“Lifted Up”

 

BIBLE READING: John 11-12


In John 11 we read of the raising of a personal friend of Jesus which introduces the theme of Jesus as “I Am the Resurrection and Life. It also connects the use of “sign,” “hour,” “glory,” and ”belief,” as major themes in John’s purpose in writing his gospel. These themes were first introduced in John 2 in Jesus’ first recorded miracle. This chapter reveals that not only can Jesus provide life after physical death as Martha points out, but he also has power over spiritual death as well. Prior to this miracle, the Jews had indicated a desire to kill Jesus several times, but now the Pharisees and high priest announce that Jesus must die (49-53).  Caiaphas, the high priest, had no idea that his statement,”…do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”(.9). Without the death and resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, there would be no reason for you to be reading these devos.

Chapter 12 prepares the disciples for the death and resurrection of Jesus whose death has been hastened by his actions and comments in the raising of Lazarus. Jesus’ popularity is now at its highest as he marches into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry and is praised as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews. In spite of these events, the desire to kill Jesus was still there. This antagonism led many of the followers to confess their faith openly. There is a lesson here for us today to always care more for God’s opinion than for the approval of men!

 

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