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Christ’s Crowning Miracle, May 20
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they
came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also,
whom he had raised from the dead.
John 12:9
.
The feast at Simon’s house brought many of the Jews together; for they
knew Christ was there. And they came not only to see Jesus, but Lazarus,
whom He had raised from the dead. The raising of Lazarus was the crowning
miracle of Christ’s life. The last test had been given to the Jewish nation.
Lazarus had been raised from the dead to bear a testimony for Christ.
Many thought that Lazarus would have some wonderful experience to
relate. They were surprised when he told them nothing. But Lazarus had
nothing to tell. The pen of Inspiration has given light upon this subject. “The
dead know not anything. ... Their love, and their hatred, ... is now perished”
(
Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6
).
But Lazarus had a wonderful testimony to bear in regard to the work of
Christ. He was a living testimonial of divine power. With assurance and
power he declared that Christ was the Son of God, and asked the people what
they would gain by putting Christ to death.
Overwhelming evidence was given to the priests in regard to the divinity
of Christ. But they had set their hearts to resist all light, and they closed the
chambers of their mind, that no light might be admitted.
The honor showed to Jesus exasperated the scribes and Pharisees. They
consulted that they might also put Lazarus to death; “because that by reason
of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus” (
John 12:11
).
The testimony of Lazarus was so clear and convincing that the priests could
not resist its argument.... Therefore they laid their plans to put Lazarus to
death.... They purposed to remove Lazarus secretly, and thus less publicity
would be given to Christ’s death. The end, they argued, would justify the
means, but they must not summon Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea to
their councils, for then their murderous designs would be opposed.
They could bring no charge against Lazarus, yet rather than admit evidence
that could not be denied, they plotted to kill him. So will men do when they
separate themselves from God. When unbelief once takes possession of the
mind, the heart is hardened, and no power can soften it.—
Manuscript 47,
May 20, 1897
, “Judas.”
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