This morning I am reflecting on some verses from John's Gospel, where he is describing the varied responses to Jesus. Here are the verses - John 12:9-13,17-19,37,42-43 NIV:
[9] "Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. [10] So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, [11] for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him."
[12] "The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. [13] They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”
[17] "Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. [18] Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. [19] So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
[37] "Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him."
[42] "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved human praise more than praise from God."
As I read these verses, I am aware of the many different responses to God, especially when He is moving. Jesus had clearly done awesome miracles in their sight, many were eye-witnesses. There was a growing belief in Him, that He was the Messiah, and yet the Pharisees and and chief priests wanted to kill Him. The very ones that said they worshipped God and served Him wanted to kill Him! They were the ones whose power and authority were being questioned, and challenged. They didn't want to just kill Jesus, they wanted to kill Lazarus too, as he was a visible representation of God's work.
There are those that wanted to worship Jesus, and praise of Him broke out spontaneously! They gathered in the streets, proclaiming His name, and shouting. They were those that had been waiting for the real move of God, and were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah! These were the people who longed for a savior, who longed to see God Move!
There were those that went around sharing about Jesus, because they were so convinced by His miracles that He was the Messiah! They had seen the miracles, and wanted all to know that He was the one they had been waiting to receive!
The Pharisees clearly had set themselves against Jesus, and apparently it didn't matter what He did, they were going to try to stop Him. They must have hated His real power, His ability to win crowds of people, His authoritative messages, His referring to God as if He knew Him! He had everything they wanted, and yet because they couldn't control Him they wanted to kill Him. They were in danger of losing their positions of power and prestige, or so they thought. It is a scary thing when people resist the move of God because of fear for their own position and power - they are clearly not worshipping God above all else.
There are those that remain unconvinced regardless of the signs and wonders performed. They are those whose hearts are hardened, those whose pride will not let them admit they were wrong, those that have stood and proclaimed there is no god! Oh, the sad state of their hearts, to be confronted with the very Word of Life, and choosing instead to close their eyes, ears and hearts to the one who loves them!
Finally there are those that believed, but lived in fear of those in power. They were worried about what the Pharisees thought of them, and worried about their positions as well, but clearly not the decision makers. There are always those that long for the move of God, but then when He starts moving they lose their stomach for Him out of fear.
Lord, I pray that I would not respond out of fear, out of pride, or out of concern for myself or my "position"! I pray that I might welcome you, and welcome news of You moving! I pray that I might be one who shares with all, the wonders I have seen and experienced! I pray that my heart might be moved by You! I pray for the leaders of our churches, that they would welcome Your move wholeheartedly, for You are the one we are waiting for!
Amen!
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