Day 31 – The Persecution of the Cross

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

“When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’…but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done…So from that day on they made plans to put Him to death.” (John 11:43, 46, 53)

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (John 12:9-11)

Yesterday we were reminded that not everyone liked Jesus.  In fact, He made people uncomfortable.  The light and love that He brought into this world exposed our shortcomings and our need for a supernatural solution…a Savior.  It seemed that each time He would heal or forgive the opposition would grow more intense.  They were going to have to get rid of Him.

Today we think about one of Jesus’ most dramatic and graphic miracles…the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  This miracle was about more than Lazarus.  This illustrated what Jesus could do and wants to do for everyone who will hear His voice.  He calls us out of the tombs of our sin to walk in new life!  But, as stated earlier, the clarity of the Gospel served only to strengthen the resolve to kill Jesus and…believe it or not, Lazarus too.

WARNING:  Hanging out with Jesus can be hazardous to your health.

You might ask, “What did Lazarus do?”  He was a walking and breathing testimony to Jesus…the Resurrection and the Life.  He was living proof that Jesus had power over life and death.  People were coming to Jesus and believing in Jesus because of him!  He was not a preacher or miracle worker.  He was simply an example of the redemptive work of Jesus.

WARNING:  Hanging out with Jesus can be hazardous to your health.

Historical records and traditions tell us that most of the early followers of Jesus lived under the constant threat of danger.  It seems that the closer you were to Jesus the higher on the “hit list” you were.  Even Lazarus made Jerusalem’s Top 10 Most Wanted list.  He didn’t ask for it.  He had done nothing to deserve it.  He was a threat because of what Jesus did for him.  What about you?

Are you a reflection of the resurrection power of Jesus?  It is much easier to quietly serve Jesus from the shadows.  You may be able to escape persecution there, but that is not His purpose for you.  God has blessed you…saved you…not only for your own good, but so others might see what He can do for them as well.  To do this is to become visible…to become associated with a Radical Jesus who brings life…who loves us and forgives us.  It is rocking the boat of the “status quo” and becoming dangerous and often persecuted by those trapped in darkness.

Come out!  Come out, O children of God, that the world may see what Jesus has done for you.  It may be dangerous but, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…”