Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 11: 45-48

Kelly Day, Director of Coffee Break Bible Study 

Transcript

Kelly Day  0:07  

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose of the Word of God. It's Tuesday, March 25 and it's the season of Lent. Today's reading is from John 11, 45 through 48 - the plot to kill Jesus.

Kelly Day  0:21  

Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.  “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

Kelly Day  0:54  

So what were the people's reactions to Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead? Many believed,but then some skeptics went to the Pharisees. Human nature is interesting. They all saw the same thing - a dead man come back to life - yet the responses were different. Why would some choose to rejoice and others doubt and cast suspicion on Jesus' intentions? Well then, how did the religious leaders respond? They were so afraid of Jesus taking their power, position, temple and even nation, that they started planning to kill Jesus. They thought more of themselves than of the truth. They refused to see Jesus for who he was because it seemed to negatively affect their plans in this world.

Kelly Day  1:50  

Who would you be in this story? Do you believe Jesus is who he says and change the way you live because of it? Are you the skeptic? You know the truth, but you're unsure if you're all in. Seems a bit questionable, this whole following Jesus thing. Or lastly, like the religious leaders? It looks like you know it all and on the outside you play the part well - but inside, you're actually working against the things of Jesus Christ because no one but you will be lord over your life.

Kelly Day  2:26  

Dear Lord, our Father in heaven, you are the way, the Truth and the Life. You are our Savior and friend. Please forgive us as we too sometimes look like the skeptic and the religious leaders in these verses. We desire to reign over our own lives and choose to not totally follow you. I pray you'd soften our hearts and our stubborn minds and give ourselves fully to you. Help us Lord, to give up our personal views to truly see your will for us and your work all around us. Thank you for the truth you provide for us in the Bible and the ability to turn to you every day in prayer. May we believe in you, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.