Large crowds of people came looking for Jesus, especially after he raised Lazarus from the dead. The story gained legs, and everyone wanted a glimpse at the miracle-working teacher among them.

Everyone except the Pharisees. They wanted to get rid Jesus, do him in, put a permanent kibosh on his career. Now Lazarus emerged, a walking billboard for the power of Jesus. Like a good mafia family, the Pharisees decided to put a hit out on Lazarus as well.

What made this particular group of religious teachers, men who studied the scriptures their whole lives, devolve into a conniving band of cutthroats?

There may have been multiple reasons, but I suspect Jesus threatened their hold on power. The Pharisees controlled the religious practices of a deeply religious people, with authority extending to all levels of society. Jesus undermined this superiority and privilege.

So they put a contract out on Jesus and added Lazarus as well. While they succeeded in nailing Jesus to the cross, it appears Lazarus escaped unharmed, except, of course, for watching his friend suffer and die.

Power corrupts, in religious circles as anywhere else. At the same hour the Pharisees conspired, Jesus washed his disciples feet. He told them, I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Jesus sat his power aside in order to serve others.

Which is a much better way for me to practice my religion.

John 12 & 13 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by mahdi rezaei