Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
John 12:9-11 (NIV)
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 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 believing in him.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”. In John 11, Jesus raises the dead man, Lazarus, back to life! In John 12, Jewish leaders are trying to kill Lazarus because he is a threat. Following Jesus, is joining with Him to give life and to give our lives away for others. It rejects being in control and demanding our way. But that is not easy nor is it normal. Do you care more about getting your way or listening to the thoughts and opinions of others? Are you scared when people change things or are you trying to help others fulfill their dreams and live for Jesus? Are you afraid that you are losing power in politics, money, your family, your job or are you helping others thrive and blessing them? Will we be on the side of the Giver of life or will we take life with our words and actions while trying to hold onto power?