Believing Results in Plotting

Thursday, August 19, 2021

7-8 Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”

9-11 Word got out among the Jews that he was back in town. So the people came to look at Jesus and Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him.

-John 12:7-11 The Message.

Verse 7: Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.

Verse 8: For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

Verse 9: The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there, and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, who He raised from the dead.

Verses 7-8 study: These two verses are supposed to teach a couple of lessons.

1. We don’t always require the attention of spending money. Jesus uses this to teach us that we celebrate life. In this case, Jesus’ life.
2. This should have taught Judas a lesson about stealing money. It didn’t go well as Judas sold his Master’s life for 30 pieces of silver. Judas thought more of money than he did the lesson.

Verse 10: But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also;

Verse 11: Because many of the Jews were going away and believed in Jesus on account of him.

Verses 10-11 study: Here is another verse showing the leader’s inability to correct their wrong. Not only are they plotting to kill Jesus, but the leaders also want to kill Lazarus because he is a witness to the power of Jesus. This type of behavior leads down a dark path to sin and then more sin. It is up to us to accept Christ, repent, and let the holy spirit in to change the sinful behavior.

Father, thank you for the study of Lazarus. Help us to remind ourselves of selfish greed to not be non-believers. Protect us as we continue to share the gospel with others and that we are not in harm’s way. I pray we can take our pride and put it aside for you and your serving for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen!