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May 06, 2024 06:00am

Risking It All

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In an effort to crack down on organized crime in the 1960s, US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy not only wanted witnesses to come forward and testify but also promised to protect them.

There was one rule everyone knew – you speak against the mob, you get killed. Police and lawyers urged witnesses to share their testimonies of what really happened, but they were terrified for themselves and their families. If they told their eyewitness account, it could cost them their life and their families.

The witness protection program was soon formed. But even with that, there was no guarantee the witnesses could be fully protected at all times.

If the mob had a hit out on you, it seemed hopeless.

John 12:9-11
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;
11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.”

Jesus is in town for the Passover celebration. The mob of Pharisees was out to kill Him. For a time, He had decided not to walk openly as He once had, deciding to go to a nearby country with His disciples until it was time.

With the Passover near, He followed their traditional celebration customs and journeyed towards Jerusalem. He stopped in Bethany to have dinner with His friend Lazarus. Remember him?

He’s the one Jesus raised from the dead.

And he was telling everyone about this incredible miracle Jesus had done. Many people heard his testimony and believed in Jesus because of it. The Pharisees were furious. If Lazarus kept telling of this miraculous event, more people would believe and follow Jesus. They would be ruined. They had to keep him quiet.

They had a hit put out on Lazarus just as they had Jesus.

And they still shared the truth.

They were willing to risk their lives so others would know the truth and believe.

And as we continue our story, which perhaps you already know by heart, we see that Jesus gave His life so that we could know the truth and be saved.

What are we willing to sacrifice so that others will know the truth about Jesus? Are we boldly sharing that He alone can save? Are we telling others of His incredible love and ability to forgive our sins if we would believe and repent? Are we willing to testify how Christ has changed us, no matter the cost?

A young lady I follow on Instagram has recently left the Mormon church and has become a follower of Christ. She attended a church that shared the gospel with her, and through many questions and discussions, she and her family have given their lives to following Jesus. And now, she proclaims the truth so that others may know and be freed. No matter the cost. I admire her boldness, her heart for the people blinded to the truth, and her desire to share who Jesus really is, according to the Bible.

May we have the same boldness and heart for being a witness for Jesus as Lazarus was and as this young lady is.

Share your story. Share the beautiful, life-changing, redemptive story of Jesus.