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They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus also, because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus. (John 12:9–11)

What do people think and do because of you? When your life crosses theirs, does it make a difference? Does it cause them to think about something important? Does it provoke a response?

Most importantly, do people believe in Jesus because of you?

A RESURRECTED LIFE

Lazarus had quite a story. He was one of the few people in history who had died and been physically raised to life by Jesus. This amazing miracle had captivated the people throughout the region.

Lazarus had little part in this, of course. It was all of God. Lazarus did the dying; Jesus did the raising. With a word, Christ called him from the tomb after four days in the tomb.

For those of us who have been spiritually raised from spiritual death to walk with Christ, this too is all of God. What can a dead man do? We were completely helpless.

> And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient … But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! (Ephesians 2:1–2, 4–5)

…is to walk with Him and testify about the One who rescued us from death to life and from condemnation to eternal life. Surely we owe Him that, because we owe Him everything. And surely the world needs our witness.

If we are silent while displaying the evidence of new life, we are only testifying to ourselves. People may mistakenly believe that our goodness or our efforts are producing that life, when in reality it is all because of Christ.

When people walk away after spending time with you today, will they believe in Jesus?

Copyright © 2026 by Bill Elliff @ billelliff.org. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org