What does John 12:10 mean?

Explanation

John 12:10 describes a plot by the chief priests to kill Lazarus following the remarkable event of Jesus raising him from the dead.

This verse highlights the chief priests' growing concern over Jesus' influence and the lengths they were willing to go to stop Him.

The verse underscores not only the political and social tensions of the time but also the spiritual blindness and rejection of Jesus' messianic mission by the religious leaders.

They were so fixated on maintaining their power that they considered it necessary to eliminate Lazarus as well, whose resurrection had become tangible proof of Jesus' divine authority, leading many to believe in Jesus.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of Jesus' ministry in the first century AD, a time of Roman occupation in Judea and a period of intense religious expectation among the Jews for a Messiah.

Lazarus's resurrection in Bethany, as recorded in John 11, was a significant sign that catalyzed a following for Jesus and alerted the Jewish authorities to a potential threat to the established order and their own standing.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, John 12:10 reveals the conflict between the unfolding plan of God for salvation and the resistance of human institutions to divine intervention.

While Jesus' raising of Lazarus is a foreshadowing of the resurrection and a sign of His authority over life and death, the chief priests’ response to this miracle reveals a profound hardening of heart and spiritual myopia.

Practical Applications

This verse challenges believers to consider their own responses to the works of God. It calls into question where our allegiances lie and whether we are willing to recognize and embrace the evidence of God's work in our lives, even if it disrupts our preconceptions or threatens our status quo.

Cross-References

• John 11:53 - "Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."
• John 11:45 - "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him."
• John 12:11 - "Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus."

Language Study

The key word here is "consulted" (εβουλευσαντο in Greek), which indicates that the chief priests were deliberate and strategic in their decision-making.

The Greek verb conveys a sense of counsel or purposeful planning, reinforcing the intentional nature of their plot.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, miracles and signs were also commonly attributed to gods or demigods. A philosophical comparison could be drawn to the Greco-Roman stories where gods intervene in human affairs, frequently prompting a variety of human responses, from worship to hostility.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science addresses the concept of death and resuscitation with an understanding of biological processes and the limitations of medical science.

The story of Lazarus challenges the scientific perspective with a miraculous event that defies natural explanation, inviting a discussion on the intersection of faith and science.

Commentaries

Experts and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse, often focusing on the irony of the chief priests plotting to kill a man who had just been raised from death.

Some commentaries speak to the stark contrast between the life-giving power of Jesus and the death-dealing intentions of the religious leaders, while others may discuss the escalating tension that leads to Jesus' own crucifixion.

They generally agree on the significance of Lazarus's resurrection as a pivotal event that solidified the resolve of Jesus' opponents to stop His ministry by any means necessary.