The Fragrance of Life and the Stench of Death
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
John 12:9-11
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The Fragrance of Life and the Stench of Death
When Lazarus walked among the living again, many came not only to see Jesus but also the man once dead. His very presence testified to the power of Christ over death, and that testimony could not be tolerated by those who loved darkness. The chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus, as if snuffing out the evidence could undo the miracle. Yet this moment foreshadows the greater plot soon to come, the crucifixion of Jesus Himself. What they meant for death, God meant for life. On the cross, the stench of sin and death met the fragrance of forgiveness. The same Christ who raised Lazarus entered death willingly to raise us eternally. Though the world still rages against His witnesses, the cross stands as God’s final word: life triumphs. Like Lazarus, we bear witness not to ourselves, but to the One who is Resurrection and Life.
John 12:9-11
+
The Fragrance of Life and the Stench of Death
When Lazarus walked among the living again, many came not only to see Jesus but also the man once dead. His very presence testified to the power of Christ over death, and that testimony could not be tolerated by those who loved darkness. The chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus, as if snuffing out the evidence could undo the miracle. Yet this moment foreshadows the greater plot soon to come, the crucifixion of Jesus Himself. What they meant for death, God meant for life. On the cross, the stench of sin and death met the fragrance of forgiveness. The same Christ who raised Lazarus entered death willingly to raise us eternally. Though the world still rages against His witnesses, the cross stands as God’s final word: life triumphs. Like Lazarus, we bear witness not to ourselves, but to the One who is Resurrection and Life.
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