Jesus’ Confrontations with the Pharisees
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So 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.” John 11:45–48 (ESV)
They can’t see the forest because of all the trees. The religious leaders sent out spies to watch Jesus closely. When they returned and reported Jesus’ miracles, they disregarded what they had seen. A formerly blind man came to them and told them how Jesus had put mud in his eyes and healed him. They could not see it. It was like they had mud in their own eyes.
Naturally, we assume that, were we in their position…we would never do the same. Have you noticed the division in our country over politics much? One side says, “The other guy always lies…don’t believe or listen to what he says.” The other side says the same. Neither would know the truth if it walked up and bit them.
The Jewish Leaders wanted Jesus dead because He was taking away their power and influence and pointing out their hypocrisy. Some wanted Lazarus dead because He was living proof of Jesus’ power. Would we be so quick to speak up? We may remain silent at times, telling ourselves, “They won’t listen anyway.” We justify it by saying, “We can’t argue them into the Kingdom!” No, but Jesus’ Word can do what you can’t. You aren’t called to convince or convert… only to point to the Savior. Trust Him to handle the rest.
Lord of Harvest, let there be
Joy and strength to work for Thee
Till the nations far and near
See Thy light and learn Thy fear.
The Lutheran Hymnal 507:6