John 11:45-53…
The way of Jesus is not something people automatically follow if they are presented with superior evidence. Yes, we should give reasons for the hope that lies in us (1 Peter 3:15). Yes we should defend and contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). But some people think that if you have some clear and unquestionable evidence for a miracle, that this means people will automatically come to the faith. It is not so, and this event is a case in point.
Certainly, as a result of this amazing miracle, many of those who are there come to a faith in Jesus as the Messiah. However, some do not, and they report what has happened to the Jewish religious leaders, who strengthen their resolve to arrest and kill Jesus. Perhaps even more amazing than the miracle is the unbelief of these men. No one even attempts to challenge the claim. They were going to try and kill Lazarus too (John 12:10). They are in effect saying, “We can’t deny the event, but we can destroy the evidence.”
There is an undeniable truth of Jesus and yet they don’t care, all they care about is their own positions. By their own words, they reveal that their unbelief is not due to a lack of evidence, but reflects their desire to protect their own selfish interests (cf. Acts 4:16-17).
It is just so today. Many put up smoke screen excuses as to why they do not believe in Christ. They say that they have their reasons, and say that we cannot possibly address them. At times they are right. The truth is that they don’t want to be converted; they love their sin and their selves. Remember how Jesus asked the man “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6).
This event gives us the truth of Jesus’ way. Some wanted to worship Him. Others wanted to destroy Him. God must change our heart from within if we are to believe and follow Jesus. We must be raised from the dead, too (John 3:3 / Ephesians 2:1-5).
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