Then many of the people, who had come with Mary and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and reported to them what Jesus had done.
John 11:45-46 NIV
Lazarus had died and had been in the grave for four days. There was no doubt in the minds of the people at his grave that he was dead and decomposing. But Jesus called Lazarus to come out of his grave. And Lazarus walked out, still wrapped in the grave clothes. It was an obvious miracle.
John recorded two distinct responses from the people who witnessed this miracle. Many of those who had come out to comfort Mary and Martha saw what Jesus did and responded by believing in him. They understood this miracle as a sign that Jesus was from God. And they chose to follow him.
But some of them reported what had taken place to Jesus’ enemies. They could not deny what had taken place (John 11:47). But rather than believe, they sought to silence him by putting him to death (John 11:49-53).
Why Will Some Not Believe?
Why did some respond to this miracle with belief and others with opposition? Both groups saw a dead man walk out of his grave. There was no denying that a miracle had taken place. The proof was walking around, leading many more to believe (John 12:10).
But some refused to believe in Jesus. They had already made up their minds about him. And nothing he could say or do would change that. Jesus was a threat to their way of life and position within the community. For them, belief in Jesus was not something they were willing to consider. They might challenge him for a sign to prove himself (John 6:30). And they might acknowledge that he was providing signs (John 11:47). But they still would not believe, even despite the signs (John 12:37). Nothing would convince them.
And what was true then is just as true today. Some will encounter Jesus and believe in him, surrendering their lives to him. But others are unwilling to believe in Jesus. And no matter what miracles they say would convince them, they still would not believe. The cost of following Jesus is a price they are not willing to pay.
Share the gospel with those you encounter. Demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus. But don’t be discouraged by those who refuse to believe in Jesus and oppose you and our Lord.
“But others are unwilling to believe in Jesus. And no matter what miracles they say would convince them, they still would not believe. The cost of following Jesus is a price they are not willing to pay.”
Since 1986 I have shared Jesus with family members respectfully and non-condemningly from the Bible and from my life experience with Jesus. In the last few years one indicated she doesn’t want to hear any more which I respect her wishes. Two more I asked if they want to hear any more and they said no. I have been baffled by this. I appreciate your statement: “The cost of following Jesus is a price they are not willing to pay.” I had never thought of that.
It is unfortunate, but true. If those who were a witness to Jesus’ miracles refused to believe, it should be no surprise that people today will also refuse to believe. Especially when you consider the cost of believing. As a believer, I do see the benefit as far outweighing the cost. But to one who has not experienced life with the Spirit, it can look pretty expensive.