Miracles and You
- Jeff Kent
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
The gospels record many of the miracles which Jesus did - from healings, to casting out demons, to raising the dead. And the response to those miracles was varied. Some people believed in Jesus at the first sign. Many questioned. Some were afraid. Others were offended. One of the most intriguing responses to one of Jesus’ miracles is found in our text.
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead; his body had been lifeless and in the grave for four days. Dead for sure. But Jesus commands: “Remove the stone.” Then another command: “Lazarus, come forth.” And the dead man breathed again and came hobbling out of the tomb from one world back into the one he had already known. As a result of this incredible miracle “many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him.” Wouldn’t you? In fact, haven’t you?
But here’s something almost as incredible as the miracle itself. Some of those who saw this miracle of miracles simply went and told the Pharisees about it! They didn’t pause to consider what this sign meant; they just had a tale to tell. They were “good little Jews” snitching on the trouble-making rabbi. And the response of the Pharisees and chief priest to all of this is none the less astounding: “What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs.” They admitted to Jesus’ attesting miracles, but even these religious leaders didn’t think to consider what they meant. They only saw an enemy who would cause them to lose “both our place and our nation.”
What causes such a difference in responses to Jesus’ miracles? Even to all of the other evidence in creation and the Bible which point to a Creator God? The answer is varied. Pride. Love of the world. Don’t want to change. No love of the truth. Hard set in beliefs and way of life. Too much bother/I’m busy. Jesus noted in one place that the people’s hearts had “become dull.”
So, what’s your response to this raising of the dead? Is it just a “ho hum” and “that’s nice”? Or is it perhaps “tell me more”? Or is it: “Now I believe in Jesus. What do I do next?” See me.
><> Jeff
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