Jesus performed the miracle of miracles in raising Lazarus from the dead. As usual, there were mixed reactions.
Click here for an online Bible John 11:38-57
Martha had faith in Jesus. When he arrived in town, she said that Lazarus would not have died if only Jesus had been there. Then she made an interesting comment in verse 22. She said that she knew that God would grant whatever Jesus asked. It seems like she still has hope for Lazarus. But when Jesus told them to open the tomb, she was the one that objected.
Lazarus came out of the tomb and many people believed in Jesus. How could anybody not believe in him? But yet there were some who ran to the Pharisees. The chief priests called an emergency meeting of the Sanhedrin to deal with this crisis. They had already decided that this Jesus guy was out of control what with healing blind men on the Sabbath and calling himself the Son of God. Now he is raising people from the dead. If he keeps doing this kind of stuff, everybody is going to believe in him. So they began plotting to kill Jesus and issued orders for his arrest.
It is interesting that Caiaphas the high priest had prophesied that Jesus would die for his people. His understanding was so that the trouble would go away. He had no idea.
It is amazing how we can miss what God is doing and even oppose it. The religious leaders were more concerned about their positions and what the Romans would do than what God was doing. We look down on them, but what do we get worked up about in our own churches. Most disputes in church are over buildings, budget, and whose ministry got what. Most complaints are “My needs didn’t get met” or “I’m not being fed.”
I want to see God at work. Miracles would be neat, but our greatest opportunities to see God at work is transformation in our lives and the lives of those around us. But it means we have to undergo a heart procedure, we need changed hearts. Instead of looking at how my needs can be fulfilled, I have to look at what needs God wants me to fulfill. Instead of looking for somebody to feed me, I have to learn to fed myself and help others feed themselves. I have to be willing to give up my plan.
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I think, Pastor Cliff you know more about the relationship between Jesus and the Religious leaders of that time than you are letting on...
The word church is so overloaded, but then so is every other word in the English language, by now. What I mean is that we can forever speak and it always be in riddles or some hidden meaning can be found. This is why I contend for the Holy Spirit without it all communication is futile. We look at what Caiphus said and we see clearly, but he did not nor the others they only saw what was present, right in front of their eyes -- this Jesus problem solved. This is how I love Him so much. I can rest assured time and time again that God is in control, yet I have my free will and the union of the two is God working all things to the good of those who love Him and are called according to His will. Simply put its a Miracle in the making. Now, what im trying to pull from the word church is simply chemistry among like minded believers. Now, maybe you can see this and maybe you can not, but the chemistry is the relationship thing working itself out again among the people. Now, you see, God has to be in it or it aint going to survive. To be absolutely certain that... that... there is light in them there hills God has got another test. You see He keeps testing us time and time again to see if we are ready. Some of us just never going to be ready... even them that been in the water are still being tested... you see it is by the baptism of water, Holy Spirit and fire that we are saved or made perfect or cast into Christ. Wow. Simply amazing. The thing about church that seems to have people worked up is why is the same man standing up every week like he is the Christ. You see, yes you are Christ, but so am I, I am. Now if you can not see that problem then let me know what you missed and I'll try to explain it again. The church building is a good start, but it aint the finished product. God is the same -- He is in the business of growing and increasing His supply. If people say they aint being fed, amen. It's not your problem, just do what God has called you to do, love Him above all else, and love everyone you come into contact with as you love yourself. You see then everything will work as God plans it. You see if you truly love you will not judge, but rather forgive, and if you forgive then you might see the glory of God shining forth. We are all made in His image so that we might know Him through each other.
Now, a little more about the passage can be seen through these relationships of the people. I really like how Martha runs to Jesus, it definitely is the same busy body we read about in the other gospels. I can just see Martha asking Jesus, "What can I do? What do you need from me?" She is so ready to serve, that's the spirit vested in Martha by God. Mary on the other hand shows the respectfulness due God no one better portrays the honor and respect like Mary. She waits to be called, and she bows her head to His feet. Her humility towards God makes her a potent prayer warrior. I love them both. Another thing of note is that Jesus speaks long phrases to us, but to God it is always short and simple, direct and to the point. Jesus did not tell Lazarus to come out. Jesus told the Father to release Lazarus. You'll notice the long verse in rebuttal to Martha's lack of belief or stunted belief. And to those standing around, He makes His purpose clear. But to God it is simply "Let Lazarus go."
Big picture: there is no right or wrong way to pray, although there is a degree to the effectiveness of prayer. I think it is good to pray in groups and in solitude. Prayer is mostly a challenge for the individual to try/test and align with the Holy Spirit. Even when we gather together in small groups and pray it is an attempt to find the direction of the Spirit. A lot of times we sit down to pray and we want to tell God what to do. I think we ought to be seeking direction, but do not get me wrong go ahead and tell Him what to do, the Spirit may be willing, but when it happens be prepared to deal with what comes next -- don't explain away the miracle as if God was absent.
The schemes of men and women are like God's funny pages.
I don't know, but I believe God knows that the religious leaders loved God, but just did not know how. I certainly think the Jews have come a long ways since then. I continue to pray for them.
Love,
EJ
The whole exchange with the chief priest and Pharisees illustrates what Jesus said in Luke 17:33 NIV, "Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it."
The plotters were trying to keep their lives status quo because they focused on this life and their situation, but the disciples of Jesus were willing to lose everything - including their lives - to follow Him because they were focusing on Jesus and the promise of life eternal.
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