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Reactions to Christ

In the assorted reactions to this resurrection miracle, we observe a timeless formula for people’s reactions to Christ.

People continue to react to Jesus Christ categorically in the same way these people did to Lazarus’ resurrection.

There were four groups of people with four different reactions to the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection.

It’s interesting and paradoxical that none of these groups ever denies the miracle—not even the ones who were the murderers, the haters of Christ.

Group One. The Many Who Believed

John 11:45 Then many of the Jews who came to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed in Him.

Faith, in order to be meaningful, must be placed on the right object. Faith is not just “believing in believing.” Faith in nothing is nothing. They believed on Him, and that is crucial, as faith is nothing unless it’s placed in Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

God has propositional static revelation in terms of morality, just as He created in the scientific world. When we come to believe in something, we should found our belief in the accuracy of the statement of the Word of God. When we choose not to believe, be ready for the consequences.

The leaders said, “If we don’t get rid of this guy, everybody’s going to believe on Him.” Evidently they were already convinced of the genuineness of the faith of these people.

Group Two. The Murderers

John 11:46-53 So from that day forth, they took counsel together to put Him to death.

This group went to the grave stubborn and locked in unbelief, and they left that way.

They are so steeped in unbelief they do not even bother to rationalize, (but often convince themselves that they have). Instead, they just walk away and write off the miracle. It shows the great depth of unbelief. They only see a threat to the status quo, themselves. The two opposing groups, super fundamentalist Pharisees, and politically oriented liberal Sadducees, joined together to get rid of Jesus.

These two groups were concerned about Jesus’ growing followers. They feared that the people would push Him into being a political Messiah. Then, that would change Rome and “mess up what we have going, our control.”

When you know or love people in this group, It is simultaneously frustrating and heartbreaking:

This group never discusses the miracle of Lazarus. There was no need to explain it, because pure unbelief does not even bother with weighing facts or rationalization.

Group Three. The Multitudes of Israel:

John 11:55 And the Jews’ Passover was nigh at hand, and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 11:56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, saying, “What do you think, will he come to the feast?”

What about the Jews who were not in on the plot, those who were God-fearing Jews?

How do they react?

It appears that to the vast multitude, Jesus is a spectator sport. Similar to liberal churches that do not embrace Scripture or it’s authority, they’re crammed with Jesus watchers, just looking at Him and saying, Oh, isn’t it interesting, entertaining? They show no commitment, no genuine faith, no salvation, no deep love, no desire to serve. They just want to watch, just get into religion. It is very much like the difference in splashing around versus ever actually swimming.

Jesus made it clear, no one can just stand by and be a spectator.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathers not with Me scatters abroad.

Too many people want to watch, just watch. They do not intend to do anything, make a choice, take the next step. They just hang around and see what happens.

Group Four. The Faithful Mary, Martha & The Disciples

This group is not mentioned again until later in chapter 12. What Jesus had prayed in 11:42 happened to their faith. They were strengthened by the miracle and just carried on.

How do YOU react to Christ? Do you believe in Him? Do you reject Him?

Are you a spectator, one of the crowd, sort of just looking around to see what will happen next, but not yet committed?

Are you a Christian who has had your faith strengthened and understand the same power that raised Lazarus can sustain you, regardless of what you will face in this life?

What is your reaction to the miracle of Christ?

Let’s place our faith in Christ, the One with the power to conquer our greatest fear and to give us peace, regardless of what happens to us in this life. Let’s each take the next step in our spiritual lives.