They're responding just the same today.
The Gospel of John: John 11.38-48
Read and meditate on John 11.45, 46.
The response of the people to the raising of Lazarus from the dead is both more immediate and more ominous – a portent not only of things to come, but of the way things will always be.
45And many of the Jews
who came to comfort Mary, and had seen
the many things that Jesus did, believed
in Him. 46But some went to the Pharisees
and told them.
– John 11.45, 46
Reflect
1. The Jews who came to comfort Mary and Martha must have been friends or acquaintances, perhaps even members of their extended family. All Mary did was lead them to Jesus. Jesus did the rest. There is a lesson here for us in working our Personal Mission Field. Explain. Complete the following brief prayer: Only You, Lord, can lead people to believe in You and be saved, but my part is…
2. We read that “many” of these people “believed” in Jesus. It’s quite possible that some of these would be among the 120 who gathered in the upper room following the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1.12-15). At this point, what did they believe? What did they know, and what had they concluded about Jesus? How should this inform our witness for Christ? As I share the Good News with others, Lord, help me to remember to…
3. John explains that these people “had seen the things Jesus did…” That would include, among other things, His raising Lazarus from the dead. But people today don’t have the benefit of Jesus in our midst, raising dead people to life, giving sight to the blind, healing cripples, and the like. How can they see the glory of God in the things Jesus does (cf. Matt. 5.13-16; Phil. 2.13; 1 Cor. 10.31)? Such as? Be at work in me, Lord, willing and doing of Your good pleasure, so that…
4. The tone of exultation turns quickly dark and ominous, as John reports that some of those who had come to comfort Mary, rather than believing in Jesus, “went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.” Why do you suppose they did this? Were they exulting to tell them? Were they frightened? Had they been sent by the Pharisees to spy on Jesus and report back? Maybe some of each? Should we expect that everyone who sees Jesus working in and through us, and hears the Good News of His Kingdom, will be thrilled? Why not? Lord, help me to love even those who will not believe in You. Guard me against…
5. Some people believed, but some did not. And, as we shall see, some actively contrived to destroy Jesus. Does this mean Jesus was not an effective witness? Meditate on Acts 17.32-34. Can you see that the response to Paul’s preaching was the same as to that of Jesus? Does this mean Paul was not an effective witness? What’s the lesson for us as we pray and work our Personal Mission Field? Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.
Summary
“The Jews, who were present, had different opinions about what had happened. Some believed in him because of the miracle, which he had performed. Others, on the contrary, were so far away from believing that they went to denounce him to the Pharisees, as if he had dared do something unlawful. But even what they did out of hatred and evil desire still contributed to making the accomplished miracle well known to everyone.” Theodore of Mopsuestia (350-428 AD)
Our calling is not to win people to Christ. Only God can do that (1 Cor. 3.5-9). Our calling is to be His witnesses (Acts 1.8), and to realize that not everyone who sees Jesus at work in us and hears the Good News of His Kingdom will believe. What can you do to be more consistent in your calling?
Closing Prayer
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40.1-3
Psalm 40.1-5 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry,
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save!
Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare? None with You can e’er compare.
T. M. Moore
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.
