John 12:9 “Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;”
The “chief priests” were now so insane with anger that they sought to murder both “Jesus” and “Lazarus”. It is clear that these men had no love nor appreciation for the Word of God that was unfolding right before their very eyes. It seems that the only love they had was for themselves, their position, their wealth, their power, and their influence over the people. The Lord issued this warning of them: “Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.” (Mark 38-40). As more and more people believed and followed “Jesus”, the more jealous hatred they had for him. It is clear that these were “unreasonable and wicked men” that “have not faith” (II Thessalonians 3:2). Peter spoke of them and their end this way: “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;” (II Peter 2:12). It seems that this rejection and opposition rears is vicious head in every generation. Even in the very face of such venomous hatred, the faithful Children of God are exhorted to stand firm in the Word of God and “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).