John 12:9-11 (WEL) A lot of people from the Jews soon afterward realized that he was there, and they came not only because of Jesus, but also that they might see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests resolved that they should kill Lazarus as well. 11 Because many of the Jews were leaving them and were believing in Jesus because of him.
V9 A lot of people from the Jews soon afterward realized that he was there, and they came not only because of Jesus, but also that they might see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
Were they just curious, or were they interested in Jesus regarding who He is and what He taught? Verse 11 may provide a clue and they were believing that Jesus is the Messiah.
Comments:
(Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary): “…as to see dead Lazarus alive; and this, issuing in their accession to Christ, led to a plot against the life of Lazarus also, as the only means of arresting the triumphs of Jesus (see John 12:19)—to such a pitch had these chief priests come of diabolical determination to shut out the light from themselves, and quench it from the earth!”
V10 So the chief priests resolved that they should kill Lazarus as well.
The Greek word for resolved is G1011 βουλεύω bouleuō which means counsel and will. In our context it refers (CWSB Dictionary) To resolve, determine, purpose after deliberation in particular.
What is their motive? It is power of authority; they want the authority.
Where was the source of their desire? It is not God; it is their own human evil heart. See Matthew 15:18-19.
Killing those who disagree with the Jewish leaders is their solution to problems. The following is often their rationale: “I can’t control what they did (or doing) to me, but I can control what happens to them.”
V11 Because many of the Jews were leaving them and were believing in Jesus because of him.
This is the reason for their deep desire to kill. Lust for power is the motive. By their actions we know these religious leaders are under God’s wrath.
Principle: If you lust for power, it will lead you into sin.
Many did believe and remain faithful to the end of their lives. Others, like these religious leaders, die in their sins, go to Sheol/Hades, and eventually the Lake of Fire for eternal conscious torment.
What do you want from this life—power, money, fame, etc.—and go to hell, or do you want fellowship with the creator after trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation? One leads to hell for eternal torment; the other leads to eternal life.
We learn:
- About the corrupting influences of sin, lust, and selfishness.
- We are not to solve problems by murder as many do today, for example, in abortion.
Questions:
- What is your life and eternal goals?
- How do you solve your problems?