From Jesus’ Miracles to Unbelief: Why Not Everyone Believed

Fifth Sunday of Lent

First Edition

Gospel John 11:47–53 Passion Sunday

The chief priests and the Pharisees called a council together and asked them, “What should we do? This man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both this holy place and our nation.” Then one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, “You know nothing at all. Do you not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish?” This was not his own idea, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but that he might gather into one all the children of God who were scattered abroad. From that day on, the council plotted to kill Jesus. (John 11:47–53 First Edition)

Introduction

As we approach the events of Easter in the Bible, one of the most important and exciting episodes in the life of Jesus opens before our eyes. Jesus’ death and the events leading up to it raise questions that are just as relevant today: Why did many not believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, even though he performed miracles, such as raising Lazarus from the dead? In this blog post, we will examine Jesus’ miracles and the disbelief associated with them. We will consider the reasons why, even in the face of miraculous events, some people remained skeptical and opposed Jesus. How did the political and religious circumstances of the time influence these events and ultimately lead to Jesus’ death sentence?

The Raising of Lazarus

One of Jesus’ most significant miracles is certainly the raising of Lazarus. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. This event was so powerful that it caused many to believe in Jesus. The resurrection occurred four days after Lazarus’ death, which made it especially significant.

The people who witnessed this miracle saw something they could not explain. The Bible says that this miracle attracted great attention. However, not everyone believed. Some could not or would not accept Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah, even though they had seen him raise the dead. This raises the question: Why were the miracles not enough to convince everyone?

Disbelief and Opposition

Many Jews, especially the religious leaders, viewed Jesus’ miracles as a threat. The Pharisees and chief priests feared that Jesus’ growing popularity would lead to a popular revolt against the Romans. Their fear was not only related to Jesus’ miracles but also to his teachings. The religious leaders felt that Jesus threatened their authority and traditions.

When the resurrection of Lazarus became public knowledge, some unbelievers went to the Pharisees to report Jesus’ actions. This led to a meeting of the council to discuss how to deal with Jesus. They saw Jesus as a threat to the entire nation and decided that “it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not” (John 11:50). This thinking led them to the decision to kill Jesus. This was a radical decision that was more than just a political strategy. It was also a rare moment in which human fear overcame faith. However, their decision to do so ironically fulfilled God’s plan.

Historical and Political Background

The political and religious conditions of Jesus’ time were complex. The Jews lived under Roman rule, and many expected the Messiah to bring political liberation. Jesus’ teachings and miracles did not meet everyone’s expectations of what the Messiah should be like. For example, in 66–73 AD, the Jews revolted against Rome, but in Jesus’ time, many simply wanted to crush Roman rule. They were not interested in the spiritual salvation that Jesus offered. Jesus’ teaching focused on love, forgiveness, and a personal relationship with God. This did not resonate with everyone’s expectations. The power of the religious leaders also gave them reason to oppose Jesus. Especially when Jesus challenged their teachings and authority, it aroused strong opposition.

Religious Rules and Traditions

One of the greatest obstacles to believing in Jesus as the Messiah was the Jews’ own religious traditions and rules. These norms had been in place for centuries and strictly defined what was acceptable. Jesus’ teachings often broke with these traditions. For example, Jesus spent time with sinners, healed people on the Sabbath, and taught that what mattered was purity of heart and love, not outward observance of the law. This caused confusion and fear. The religious leaders could only think of him as a rebel. Despite the chaos, some followers, even Jesus’ disciples, did not initially understand his true mission. This raises the question: was there unbelief in their hearts, or did we not all understand Jesus’ important message?

The Sentence of Jesus to Death

The sentence of Jesus to death was the result of the opposition that grew as his actions increased. The Jewish chief priests and government decided to take extreme measures to prevent Jesus from gaining popularity. They feared that Jesus would win the people over to his side and bring the wrath of the Romans upon them. The sad twist in Jesus’ story was that his own people chose to sacrifice themselves for one prominent person (Jesus) in order to avoid a wider destruction. This ironic situation shows how they were carrying out God’s plan for salvation for the entire world. The crucifixion of Jesus highlights many things: it signifies the victory over sin and the salvation of humanity. Here is the great paradox: death produces life.

Prayer and Understanding

As we contemplate Jesus’ suffering and death, it is important to remember that we do not always understand God’s plan. Like the disciples, we can be slow to understand why Jesus had to suffer. Prayer can help us find peace and understanding. We can ask God for help and wisdom to understand the meaning of Jesus in our lives. His suffering was not in vain; it opened a way for us to connect with God. In connection, our prayers can lead us to a deeper understanding of Jesus’ role. We pray that we may see the power of his love and forgiveness.

Summary and Conclusions

Jesus’ miracles were powerful and impressive, but they were not enough to convince everyone. Historical and political circumstances, religious traditions, and the fears of leaders influenced people’s faith. This is not only confusing, but it also opens up a discussion about why faith is diverse and why not everyone sees the same truth. It is important to learn from these events and understand that faith is full of questions and doubts. Only through prayer and the Word of God can we deepen our own faith and find peace in following Jesus. We invite everyone to reflect on their own faith and encourage you to pray and seek understanding, as Jesus’ disciples did in his day. We are not alone in our doubts, but at the same time we can find a safe harbor in the depths of our faith.