Lent Day 18: The Life-Giver (John 12:9-11)
Lent Day 18
The Life-Giver
John 12:9-11
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,
11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
◇ Unwelcome guests have arrived at a joyful feast. At a banquet held in gratitude to Jesus, there were those who plotted to kill him. They probably weren't even invited. Yet, they wanted to kill not only Jesus but also Lazarus, who had hosted the feast. The chief priests’ motive for conspiring against Jesus and Lazarus is clear: the growing number of people following and believing in Jesus because of Lazarus threatened their position. What they had enjoyed until now was under threat. So, they plotted to kill Jesus and Lazarus.
Jesus, who raised the dead, who wanted to give new life to those suffering from illness, to those who could never walk and had to beg, to tax collectors and prostitutes who were ignored, mocked, and treated as less than human, desired to give them new life. Jesus wanted to save, not to destroy. Therefore, he carried the cross to grant everyone the right to become children of God. It was such a person that the chief priests sought to kill.
The group of chief priests did not engage in giving life but rather in taking it. When their positions and comforts were jeopardized, they sought to protect them by taking life. They turned against God and opposed him to preserve their religious authority, political power, economic wealth, and social status. They were using what God had given them to stand against God himself.
Jesus gave his own flesh and blood, carrying the cross to save even one more life. Here is where the good shepherd and the hired hand are distinguished. Jesus is the shepherd who saves us.
God, make us shepherds who give life as you do! Help us to treasure the life you have given through the cross! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth! Amen.
The Life-Giver
John 12:9-11
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,
11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
◇ Unwelcome guests have arrived at a joyful feast. At a banquet held in gratitude to Jesus, there were those who plotted to kill him. They probably weren't even invited. Yet, they wanted to kill not only Jesus but also Lazarus, who had hosted the feast. The chief priests’ motive for conspiring against Jesus and Lazarus is clear: the growing number of people following and believing in Jesus because of Lazarus threatened their position. What they had enjoyed until now was under threat. So, they plotted to kill Jesus and Lazarus.
Jesus, who raised the dead, who wanted to give new life to those suffering from illness, to those who could never walk and had to beg, to tax collectors and prostitutes who were ignored, mocked, and treated as less than human, desired to give them new life. Jesus wanted to save, not to destroy. Therefore, he carried the cross to grant everyone the right to become children of God. It was such a person that the chief priests sought to kill.
The group of chief priests did not engage in giving life but rather in taking it. When their positions and comforts were jeopardized, they sought to protect them by taking life. They turned against God and opposed him to preserve their religious authority, political power, economic wealth, and social status. They were using what God had given them to stand against God himself.
Jesus gave his own flesh and blood, carrying the cross to save even one more life. Here is where the good shepherd and the hired hand are distinguished. Jesus is the shepherd who saves us.
God, make us shepherds who give life as you do! Help us to treasure the life you have given through the cross! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth! Amen.