John 12:10 - The Plot to Kill Lazarus
So the chief priests
The chief priests were influential leaders within the Jewish religious hierarchy, primarily from the Sadducees, who held significant power in the Sanhedrin, the ruling council. They were responsible for temple rituals and maintaining order, often collaborating with Roman authorities to preserve their status and influence.
made plans
This phrase indicates a deliberate and premeditated decision, reflecting the growing hostility towards Jesus and His followers. The chief priests' actions were not impulsive but calculated, showing their determination to eliminate threats to their authority and religious traditions.
to kill Lazarus
Lazarus had become a living testimony to Jesus' power, having been raised from the dead (John 11:43-44). His resurrection was a direct challenge to the religious leaders' authority and beliefs, as it drew many to believe in Jesus. The decision to kill Lazarus highlights the extent of their opposition to Jesus' ministry and the lengths they would go to suppress His influence.
as well
This phrase underscores the broader conspiracy against Jesus and His followers. The chief priests' plan to kill Lazarus "as well" suggests that their plot against Jesus was already in motion. It reflects the escalating tension and the desperate measures taken by the religious leaders to maintain control and prevent the spread of Jesus' message.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Chief Priests
Religious leaders in Jerusalem who held significant authority in Jewish society. They were responsible for temple rituals and maintaining religious order. In this context, they are depicted as antagonists plotting against Jesus and Lazarus.
2. Lazarus
A close friend of Jesus who was raised from the dead by Him, as recorded in John 11. His resurrection was a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority, which threatened the religious leaders.
3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the temple. It was a place of significant religious and political activity, especially during the time of Jesus' ministry.
4. Plot to Kill
The event where the chief priests conspired to kill Lazarus because his resurrection was leading many to believe in Jesus, thus threatening their power and influence.
5. Jesus' Ministry
The broader context of Jesus' work on earth, which included performing miracles, teaching about the Kingdom of God, and ultimately leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.
Teaching Points
The Threat of Truth
The truth of Jesus' power and divinity was a threat to the established religious order. Believers today may also face opposition when standing for biblical truth.
The Cost of Witness
Lazarus' life became a testimony to Jesus' power, but it also put him in danger. Christians should be prepared for the cost of being a witness to Christ's work in their lives.
Spiritual Blindness
The chief priests' inability to see the truth of Jesus' miracles reflects spiritual blindness. We must pray for open hearts and minds to recognize God's work around us.
God's Sovereignty
Despite human plots and opposition, God's plan prevails. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty over their lives and circumstances.
Faith Over Fear
Lazarus' account encourages believers to have faith over fear, knowing that God can use even the most challenging situations for His glory.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from John 12How did Mary of Bethany show devotion to Jesus?What motivated Judas to betray Jesus?What occurred to Lazarus post-resurrection?Why resurrect Lazarus yet allow others to die, and does this choice raise questions of fairness (John 11:4)?
(10) But the chief priests consulted.--The chief priests were for the most part Sadducees (Acts 5:17). They have been acting with the Pharisees from John 11:47 onwards. Their animus is shown in that, while no charge is brought against Lazarus, his life is a witness to the divinity of Him whom they have condemned to death, and a denial of their own doctrine that there is no resurrection (Acts 23:8). The words do not mean that they came to a final decision to put him to death, but that they took counsel on the matter, and watched their opportunity.
Verses 10, 11. -
(2) On the chief priests. The chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. They deliberated to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus. It was not enough that one man should die; another and another must follow if their plan is to succeed. And now the hour had come (John 2:4; John 7:30), but not until our Lord once more warned the disciples with intense significance and explicitness of his approaching death and burial. Thus another striking illustration is given of the judgment, the crisis, the sifting process, which is always going on in the presence of Christ. His greatest signs, his wisest teachings, his most amazing love, bring out the twofold result. Some receive, some reject, some burst into louder acclaim, some try to slay. As with the history of this "Gospel," some hear in it the very voice of the Eternal, but there are others who would grind it to powder. Because Ignatius and Polycarp bear witness to the existence of the Gospel, these Lazaruses must be put to death, or banished to a later period out of harm's way. Even the genuineness of the Apocalypse, so long a tower of defense for the Tübingen school, is too powerful a proof of St. John's residence in Asia to be accepted with equanimity or left in possession, and some of the later critics have taken counsel to repudiate its Johannine authorship. Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[So]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
chief priests
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.
made plans
ἐβουλεύσαντο (ebouleusanto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1011: To deliberate, take counsel, determine. From boule; to advise, i.e. deliberate, or resolve.
to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.
kill
ἀποκτείνωσιν (apokteinōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.
Lazarus
Λάζαρον (Lazaron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2976: Probably of Hebrew origin; Lazarus, the name of two Israelites.
as well,
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.
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