MALICIOUS INTENT

JOHN 12:9–11

But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus

(John 12:10–11).

When those who oppose Christ cannot discredit Him, they attack His followers. This was the case with Lazarus. He was living proof of the power of Christ, and because of that proof many Jews put their faith in Christ. This enraged the chief priests so they plotted and schemed like witches hovering around a pot of boiling brew. And what solution did they come up with? Something that could be fully expected from the children of the devil: they decided to murder Lazarus, imagining that Christ, who brought him to life the first time, could not raise him again.

The Pharisees had tried many times to capture Jesus, but they had failed. So they continued to plot against Him, and the time would come when an alliance with the Romans would bring about Jesus’ downfall, but until then His followers continued to increase. The chief priests were desperate. So desperate that they would murder an innocent man to stop the spread of the Gospel. How typical of all who oppose the Gospel. When they cannot stop the name of Christ from going forth, they attack His followers in an effort to silence those whom He has given new life.

This has been the strategy of those hostile to Christianity from the very beginning. If the Gospel itself cannot be discredited, then Christ’s followers must be silenced, even it that means killing them. The pages of Christian history have been soaked with the blood of martyrs as the enemies of the Lord have wielded the sword against the encroaching kingdom of Christ. Jesus Himself warned that this would happen, that even as the prophets had been persecuted before Him, men like Elijah and John the Baptist, so His followers would be persecuted.

But why Lazarus? We don’t have any account of him preaching to the crowds. He probably did testify, but even if he had never said a word, His very existence was a threat to the Pharisees. And that is how it is today. The changes that occur in the lives of believers threaten Christ’s enemies. But try as they might, they cannot silence the truth. Christ’s kingdom will advance until the day of judgment when He will come again to judge all His enemies and crown those who have endured persecution for His sake.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 36–37

Acts 23:1–11

As a living testimony to the redemptive power of Christ, you will face persecution. It might not be life-threatening, but enemies of Christ will try to discredit you, deny that any real change has taken place in your life, and try to oppose you in general. How have you faced persecution? Memorize Matthew 5:11–12.

For further study: Pss. 3; 54 • 1 Peter 4

wednesday

july