New Testament
John 12:10
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So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,
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But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
What John 12:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the chief priests plotting to kill Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead by Jesus. Lazarus's miraculous return to life not only drew attention to Jesus's power but also threatened the religious leaders' authority. They feared that if more people believed in Jesus because of Lazarus, it would undermine their control and lead to greater unrest with the Roman authorities. This situation highlights the lengths to which the religious leaders would go to protect their position, even considering murder. It also emphasizes the tension between faith and fear, as the miraculous act of raising Lazarus should have inspired belief and hope, yet it incited fear and hostility among those in power. The plot against Lazarus serves as a stark reminder of the conflict between the message of Jesus and the established religious order, illustrating the challenges faced by those who follow Him.
How to apply John 12:10 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to the miraculous works of God in our lives. Are we inspired to share our faith, or do we allow fear of opposition to silence us? We should boldly proclaim the truth, even when faced with resistance.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Lazarus's story: “That They Might See Lazarus” (John 12:9–11)
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Lazarus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying John 12:10
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 12:10 mean?
John 12:10 describes the chief priests' plan to kill Lazarus after he was raised from the dead by Jesus. This highlights their fear of losing authority and control over the people as more began to believe in Jesus because of Lazarus's miraculous return to life.
What is the significance of Lazarus in John 12:10?
Lazarus represents the power of Jesus's miracles and the conflict between faith and fear. His return to life not only demonstrated Jesus's divine authority but also incited fear among the religious leaders who felt their control was being challenged.
What themes are present in John 12:10?
Key themes in John 12:10 include fear of authority, the impact of miracles, religious opposition, and the struggle between faith and fear. The verse illustrates the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain control.
How does John 12:10 relate to faith and fear?
In John 12:10, the miraculous act of raising Lazarus should inspire faith and hope, yet it instead incites fear and hostility among the religious leaders. This contrast highlights the challenges believers face when their faith threatens established authority.
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