Raising a man from the dead creates a stir. As the Passover approached, Jesus returned to the scene of the miracle. In Bethany again, Mary anointed him with expensive perfume. Judas complained because he thought her gift was a waste of good resources. Meanwhile, the chief priests reacted to Jesus’ popularity by planning to kill Lazarus. Wait. Jesus has just brought him to life. Kill him again?
As Jesus entered the city to beautiful “Hosannas” and praises, a crowd gathered to meet him. Even Greeks came saying, “We would like to see Jesus.” Just as Magi greeted Jesus after his birth, so Greeks wanted to see him before his death. So Jesus described his death. To those who were surprised at the interest of Gentiles, Jesus responded, “And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself.”
God still saves all people who believe in him. At the end of Matthew he said, “As you go, make disciples of all nations . . .” Today, we see people gathering from all over the earth to know Jesus as their Lord. This is the beginning of the fulfillment of the picture of every tribe, tongue, and nation worshipping together around the throne in heaven. Why would people from around the world be drawn to Jesus? It is the universal magnetism of the cross. Jesus is the only one who died for the sins of the world. His rising from the dead is the beginning of raising the dead to life.
