What motivates people to oppose Jesus, as seen in John 11:46? Where the Opposition Starts John 11:46: “But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” Immediate Surface Motives • Loyalty to the Pharisees—reporting to the recognized leaders rather than responding to the miracle • Desire for approval—hoping to gain favor with those in power • Alarm at disruption—Jesus’ act upended the status quo by raising a dead man Deeper Heart-Level Motives Uncovered in the Same Passage • Fear of losing influence: “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 11:48) • Protection of tradition: the Council valued religious structures above fresh revelation (Mark 7:6-9) • Envy of Jesus’ growing following: “the whole world has gone after Him” (John 12:19) • Hard-hearted unbelief despite clear evidence (John 12:37) • Love of human praise over God’s praise (John 12:42-43) Spiritual Roots Scripture Highlights • Pride blinds the heart (Proverbs 16:18) • Darkness hates the light because it exposes deeds (John 3:19-20) • The god of this age blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4) What This Reveals About Us Today • Clinging to comfort and control can eclipse obvious works of God • Religious or cultural systems can become idols we defend at any cost • A heart set on reputation resists surrender to Christ • Only humble, Spirit-opened eyes recognize and receive Jesus’ authority Living Application • Ask the Spirit to expose any fear, pride, or desire for human approval that would nudge us to side with the crowd against Christ • Choose allegiance to Jesus over allegiance to systems, traditions, or personal status, trusting that His truth always brings life, just as surely as He called Lazarus from the tomb |
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