John 12:9-11 English Standard Version

The Plot to Kill Lazarus

⁹ When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, ¹¹ because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Today let us focus on the affect that Lazarus had on the people that knew him. The affect was profound, so much so that minds were changed and what was accepted in the past was being rejected.

As we approach this subject please do not take on any personal persecution that comes from these words but rather seek what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us in these moments.

We all have people we know. Some are close to us and some are just on the fringe of our relationships. Some of the most troubling aspects of these relationships can come from those who are family because they knew us before we came to Christ. Some family members may still reside outside the family of God. There will be some cases where the sharpest rebukes come from our closest family members.

Matthew 10:36-38 English Standard Version

³⁶ And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. ³⁷ Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

It is no accident that Jesus speaks to the sufferings of our own personal cross right after speaking directly about family members. The wounds are deeper coming from those who are the closest.

“I knew you when” should not be received as condemnation. It is our anthem of change.

John 12:9-11 English Standard Version

The Plot to Kill Lazarus

⁹ When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, ¹¹ because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

We are approaching what is considered as Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday. There are events celebrated within the Christian community about every day leading up to Christ’s crucifixion. What is not celebrated in our traditions is the plot to kill Lazarus.

Eastern Orthodox traditions kept an eye upon Lazarus as an important figure for those times because he was a symbol of the resurrection for any man. Many who knew him began believing in Jesus just because of his resurrection. They called it the four day death. This is what the Eastern Orthodox religions have to say about what they call Lazarus Saturday.

“During the persecution of Domitian, he is imprisoned and beheaded in a cave beneath the prison Saint-Lazare. His body is later translated to Autun, where he is buried in the Autun Cathedral, dedicated to Lazarus as Saint Lazare.”

During our celebration of the coming Holy Week many will focus on and talk about the events leading up to the crucifixion. We have every right to emphasize the events of this coming week. We may even feel a responsibility to bring these events to the lost in hopes of saving some. Praise God and I hope some will begin to believe.

What about the rest of the believers that have already come to Christ? Their souls are secure in the bosom of God. Yet they live in the present time of trouble and their needs remain unanswered if our only focus for the week is on historical significance.

Seek God’s will for those of us that are already saved and in need of another word because life isn’t a calendar.