Believing

Believing

John 12:9-11, NLT

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

Setting the Scene

When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, it wasn’t a private or secret event. John reports, “Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss” (John 11:18-19, NLT). Later we read, “Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen” (John 11:45, NLT). Word would have spread throughout the community about this amazing miracle. Certainly many of the Jews who were coming to Jerusalem from all over the world for the Passover celebration would have heard of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life. When they discovered Jesus had returned to be with Lazarus in Bethany, they came to see both of them.

Lazarus must have been a powerful witness, since he could testify to the truth that he had been dead for days when Jesus gave him life again. No wonder many people “deserted” the priests “and believed in Jesus.”

Getting Personal

What was your life like before you met Jesus?

In what ways has Jesus changed your life?

What can you do to share your story with others? Who can you tell? How can you point people to the Savior?

Lazarus must have been as famous as a rock star in the small town of Bethany and the surrounding area. We can imagine people pointing and saying, “There he is—the one who died and Jesus brought him back to life!” Lazarus knew he had done nothing to deserve the attention; the situation had been hopeless, and he had been helpless; then everything had changed—all because of Jesus. He pointed everyone to the Savior.

Although your story isn’t quite that dramatic, it does have definite similarities to that of Lazarus. You were dead in your sins—totally hopeless and helpless. Then Jesus called you from death to eternal life. You did nothing to deserve or cause what Jesus did. In his grace, God called you and saved you. Many came to Jesus because of Lazarus; many may come to him because of you. Tell your story.

Talking to God

Before the Lord, humbly remember your hopelessness and helplessness to save yourself. Thank him again for his love that sought you, his mercy that forgave you, his grace that pours out on your life, and eternal life with him. Ask him to give you the words and courage to share how your life has been changed.