The Story Of Lazarus Resulted In An Unusual Plot - Christian Perspectives
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead more people began to believe in the Lord. This did not sit very well with the Jewish officials. Because of the popularity of the story of Lazarus, they decided to devise a plot to kill Jesus.
“You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” John 11:50
The Jewish leaders had the people of Israel exactly where they wanted them. These leaders were in charge and when they spoke, it was with authority. If people didn’t heed what they said, they were accused of breaking the law of Moses.
Being under the dominion of the Romans was bad enough. So the last thing they needed was someone who had the potential to undermine their authority. Therefore raising Lazarus from the dead was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. John 11:47-48
The Story of Lazarus Stirred up the Religious Leaders
It was then Caiaphas the high priest said, “don’t you realize that one man should die for the people.” Unbeknown to him, he spoke a prophetic word.
He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. John 11:51-52
The high priest’s prophetic words were uttered in ignorance. He wasn’t thinking about the salvation of his nation or for that matter the world.
His only thought focused on keeping the Romans from disbanding them so he could keep his position. He only used to story of Lazarus to further his agenda.
Jesus knew what they were planning so He and His disciples left town. The next time He went into Jerusalem He was riding a donkey. We call it the Triumphant Entry.
The decision the religious leaders made to arrest Jesus was based solely on their own agenda. What they didn’t know was Jesus would allow them to carry out their agenda but in His timing.
I wonder how many times we have done a similar thing. We push for our agenda and to us, it seems good. I have written a related post you might enjoy reading called, What is the Difference Between Good and Righteous?
Jesus Had a Plan
Jesus had a plan to lay down His life for the sins of the world. And He allowed the religious leaders to help Him accomplish that plan. God wants to use us for certain tasks as well.
He will use us for those tasks even when we get stuck on our own agenda. One difference between us and God is, He is patient. He will let us do our own thing and make mistakes along the way.
But when it’s all said and done, the Lord will continually help us to give ourselves attitude checks. And He will also help us to develop in godly character and maturity.
Here is something we must keep in mind through this process. God won’t make us do anything we don’t want to do. And you can walk away from Him at any time. It’s best though to stick with Him.
Lord, selfishness comes naturally for each of us. As we progress in our relationship with you help us change that selfishness into Christian maturity.
To read beyond the story of Lazarus check out the entire chapter of John 11. This event preceded the events of Holy Week. Below are posts on that week.
- Monday Of Holy Week, Jesus Cleaned Out The Temple.
- Tuesday Of Holy Week, Opportunities Taken By Jesus.
- Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus Knows How To Be Our Savior.
- Thursday of Holy Week – The Agreement Of The New Covenant.
- Good Friday, The Most Difficult Day Of Holy Week.
- Saturday Of Holy Week – Jesus’ Body Laid In A New Tomb
- Jesus’ Resurrection, The Most Important Event Of Christianity
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