Chad Coley
The Gospel According To John
The Response to Lazarus’ Resurrection
John 11:47 - 57
19 June 2022
Some of those who saw Lazarus resurrected believed in Jesus, but the Jewish leaders became even more resentful. They found He was the perfect political scapegoat to blame, and plotted to murder Him.
The Jewish leaders valued pragmatism over principle. The Pharisees and Sadducees were normally enemies, but were brought together in their mutual hatred of Jesus. Nobody denied His miracles, but they refused to seek a spiritual solution to the crisis in Israel.
The leaders showed a lack of understanding of Jesus' mission. Caiaphas suggested to blame the nation's problems on Jesus, as it was convenient. He had no idea he was prophesying when he said that the death of Jesus would save the nation.
The Jewish leaders finally rejected Jesus. They resolved to carry out Caiaphas' plan of murder, hardening their hearts beyond repentance. They had all seen His signs and life, but it made no difference to them. So Jesus withdrew from public ministry for a while, and spent time alone with His disciples.