One of the readings for Monday of Holy Week is John 12:1-23. Here we find Jesus on His way to Jerusalem, and He goes through Bethany, to the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. This is the day before Palm Sunday. In the previous chapter Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Chapter 12 just casually mentions “Lazarus … whom Jesus had raised from the dead.” I don’t know about you, but I think that’s a pretty big deal!

We encountered Mary and Martha before, in Luke 10:38-42, where Martha was busy working to provide for her guests while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. Here in John 12 we again find that “Martha served,” as seems to be her nature. Meanwhile, Lazarus reclined at the table with Jesus and Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with perfume and lovingly wiped those precious soon to be nailed pierced feet with her hair.

This reading goes on to describe Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem the next day. However, what I want to reflect on is what happened on that day before, the Sabbath, especially what it says in vv. 10-11.

“So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.” (John 12:10–11)

Lazarus had been raised from the dead! That was a big deal. People were following Jesus, hearing His teachings, and putting their faith in Him because of what He did for Lazarus. So the priests, who already wanted to kill Jesus, decided they better kill Lazarus, too.

Do you think Lazarus knew that? If so, how do you think he was feeling on Friday when they crucified Jesus?

Now let’s take it to the next level. You and I have been raised from the dead as well. I’m speaking literally, in a very real sense, those who have put their faith in Jesus have been raised from the dead.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

“Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.” (Romans 6:13)

Do you know that people want to kill you because you follow Jesus and have put your faith in Him? That is the way of this world.

“Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:13–14)

You and I should wear that as a badge of honor. The more we bear witness to our Lord and Savior, the more the world will condemn us. I was listening to a comedienne talking about how she would not support certain companies because of their “evil agendas.” She was talking about Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-a. The world hates those who strive to follow Jesus.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18–19)

You and I have been chosen to follow Jesus. You have been led to the knowledge that He is your Savior. He lived a perfect life for you. He offered that innocent life to pay for your sins. And He rose in victory over death and the grave to give you the guarantee of life everlasting. So what if the world hates you?

“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)