Security Threat (Part 1)

Many of the Jews...came not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus to death also; for because of him many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus. (Taken from John 12:9-11)

 The religious leaders did not know what to do with Jesus.  He did not fit their paradigm.  Ultimately, he became a serious security threat.  We know this because after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees held a council.  They said, "What do we do?  This man does many miracles!  If we let him alone, all men will believe on him:  and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." (John 11:47-48). Jesus was threatening their security, their carefully constructed religious kingdom.

Before we jump on the judgment bandwagon, let's get personal.  Ask: Is Jesus a security threat to me?

The word place is rendered from a Greek word that means:
1) any portion or space marked off, as it were from surrounding space

 2) metaphorically

   a) the condition or station held by one in any company or assembly

   b) opportunity, power, occasion for acting  

The word nation means what you would likely guess:

1) a multitude associated or living together

 2) a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus  (Online Bible, edition 4.05)

Consider the following:

• What place or places have I set forth to construct that involve achieving goals?  (Home? Work? Church? Community?)
• What group or groups do I value highly? (Relative peers? Religious peers? Community peers? Corporate peers?)

I am not saying we should not set goals or that we should abandon groups that enrich our lives.  I am saying, that we should not be a prisoner of our past pursuits or a captivate of our current condition.  If we are, we WILL miss Jesus. 

The apostle Paul gave up everything -- his previous beliefs, his station, his popularity, his safety, etc. -- because he had a real encounter with Jesus.  Christians are quick to say we are willing to sacrifice all but I question how closely we examine steadfastness of our "willingness".  You see, the heart must be pure in its pursuit of Jesus.  The mind must be wholly focused on Him. The spirit must be wholly guided by His.  Paul's mindset was this...

read  each  word  carefully...

 "doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."

Do you?  Do I?  This is a security threat we must allow.  Count all things loss or great is your loss!