in-law)

Thoughts: The raising of Lazarus had a huge impact on how people perceived Jesus, and how they reacted to Jesus.  The reaction was one of praising Him or rejecting Him.  It is amazing that those who wanted to kill Jesus also wanted to kill Lazarus whom he raised from the dead- as a living, walking testimony to Jesus' power. If they killed Lazarus, could Jesus not raise him up one more time?  In the end, death cannot conquer life, though those who are consumed with this world think death and power now are the only things. 

Prayer: May your witness live on, O Lord.  May your testimony live in me- a living walking sign of your grace.  Give me strength to know that life will always conquer death.

John Calvin Commentary abridged: The more it got closer to the time of Christ's death the more His name had to be known so that their faith would be strengthened at His death.  They did not come to honor Lazarus but to see him- whose life displayed Chrsit's power.  The furious wickedness of the priests led them to war against God.  Satan works to bury or at least obscure the work of God.  Therefore, it is our duty to meditate on God's works that we can see.