John 12:9-11 - Homilies By B. Thomas

Jesus and his enemies.

Note here—

I. THE ATTRACTION OF JESUS . "Much people of the Jews," etc.

1. He was attractive in his work . In the sick he had healed, the blind to whom he had given sight, and the dead he had restored to life, especially in his last miracle on Lazarus. In this he manifested:

2. His work was attractive in him . Lazarus restored to life was his immediate and undeniable work, and Lazarus was attractive, and the people came, "not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also," etc. Lazarus was attractive:

3. He was very attractive at this time .

II. THE OPPOSITION OF HIS FOES . "The chief priests," etc.

1. Their opposition was really to Jesus .

2. Their opposition was most wicked and cruel .

3. Their opposition was increasingly wicked and cruel .

4. Their opposition was most foolish . Reason was off its throne. For:

5. Their opposition was pitiably futile .

6. Their opposition came from an unexpected quarter . "The chief priests."

LESSONS .

1. The leaders of the people have often been the bitterest opponents of truth and progress . They have opposed every true reform, and instead of leading the people to the light, they have stood between the people and it, and have attempted to extinguish it.

2. If the leaders of the people are so opposed to truth, what can be expected of the people themselves .

3. When they will not lead the people, the people should lead them and help themselves .

4. All people, learned and unlearned, rich and poor, have a true Leader in Jesus . — B.T.