“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. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him may of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, ‘See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!’”
John 12:9-11, 17-19

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APRIL 7, 2025

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the adulation of the crowds was not universal. The priesthood was scheming behind the scenes to eliminate not only Jesus, but also Lazarus. Raising Lazarus from the dead had upped the ante, because the miracle was performed within the environs of Jerusalem, and there was no denying it. If Rome’s eye fixed on Judea, the whole nation would suffer. The religious leaders had a huge responsibility on their hands.

Some of the Pharisees were amongst the crowd gathered along Jesus’ route into Jerusalem. The Pharisees were probably not privy to the priests’ plans, but they were concerned by the reception Jesus was receiving upon His arrival at Jerusalem. In Luke’s account, some Pharisees were so appalled by the crowd’s loud response that they demanded Jesus rebuke His disciples. Jesus responded, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

From our limited perspective on our lives and the world around us, we can be frustrated by opposition. It is discouraging to hear or read denial of supernatural reality, the value of following Jesus’ path of compassion in a power-hungry world, or caricaturizing Christians as dupes or fools. There will always be resistance to God’s sacrificial goodness, especially in a world that is afraid.

But we know the end of the story. God used the scheming of the priesthood to accomplish the greatest event of all time. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled the designs of the leadership but also made a way for Jesus the literal Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Our God allowed what He hated—the suffering and death of His only Son—to accomplish what He loves—the salvation of men and women, boys and girls. God is sovereign, and He can be fully trusted to accomplish His purposes.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • When have you observed wrong that was used by God to accomplish His purposes?
  • While wrong can never be excused, and often requires an appropriate response by believers, how can we be at peace even when it seems to prevail?
  • Why did the priests and Pharisees believe they were doing the right thing, and how does it help us to understand them (and our own opposition)?

 

Church Reading Plan: Leviticus 10; Psalm 11-12