John 12 NLT
9 When all the peopled heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see Him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11 for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
12 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Hail to the King of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: 15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about Him. 17 Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet Him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after Him!”
The Pharisees we bitter, they did not like Jesus and now, that bitterness included Lazarus. They were becoming so consumed with hatred for Jesus they were plotting not one but two murders.
When we are angry with someone, we commit murder in our heart. Maybe you think "I'm a good person, I've never murdered anyone." But compared to Jesus' standards you have. Matthew 5:21“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!'
Have you ever been so consumed with hatred for someone that it takes over your life? You spend every waking hour thinking of all the reasons you dislike them and justifying your hatred in your mind. Maybe you tell everyone around you what this person did or didn't do. You loose sleep, it effects your appetite, it gives you a headache.
When we focus on the negative, it becomes a way of life. It effects our outlook, our interactions and our soul. It corrupts us from the inside out. Our experiences can make us bitter or they can make us better. What if the next conflict we have, we lift it up to the Lord in prayer. Instead of letting bitterness take root, we turn it over to God and let Him deal with it. Every time the situation comes to mind, pray and turn it over to Him. Amazing things will happen. Bitterness doesn't take root, compassion takes over, understanding comes into focus and correction can happen. It brings us closer to Jesus from the inside out.
Blessings, Cecilia
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