A Walking Miracle (John 12:9-11)

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.

The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead brings two different kinds of responses. People, who have suffered because of loss, are coming to see the one who has come back from the dead. The crowd is described as large because everyone knows loss and everyone wants hope. In Lazarus they see and can touch the evidence that leads to faith in Jesus. Unlike today, they can’t listen to CNN for the report but need to come in person.

The other response is that of the chief priests, who add Lazarus to their short list of those they want dead. Like Jesus, Lazarus needs to be taken out because his living flesh is evidence of the power of Jesus. If they can only remove all evidence of Jesus and his influence, perhaps they can hold onto their power, privilege, and position. These same men will later be responsible for the deaths of Stephen and James. Unchecked sin is unstoppable. Truly, as Jesus said to them, their father is indeed Satan himself. In a short time, they will find an ally within the Jesus party: Judas Iscariot. He sees how things are coming down, and he too wants to hold onto his power, privilege, and position.

I sometimes wonder, if these men had actually killed Lazarus, do you think Jesus would have brought him back to life again? Lazarus is a walking miracle and evidence to the power of Jesus and a marked man. Jesus saves him from death and immediately death stares him back in the face. Something tells me it did not scare him because Jesus had prepared him to face the enemy.

Lord Jesus, help us to face the enemy everyday of our lives by knowing who and where we are in you. Equip us through your Spirit to live as flesh and blood witnesses to your amazing power and grace. Amen.