Meanwhile Back at the Ranch

When folks found out where Jesus was they went to see him.

Guess I might have done the same thing.

After all, there were a lot of rumors going around about That Guy.

God's Word tells us that lots of people gathered not only to see Jesus but also to see Lazarus, "whom he had raised from the dead." This is the second reminder about the evidence that Jesus gives life. 

And that miracle not only drew crowds, it also caused the religious establishment of the day to add Lazarus to their list of murder victims. 

Pretty strong stuff.

What would lead the synagogue leaders to want to kill some poor guy who'd been granted a few more years of earthly life? 

John reports that the chief priests wanted to get rid of Lazarus because their expected followers were changing their allegiance to Jesus. 

Their dilemma was real. 

Jesus declared His mission as recorded in John 10:10, "I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  (KJV)

There was a living, breathing Lazarus who'd been dead and stinking in a tomb for everyone to see. The evidence that Jesus had the power and was actively engaged in fulfilling His assignment was undeniable. When people saw the confirmation and responded by becoming His disciples.

I haven't set my eyes on Lazarus, but I know that God's Word is Truth. Therefore reading John's testimony as directed under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit provides the same assurance of the facts. Jesus said He came to bring life to His sheep. Lazarus is one example of His desire and ability to accomplish that task. I get it. I'm His. I've got life.

But Jesus doesn't stop there. 

The Christ finishes His promise by declaring that His sheep will have that life "more abundantly." 

It's one thing for me to accept the gift of eternal life from the hand of the Father through the work of His One and Only Son. It's an added step to comprehend that my redeemed life begins now and moves into eternity. 

Now I will meditate on that final detail. 

Christ died that I might have an abundant life. Hallelujah!

Are you embracing your abundant life in Christ today.

"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. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him."  John 12:9-10