Why Were the Leading Priests Looking to Kill Lazarus the Man Whom Jesus Had Raised from the Dead as Written in John 12:10—Was This Out of Jealousy?

The incident described in John 12:10 was more than a simple act of jealousy. It stemmed from a deep-seated hatred and a fundamental disagreement over who Jesus was and what He stood for. This article explores the factors that led to this pivotal moment in Christian history, emphasizing the role of witnessing miracles and the spiritual conflict at its core.

Witnessing Miracles

According to the New Testament, the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead reached numerous Jews, causing a significant impact on their belief systems. The reason behind this impact was the presence of DOZENS of eye witnesses who corroborated the story. Among these witnesses were not just followers of Jesus but people from the general populace who had no allegiance to Jesus.

Traditionally, when someone died, wealthy families hired professional mourners who would weep, wail, and help others grieve. This custom underscored the societal value placed on public mourning and the significance of funerals. Lazarus, having been dead for four full days, was surrounded by a full funeral atmosphere when Jesus arrived. His revival was a phenomenon not seen in the Old Testament, which further fueled the spread of the story. The Sanhedrin felt desperate to prevent this from happening because it highlighted their ineffectiveness, and Jesus constantly criticized them publicly.

The Role of the Sanhedrin and Ananias

The Sanhedrin, the chief council of Jewish religious authorities, were not merely jealous; their hatred was rooted in the desire to maintain their authority and control. Ananias, in particular, was a key figure who owned the animals being sold by the money changers in the Court of the Gentiles. Jesus had twice cleansed this area, turning it from a noisy marketplace to a place where God's word was spread. The Jews were meant to spread God's word to the world, but they had turned this sacred space into a commercial hub.

The irony was that Jesus had been critiquing the Sanhedrin’s practices, calling them foolish for questioning His authority. The Sanhedrin felt betrayed and overshadowed. They were akin to the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, asserting their authority and power over the 'great and powerful Oz'.

The Deeper Spiritual Conflict

The core of the conflict was a spiritual disagreement. The leading priests and others in the Sanhedrin were well-versed in the Torah and had the responsibility to interpret it correctly. However, their interpretation and application of the law were heavily influenced by their own wealth and status, leading them to miss the broader principle of Jesus' teachings. Jesus taught that wealth was not a sign of God's favor and that the poor were blessed. This message directly contradicted the societal norms and teachings of the time, causing intense hatred among the religious leaders.

Jesus also used parables to illustrate His points, such as the parable of the 'good Samaritan.' Samaritans were abhorred by the Jews, so Jesus' message shifted the focus to the compassion and mercy shown by a Samaritan, a group typically ostracized. Moreover, He criticized the priests and scribes for not following the essence of the law. This further enraged the religious leaders as it challenged their very foundation of faith and authority.

Conclusion

The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead was more than just a miraculous event; it was a symbol of the spiritual conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. The hatred and jealousy displayed were not just feelings but were rooted in a deep desire to maintain control over the religious and social order. This highlights the importance of authenticity in preaching and the willingness to challenge long-held beliefs for the greater good.