At my first glance of John 11 I ended at verse 44, "The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.'" That's where the journey to new life ends and where the journey of new life begins. It's an obvious ending point if new life is the destination we're striving towards. But that isn't where the chapter ends. In the remaining thirteen verses we see one more crucial element about the journeys we undertake with God.
In the final verses of John 11 we see that more than just Lazarus receives new life from Jesus in this moment. Verse 45 says, "Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him." The journey to new life is essential not simply because those who take it receive the life that God created them for, but more so because we are not the only ones effected by the outcome. Lazarus receives new life, and many of the Jews there believe in Jesus because of the new life that Lazarus received.
People are changed by new life. People can see new life, and it effects them. We must undertake this journey not simply for ourselves, but for the countless people we come in contact with throughout the journey of new life. People are come to faith because of the new life they see in others. New life from Jesus in us, draws others to Christ. But not everyone is thrilled by new life. Verse 46 says, "But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done."
Some of the higher-ups gather and discuss what to do. It's interesting how they don't deny a miracle. They don't deny that Lazarus was dead and that Jesus gave him new life. But they realize that this new life will force them to change, and they aren't on board with that. And so verse 53 tells us, "So from that day on they planned together to kill Him." When new life is being given and the currant order of things is being shaken up, crucifixions start being planned. Jesus was doing something great, but rather than embrace it and receive life as it was supposed to be, the Jewish leaders decided to cling to the life they had. Not only did the miss out on new life, but they also killed God. Jesus gave new life' and it cost Him His life because people were stubborn and refused to accept it. But He courageously continued to give new life because He knew that nothing was greater than the work God had given Him to do, and He was willing to pay any price.
Before He returned to Heaven, He gave all who would follow Him a commission to continue the work of helping people find new life. Matthew 28.19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This is a dangerous mission to undertake. Jesus warns us in John 16 that there will be trouble in this world. And Paul warns us in Ephesians 6 that this struggle is not against flesh and blood, but an evil force. Undertaking the journey of new life puts us on the side of Jesus against Satan. There is a cost to following Jesus, new life is not cheap, but it is worth the price that must be paid.
If we aren’t prepared for the hardships on the journey of new life, and the journeys that follow it, we aren’t going to make it. This journey is not to be taken lightly because there are great costs to be paid. If you’re on the journey be ready for the attack. The forces of evil will stop at nothing as they attempt to take you out, as long as you are a threat. If you’re not under attack right now, and if it’s been a while since an attack, you might want to examine your life and see if there is anything that makes you a threat to Satan. Is anything about your life helping bring new life to others? If not, why?
But if you are a threat, if you are under attack, God have given us equipment to be prepared for them. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,” (Ephesians 6.10-18a).
The journey to new life comes with its hardships, but God gives us the equipment to be prepared for the journey. There will be hardships on the journey. There will be attacks, but the attacks can serve as an encouragement. It means that we are being used by God for His Kingdom. God doesn't want us to be taken out, and so He has equipped us for the journey with His armor. Suit up, and let's get going, there are people that need the new life that only Jesus can give, and we are the ones commissioned to bring the message to them. Stand firm, don't be discouraged.
To God alone be the Glory!
Peace be with you
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