March 30 | John 11:45-57

Dave Mann
Mar 30
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Signs of Life; Signs of Resistance

By Dave Mann

Jesus wants to bring Signs of Life, but others wish to be Signs of Resistance.

In yesterday’s passage, we read of much movement toward and with life in Jesus.

Thomas made a strong statement that he was willing to die with Jesus if Jesus went to Judea again. Martha made a bold confession of faith. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Then, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

And at the start of today’s passage, we read that many people, when they saw what Jesus did and taught, believed in him. All these people welcomed the signs of hope and joy that Jesus brought.

However, in today’s passage we read of Signs of Resistance -- movement against the life that Jesus longs to bring to all. Some of the people, who saw that Jesus raised Lazarus, went to the Pharisees to report (v. 46). Amazingly, the religious leaders stated that if they let Jesus go on like this, everyone would believe in him (v. 48)! They didn’t want to allow Jesus to continue in his power to heal and to raise the dead. And anyone who discovered where Jesus was should report it so that the leaders might arrest him (v. 57).

One would think that healing the sick and raising the dead might be something that everyone could get behind. But no, it is indeed possible for some people to resent any change in the status quo.

One of the most ironic moments of the passion story of Jesus is Caiaphas’ announcement, “It is better that one man would die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He was making a political statement that Jesus had to die so that the Romans would continue to allow the Jewish people to have some semblance of self- rule under the watchful eye of Rome. Nonetheless, Caiaphas’ words came into line with Jesus’ mission on earth – to be the sacrificial atonement for the sins of all. He was to be lifted up (crucified) and all who would look on him with faith would have eternal life. Jesus had previously stated, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). See also John 8:28; 12:32; and 12:34.

May we long for the changes in our lives that would welcome the signs of life that Jesus desires for us.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I pray that you would bring your signs of life into my environment. Help me to recognize when I begin to join the side of resistance. I long for you to lead me into the change that I need, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of seven. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.