How can we avoid being like those who reported Jesus to the Pharisees? The Scene at Bethany John 11:46 — “But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” A miraculous resurrection should have stirred worship, yet certain witnesses chose to report Jesus to the authorities who opposed Him. Motives That Drove the Informers • Fear of losing religious standing (John 12:42-43) • Loyalty to human tradition over divine revelation (Mark 7:8-9) • Hardness of heart in the face of undeniable evidence (John 12:10-11) • Desire to maintain control and status quo (John 11:48) How We Can Drift Into the Same Pattern • Valuing the approval of people above the approval of God (Galatians 1:10) • Reacting to God’s work with skepticism or envy instead of celebration (Acts 13:45) • Allowing preconceived notions to override clear biblical truth (Matthew 15:14) • Remaining passive observers rather than obedient participants (James 1:22) Guardrails to Keep Our Hearts Soft 1. Prioritize personal encounter with Christ – John 12:21: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Seek Him daily in Scripture and prayer. 2. Choose allegiance to truth over tradition – Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” 3. Celebrate God’s work wherever it appears – 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 4. Keep motives transparent before God – Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God… lead me in the everlasting way.” 5. Walk in the light with fellow believers – Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” 6. Practice humble obedience immediately – Luke 6:46: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” 7. Guard against the love of status – Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Living Lessons From Lazarus’s Tomb • Miracles are invitations to faith, not mere spectacles. • Reporting on Jesus should mean proclaiming His glory, not betraying His mission. • A softened heart responds with worship, witness, and willingness to follow, whatever the cost. Final Charge Hebrews 10:23-24: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” |
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