Read:

John 11:45-46

⁴⁵ Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. ⁴⁶ But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

⁶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Exhortation:

The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, being one of the most outstanding evidences to Jesus’ claim that He is the true Son of God, demanded a response from all those who witnessed it. So immediately after the raising of Lazarus, people openly expressed their opinion of what they have seen, either by trusting Jesus and taking a stand for Him or by rejecting the evidence and taking side with the Jewish leaders who hated Him.

Those who believed on Him stayed together: “Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him” (v.45). The phrase “Then many of the Jews, which came to Mary” suggests their affinity with Mary and also Martha. Their sympathy and fellowship with the sisters indicate that they also shared the same love and relationship that the sisters had with Christ. This is further confirmed by the statement that they having “seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.” This does not necessarily mean that they believed on Him for the first time. It can be a reference to the strengthening or confirmation of their already existing faith in Christ. Many of them have seen and heard Him in previous visits to Bethany and Jerusalem.

It is indeed remarkable that a great sense of affinity existed among those who truly believed. They did not follow those who went to the Pharisees.

Genuine believers must not only disassociate themselves from the activities of the unbelieving, but also draw closer to the company of other believers. There must be deliberate as well as spontaneous effort from every true believer to express their camaraderie in the crisis of those who stand in allegiance to Christ and His truth.

Thought:

Solidarity with Christ leads to solidarity with His people.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to encourage Your servants who faithfully serve You.