John 12:9-11 9Then, when the large crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also in order that they might see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10But the chief priests decided that they would also put Lazarus to death, 11because on account of him, many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
In the earlier passage in 11:54, John records how Jesus left Bethany and went to Ephraim. He was likely in Bethany only a short time on that visit, only to raise Lazarus. Word had spread of this great miracle, but because Jesus had left, few people were able to see him. Now that he was back in Bethany, word had spread again of his presence, so a large crowd came to see him. Since Passover week was just a day away and since Jerusalem was so near, it is likely some of this crowd came from Jerusalem. They wanted to see Lazarus who was raised. People always want to spectate at the abnormal. Today, people can do that in the safety, privacy, and seclusion of their homes on TVs, computers, or smartphones. The curious crowd wanted to check out the legitimacy of the claims about Lazarus. Meeting the man himself would certainly help.
The chief priests had also heard of the miracle. One of the greatest ironies in John and all of the Bible is that these leaders wanted to kill the one who had already died once. John records that the reason for this plot was many people were putting their faith in Jesus. The proof was right in front of everyone. No greater sign could be given than resurrection life from death. The Jewish leaders could justify their unbelief on many grounds. For example, they could dismiss the witnesses as false, and the whole story as made up. But with so many witnesses and the proof of Lazarus alive would be difficult to counter. The easiest solution was to get rid of both Jesus and Lazarus. Delete the evidence so the whole situation would all be forgotten.
The hatred and hardheartedness of the leaders is astounding. Their attitude and actions exemplify the type of people who will face judgment for rejecting Jesus. They fit in the same category as Judas and stand in sharp contrast to people like Mary and Martha. John has carefully and craftily retold the story of Jesus in such a way that the reader must make a choice about what to do with Jesus.
For older posts, click here.
