“Because of Him Many Went Away”
Seeking Jesus First - June 16, 2026
“Because of Him Many Went Away”
Please Read John 12:9–11 (NKJV)
Reflection
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, a great many people came to Bethany — not only to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, the man who had been dead and was now alive. The miracle had become widely known, and it was drawing people to Jesus.
However, the religious leaders were not pleased. The chief priests made a chilling decision: they plotted to put Lazarus to death as well. Why? Because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.
Lazarus had become a living testimony. His very presence was causing people to turn from the religious system and put their faith in Jesus. For the chief priests, this was unacceptable. They were willing to kill not only Jesus, but anyone whose life pointed others to Him.
This reveals the growing cost of being associated with Jesus. Lazarus did not ask to be raised from the dead, but now his life was in danger simply because Jesus had touched him. Following Jesus — or even being visibly connected to Him — was becoming costly. It was no longer safe or socially acceptable in many circles.
In the Kingdom life, there is a cost to following Jesus. Sometimes that cost involves losing favor with people, being misunderstood, or even facing opposition from religious or influential voices. Yet the very thing that made Lazarus a target — his testimony of what Jesus had done — was also what drew many others to faith.
Application
Today, consider your own life. Has following Jesus ever cost you something — a relationship, a promotion, social acceptance, or the approval of others? Renew your mind with this truth: Because of Him, many went away and believed. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is any area where you have been holding back or staying silent because the cost feels too high. Choose today to let your life be a testimony of what Jesus has done, even if it means some people “go away” from you. Your faithfulness may be the very thing God uses to draw others to Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful testimony of Lazarus, whose life caused many to believe in Jesus. Thank You that even when following Jesus becomes costly, You are still at work drawing people to Yourself. Forgive us for the times we have pulled back or stayed silent because we feared the cost. Renew our minds today to count the cost willingly. Help us to live as living testimonies of Your power and grace. Strengthen us to follow Jesus faithfully, even when it means losing favor with some people. May our lives point others to You. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.