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Many Believed Because of Lazarus – John 11
Many Believed Because of Lazarus – John 11
John records some of the miracles of Jesus in order that readers might believe that He is the Son of God. John constantly refers to these as 'signs', for they signify that Jesus' claims are true.
He turned water into wine and his disciples believed in Him (2:11). He was able to tell the history of a woman he had never met before and she believed in Him (ch. 4). He walked on water and fed a multitude and many became disciples (6:14). John tells us: "Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?” (7:31). John records the public teaching that Jesus did, and "As he was saying these things, many believed in him" (8:30). Jesus restored sight to the blind man in John 9 and "he believed and worshiped Jesus" (vs. 38). After His teaching on the good shepherd theme, many believed in Him (10:42).
Now in chapter 11, John records that Jesus displayed his power over death itself by raising Lazarus from the tomb. "Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him" (11:45).
Though Jesus had done so many signs, and so many HAD believed in Him, many did NOT (12:37). Some did not believe because they received glory from one another and did not seek the glory that comes from God (5:44). His brothers were said to be among this group of unbelievers for awhile (7:2). Even with the raising of Lazarus, "the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” (11:41-42).
Their solution was simple, kill BOTH Lazarus and Jesus! (12:10-11). I am still baffled that they thought this was an effective solution! There is no record of what they did with Lazarus, but John does go on to record that they brought about the crucifixion of Jesus.
This, of course, prepared for the final sign of Jesus: His resurrection. This sign had been foretold clear back in chapter 2: "destroy this temple (His body) and I will raise it up in three days". They did, and He did! This last sign became the subject of the preaching of the apostles. Sermon after sermon would conclude with the confession that Jesus was raised from the dead. Such was the commission Jesus left with the apostles: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16).
With all of these signs, and all of those who having seen them believing, what is YOUR reaction to John's writing? I believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Hugh DeLong
