God's Desired Response!

Though attempts were made again and again by the leaders to trap Jesus with their questions, they were unable to do so. That is the power of truth and the wisdom of God. Though it is denied, it can still stand on its own. Jesus' life was also plotted against because though the signs He performed could not be denied, there were still those of the leadership who just would not believe. ( John 12:37)

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead -- having been already dead four days ( John 11:39) -- many more who saw what He had done believed in Him. ( John 11:45) However, there were some who went and told the Pharisees what they had seen and the response by the chief priests and Pharisees and the Council was that they needed to do something about the situation. ( John 11:46-48) Thus they plotted all the more earnestly to make "plans to put him to death." ( John 11:53)

When a dinner was put together in Jesus' honor in the home of Mary and Martha, we read that when a large crowd "learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead." ( John 12:9) How did that impact the Jewish leadership?

We read. . .
"(10) So the chief priests made PLANS TO PUT LAZARUS TO DEATH AS WELL, (11) because ON ACCOUNT OF HIM MANY OF THE JEWS WERE GOING AWAY AND BELIEVING IN JESUS." ( John 12:10-11)

There seems to have been a sense in which the leadership not only saw the need to get rid of Jesus, but this latest evidence of His power as well; Lazarus brought back from the dead. Does that sound like attempted cover up? That would again be their approach after Jesus' resurrection. (read Matthew 27:64; 28:12-15) Then, on top of this dilemma relating to Jesus' popularity, there was His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. What was the response of the leadership then?

We read. . .
"(19) So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. LOOK, THE WORLD HAS GONE AFTER HIM.'" ( John 12:19 ESV)

Reading that response I can't help but think how wonderful the reality of that would be; for the WHOLE WORLD TO GO AFTER JESUS. Is that not the response God desires? It was FOR THE WORLD that He sent His Son. ( John 3:16) And every day God withholds His destructive hand from a sinful world is an opportunity THE WORLD should not pass up.

Peter wrote. . .
"(8) But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9) THE LORD is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but IS PATIENT toward you, NOT WISHING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD REACH REPENTANCE." ( 2 Peter 3:8-9)

Yes, that is God's desire for THE WORLD! Repentance! Acceptance! Salvation in Christ! May we keep praying for THE WORLD while also doing our part in sharing the Good News of Jesus so as to facilitate opportunities to respond to God in belief that translates into living to His glory and praise. Let us not give up trying as we recognize doing what God desires us to do can bring others to respond as He desires.

Have a great day DIRECTING THE WORLD'S ATTENTION TOWARD JESUS!
Carl

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