witness to resurrection

The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.

John 12:17

In John’s account of the Triumphal Entry he adds this detail on the motivation of the enthusiastic crowd. A large portion of those waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” to Jesus as King of Israel were also present in Bethany when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. They had witnessed Jesus perform a resurrection. Now they were hoping for a resurrection of Israel’s own kingdom.

Moreover, this group of people “continued to bear witness”. That’s John the apostle telling us that they couldn’t stop talking about how Jesus raised a man from the dead. It was spreading all over Jerusalem among the crowds of pilgrims in the city to celebrate Passover. It was the talk of the town. And the crowd kept growing around Jesus to the chagrin of the Jewish religious leaders because new people kept hearing that Jesus had done this miracle.

Today we are still drawn to the One Who gives life. Of course the Triumphal Entry is the start of Passion Week… the events that led to the trial, crucifixion, and eventual resurrection of Jesus. This would lead to an even greater hope… not just that One Who raises the dead would be on the throne in Jerusalem… but that He would rule our hearts as more than Messiah of Israel… Jesus is Savior of the world!

Jesus,

Because You raised the dead and were raised from the dead, we have hope and assurance that death is only the door to eternal life in You! And in that truth we rejoice and bless Your great name!

Amen