October 12, 2019 – Day 286 Zechariah 12-14; John 11

Zechariah 12-14 flows as more of a unit than some of the other chapters have.  The overall tone of the chapters is the restoration of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem in the days ahead.  We find references to the future time of Jesus once again, as at one point we’re told, they will “look upon him whom they have pierced.”  This could be a reference to Jesus.  We also find that in the time that is prophesied, the LORD will live among the people.  This is most certainly a reference to the end time.  We’re told those who still remain against the LORD’s people will die horrible deaths, but the remnants of the nations will come to Jerusalem and worship the LORD.  As is nearly always the case, this prophecy ends with a proclamation of the LORD’s mercy, His goodness, His ultimate triumph, and the triumph of His people.

As we return to John 11, we read one of the most amazing accounts in Jesus’ life: the raising of Lazarus.  We’re introduced to the situation, when someone comes to tell Jesus His friend, Lazarus, is sick.  Jesus tells the disciples it will be okay, and that Lazarus has fallen asleep.  The disciples think, “If he’s sleeping, he’ll get better.”  But Jesus was referring to Lazarus having died.  Jesus doesn’t arrive at the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha until four days after Lazarus has died.  Jesus has two poignant encounters, one with each of the sisters, and ultimately breaks into weeping, before calling Lazarus to come out of the tomb.  Can you imagine what it was like?  Everyone thought Lazarus was dead and gone. Now, here he stood, alive!  We might think when the Pharisees heard about this amazing miracle, their minds would have changed about Jesus, and they would have proclaimed Him as the Messiah.  Precisely the opposite happened.  They decided because Jesus had done such a miracle, they needed to get rid of Jesus before the people turned to Him and caused an uprising that Rome would be compelled to squash.  Speaking prophetically without knowing it, one of the leaders said, “Better for one to die than for the whole nation to be destroyed.  Jesus would, indeed, be the one person who died not only to save Israel, but to save the entire world from our sin!

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