By: Juliet Constantine

“Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.” (John 12:9)
 

“Could it be true? I must see him for myself.” This might have been the thought process of the many Jews who heard of Lazarus’ resurrection. They heard of the great miracle, but wanted to see for themselves. They had to see to confirm their belief. They believed ‘seeing is believing’. And so “they came, not for Jesus’ sake only,” but to fulfill their mere curiosity. The event was Jesus’ farewell dinner – even though many didn’t know it. Still, they came: not to really celebrate with Jesus, but to find reasons to fault Him. The many Jews who came, didn’t really want to see Jesus, but used the occasion as a mere excuse to get close to see Lazarus.

Jesus had worked among them for three years, and still many hearts did not believe. Raising Lazarus from the dead wasn’t the only time Jesus raised someone from the dead. He had raised the widow’s son, didn’t He? Yet, it’s not recorded that the Jews sought proof of this miracle. Jesus’ work was littered with many evidences of whom He said He was; but still, many did not believe. Would seeing Lazarus awaken their belief in Jesus? Well, it did for some.

In our experience, many who will come may not want to see Jesus only, but they want to see those persons for who Jesus’ love has transformed. At first, they will not be so much interested in the stories written about Him, but by what they have read from our lives. Our testimony echoes not only in our words, but also in our lives. Our lives will be the only reason some people will come to see Jesus Christ. Many will come out of mere curiosity, and may be convinced to believe. But until that happens, the message we portray should reveal that Jesus gives abundant life.

The Jews came to see not only Jesus, but also Lazarus. That was then. What about you? Whom did you come to see? As you’ve visited this page, reading this book, whom did you see? Did you see Jesus? We humbly desired that you would see Jesus; He will not only give you abundant life, but your life will be changed. Yes, by beholding you will be changed. You may have visited out of curiosity but you can leave with a far more eternal gift – the gift of life. We invite you to see Jesus who can make your life a story worth reading. Whom did you come to see? Did you see Jesus?

Dear Heavenly Father, we would see Jesus because by beholding Him, we will become changed. Please help us to be living testimonies of His goodness and the change He wrought in our lives. May others see Him through us and be led to You. This is our asking, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)