The Passover was a very important holiday to the Jewish people. The seven-day festival (eight in the Diaspora) began on 15 Nissan, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt; the sacrifice was offered on the eve of that holiday during Temple times. People would travel hundreds of miles to the city, with every known social and economic status imaginable represented. This Passover was particularly exciting because a man named Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Many people have heard about the miracles he performed, and the most recent one involved Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead in the grave, but Jesus brought him back to life. So, people flocked into the city to see Jesus, hoping to see a miracle. Interestingly, while everyone was flocking into the city to see Jesus, He was headed the other way. Why? The largest religious event of the year was getting ready to take place, and Jesus was absent. Look at John Chapter 11 to see why Jesus did not immediately come to the city.
Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus after being in the grave for several days (John 11: 38-44) 45 Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 53 So from that day on, they made plans to put him to death. 54 Jesus, therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, where he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
Don’t miss the big picture in these verses. Why was Jesus not in the city? Because the Religious leaders wanted him dead! The people who had spent their whole lives studying about God, practicing purification ceremonies, and being responsible for teaching about God squandered away His presence because it became all about them. Suddenly, it was not about seeking God; it was about their programs, rules, and stature in the community. They were so wrapped up in their control that they denied the Lord's presence. So here was the biggest religious event of the year, and Jesus was absent.
Before we get haughty, are we not the same? How many “religious” events do we have a year where we plan all the music, sermons, and other activities but don't bend our knee to beg for His presence? Think about throwing a birthday party for someone. You booked the band and purchased their favorite cake and flowers but never invited them to the party. It was all in vain because they were not there to experience it. The same is true about our spiritual life. We can say and do all the right things, attend church, and participate in all types of programs, but if God never shows up, we have truly missed it all.
The Bible says, “Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews.” Thousands of people wanted to see and hear from Jesus in the city, but He chose to be with a handful that truly believed He was the Son of God. Sometimes, we get caught up in the number game as ministers. We want to have great numbers, which equals great results. However, God has taught me in ministry that I would rather have six people truly seeking God than a hundred checking it off the list. I'd rather have one or two loyal, trustworthy friends who have my back than fifty who may or may not aid in my time of need.
In the early church, Paul instructed the Corinthians to separate themselves from people who claimed to be believers but were living in outward, unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5). Today, those people lead our churches and preach from our pulpits, which means we are truly missing the mark of the Gospel.
Biblical time versus today's reality
Jesus says, "Leave everything and follow Me" (see Luke 14:33)
We say--"Pray this little prayer and live how you like"?
The Bible says, "All who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (see 2 Tim. 3:12)
We say-- "Ask Jesus into your heart and enjoy a comfortable life"?
As we approach Easter this Sunday, ensure you've invited Christ to be present wherever you worship!