When Easter approaches, many people look at the life (as well as the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus. But have you considered the charged atmosphere leading up to the events of the crucifixion?
Rumors about the prophet, Jesus, abounded. There were rumors about a demon-possessed woman being made whole. A paralyzed man was able to walk. Blind men were made to see again! Then, something even more startling occurred (see John 11). A man, Lazarus – who had been dead and in his tomb four days – was brought back to life! Jesus called him out from the tomb, “Lazarus, come forth!” and he did!
He told one of Lazarus’ sisters, “I am the Resurrection.”
The Dead Brought Back to Life Creates a Stir!
“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him.” – JOHN 12:1-2 (CSB)
Imagine that! A man who had been dead four days was now eating dinner! Word got around…
“Then a large crowd of the Jews learned He was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.” – JOHN 12:9-11 (CSB)
People flocked to Jesus and Lazarus to see if the rumors were actually true!
People think, “If I could just have a miracle…” Do we want miracles? Yes. But miracles are polarizing. They cause problems and divisions. When God healed my eyes (I was legally blind in one eye and the glasses I wore were so thick, my eyes would “disappear” when I turned my head slightly), some friends and even family members had problems with accepting what God did.
Miracles are not a unifying factor. The unifying factor is the One Who does the miracles in people’s lives! Jesus is the One Who unifies, but while He was on earth, what He did caused division. Some people started believing the prophet Jesus was actually the long-awaited Messiah. But even that caused issues.
Regardless, Jesus was causing a huge stir! As the Jewish celebration of Passover approached, Jesus made His way into the city of Jerusalem. Expectations were electrifying!
1 “When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, 2 telling them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them at once.’ 4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: 5 Tell Daughter Zion, ‘See, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt; then they laid their clothes on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their clothes on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 Then the crowds who went ahead of him and those who followed shouted: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, saying, ‘Who is this?’ 11 The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’” – MATTHEW 21:1-11 (CSB)
Jesus was seen as Teacher and Miracle-Worker, and yet – even knowing Who He was as Messiah – Jesus had the heart of a servant. It’s important to realize this. In Matthew 20:27-34, where it’s recorded the healing of two blind men, HIs servant-heart is seen clearly.
He had already told people (vs. 28), “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus was passing near the blind men and they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us! Son of David!” He came to them and didn’t assume…He asked them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” What a great servant’s heart!
Jesus: Teacher, Servant, Miracle-Worker
So as Jesus entered Jerusalem, people had set expectations. Many were looking for a miracle-worker. Many others were looking for Messiah to be a warrior, someone who would deliver the Jews from the rule of the Romans. Others were simply looking for relief.
Jesus was exactly Who He claimed to be and He needed to be accepted by people as such.
Today is no different: The real question I want to ask you is, “Who are you looking for?” Are you looking for someone to simply work miracles for you? Are you wanting someone to work miracles in you? Or is there something greater you are called to receive and give.
As followers of Christ Jesus, we are to be as He is. Jesus told us, “the one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My Name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:12-13)
So, Who should we be looking for? One Who work miracles through you. We, too, are called to be sharers of the Good News, servants, and miracle-workers…we are IN Christ Jesus; we are His Body!
To watch the entire March 28, 2021 message on which this post is based, click here.
