When all the people heard of Jesus' arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
—John 12:9-11 NLT
How could the leaders of a religious movement that should be intent on doing good become murderous and treacherous? Over the centuries, there have been atrocities committed in the name of religion. There have also been atrocities committed against religious people. The hatred aimed at Jesus boils over against Lazarus. This hatred is a sad reminder of what happens when people no longer pursue the will of God and settle for the preservation of their religion. This situation is a sobering warning. When we have to find creative ways to justify how we could do something ungodly to one of God's children, we need to scrutinize our actions very carefully and change our ways. God's two great commands to us still apply: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Holy and righteous God, fill me with your Spirit and your wisdom. I never want to push away someone who is searching for your will or harm anyone who is seeking you no matter how much I might not understand them or disagree with them. In Jesus' name, I ask for your wisdom. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 12:9-11 NLT
Key Thought
How could the leaders of a religious movement that should be intent on doing good become murderous and treacherous? Over the centuries, there have been atrocities committed in the name of religion. There have also been atrocities committed against religious people. The hatred aimed at Jesus boils over against Lazarus. This hatred is a sad reminder of what happens when people no longer pursue the will of God and settle for the preservation of their religion. This situation is a sobering warning. When we have to find creative ways to justify how we could do something ungodly to one of God's children, we need to scrutinize our actions very carefully and change our ways. God's two great commands to us still apply: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Today's Prayer
Holy and righteous God, fill me with your Spirit and your wisdom. I never want to push away someone who is searching for your will or harm anyone who is seeking you no matter how much I might not understand them or disagree with them. In Jesus' name, I ask for your wisdom. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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