Why did the Jews have it out for Jesus? As you read the Gospels, you are probably drawn t His authoritative teaching, holy life, and miraculous power. What's not to like!?!
But clearly, the Jewish leader of Jesus' day quickly grew to hate Him! A careful reading of the Gospels reveal several reasons:
i.) Personal enmity – The Jews envied Jesus' popularity with the multitudes. Even the Roman governor Pilate had that figured out.
ii.) Theological anger – The Pharisees in particular were angered when Jesus healed on the Sabbath. They were outraged when He repeatedly claimed to be equal to God.
iii.) Political fear – Rome ruled Palestine. Caesar allowed the Jews a measure of autonomy as long as they kept order, paid tribute, and controlled any threat to Rome. But Jesus' popularity intersected Jewish nationalism; if the Galilean sparked a messianic revolution, the Romans would remove the Jewish council and perhaps destroy Jerusalem's temple. Jesus was a threat to an uneasy political status quo.
As Passover approaches, the Sanhedrin's political fear grows deeper and darker! Let's finish the account of Jesus and Lazarus in John 11:39-57. Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from the dead! This incredible sign of Jesus' power is witnessed by a contingent of Jews from Jerusalem. Many of them truly believe that Jesus is Lord. But some slink away to Pharisees. The Sanhedrin is frustrated, angry, and threatened. They determine to kill Him!
Our text documents the Jews' final resolution to kill Jesus: 1. A split decision in Bethany (45-46). …which leads to… 2. A prophetic plan in Jerusalem (47-53). …which creates… 3. The mounting tension at Passover (54-57).
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