John 11:45-48
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 11:45-48 remembering that Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead.
Everyone present at Lazarus’ tomb observed the same events. They saw Jesus wipe away angry tears and walk purposefully to the tomb where Lazarus’ body had been for four days. They saw when the stone covering the tomb entrance was rolled aside, and they heard Jesus’ forceful shout into the darkness, “Lazarus, come forth!” They were all equally stunned when the bandaged figure appeared in the doorway of the tomb, and they all marveled when the undecayed, breathing body of Lazarus was revealed as the bandages fell to the ground.
But in spite of their common experience, the onlooker’s reactions are as different as night and day.
Who would not believe the claims of someone who has the power to restore life to a corpse? Many who were previously mourning with Mary see and believe. But others, in spite of what they have seen, are overcome with fear and decide to turn Jesus in to the religious authorities.
Stop to consider these reactions.
What have you seen Jesus do in your life and in the lives of those around you? Is there anything that might be causing you to miss some of what Jesus is doing in and around you? Take a moment to reflect on this and then discuss your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read John 11:45-48 again noticing the reactions of the religious authorities.
The powers-that-be do not deny that Jesus has the power to work miracles, but rather than recognizing him as the Rescuer, they see him only as a threat.
The word translated “Temple” in this passage is the Greek word for “place” and can refer to a physically occupied space or to one’s right to a position and to power. The religious leaders are determined to hold on to their privileged “place” at all costs – even the cost of their very souls.
For the remaining minutes of this time of meditation, consider asking Jesus to search your mind and heart to see if there is anything to which you are clinging that might be keeping you from knowing him fully.
Sit in silence and see where Jesus takes you with this. If you believe that Jesus is calling you toward an action that you need to take, notice it, remember it, and act on it today.
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
