A Miracle Wasn't Enough (Jn 11:45-46)

Yesterday's reading was John 10-11.

1. Everyone there was exposed to the same facts. Fact: Lazarus was dead. Fact: Lazarus was in the tomb long enough to begin decaying. (At least the embalming spices began to fail.) Fact: Lazarus walked out of the tomb at Jesus' command. Fact: Lazarus was alive!
2. Many chose to believe in Jesus, based upon the facts. It would've been better had they believed based upon His identity or message, but at least they believed. Part of me is screaming, "How could they not believe?" I mean, Jesus just raised a dead guy back to life! Awesome, huh?
3. Not everyone believed. This minority was exposed to the same facts. This minority witnessed the same miracle. Lesson: Even a miracle is not enough to persuade some people. Yes, it is possible to have a heart that hardened!
4. The greatest obstacle to believing in Jesus might be preoccupation with someone else's opinion. Whoever "the Jews" were in particular, their opinion mattered a lot to these non-believers. There would be no chance of believing unless "the Jews" approved. The opinion of men mattered more than the glory of God.
5. What does it take for you to believe in Jesus? Is there anything holding you back?