“The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.”

The people are amazed, while the ‘leaders’ plot their wickedness.  The people freely come to Him and receive His presence, while those who are learned remain firm, steadfast in their scheming.  It appears that those who have no ‘plan’ are surprised–they delight in the presence and ministry of Jesus, while those who are fixed, solid, certain, unbending, unyielding…those are unable to see Jesus and witness His wonders, they remain blind, ignorant, stuck in the sin that keeps them at odds with Him.

On this Monday of Holy Week, what might still remain within us that is keeping us from ultimately changing our course: to move away from sin and to fly toward Jesus’ presence, His ministry, His love?