Contemplative Bible Reading

John 11:57 (New International Version)

But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.

This verse occurs late in the life of Jesus. The Pharisees wanted to arrest Jesus and do away with him. They saw Jesus as a threat to their position. This is a well known part of the life of Jesus.

Later I noticed something that I had not before.

John 12:10-11 (New International Version)

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 putting their faith in him.

They wanted to kill Lazarus as well. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. There were many people who knew that Lazarus had died. These people had seen the body of Lazarus wrapped and put in a tomb. These same people now saw Lazarus alive and walking about.

Lazarus was evidence of the true nature of Jesus. Jesus was more than a carpenter’s son from Nazareth.

The Pharisees wanted to destroy the evidence of the nature of God.

I see people still trying to do that.

Those people are putting on a show, they cannot be happy in their circumstance.

He must be after something. Why else would be give so much of his time and money?

Happiness, contentment, giving from love – these are evidences of the nature of God.  Some people want to destroy these evidences.

God, help me to show evidence of your nature. Chase away the doubts that sometimes come into my heart. Keep me from killing Lazarus as well.