THE PLOT TO KILL LAZARUS

The LORD God Almighty, while giving His law, to the people He chose, very clearly stated that, “THOU SHALT NOT KILL” – Exodus 20:13
Berean Bible Study Notes comments thus on Exodus 20:13…it is worth reading, to get the depth of the heart and mind of YAHWEH, who gave this law.
– “This phrase [‘THOU SHALT NOT’] is a direct command from God, emphasizing the imperative nature of the instruction. In Hebrew, the phrase is “לֹא תִּרְצָח” (lo tirtzach), which is a clear prohibition. The use of “shall not” indicates a divine mandate that is non-negotiable and absolute. It reflects the moral law that God has inscribed upon the hearts of humanity, underscoring the sanctity of life. This command is part of the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Decalogue serves as a foundational ethical code for both ancient Israel and for Christians today, highlighting the importance of obedience to God’s laws as a reflection of one’s covenant relationship with Him.”

Now let us read about “The Plot to Kill Lazarus” in John 12 by the religious leaders, who were to uphold the law of the LORD, and minister to the spiritual needs of the people, as the LORD’s representatives.
– “9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He [Jesus] was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.” – John 12:9-11
Other instances where the high priest, the chief priests, Pharisee and Sadducees plotted to kill Jesus of Nazareth, are found in the following references – John 11:53, John 7:1, John 5:18, John 11:47-48, John 8:37,  John 10:31, John 11:57, Matthew 12:14, Mark 3:6, Luke 19:47. It was not some stray, one time event.

The LORD Jesus, who is the Word of God Himself, explains the original intention behind the law given, about killing people.
– “21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” – Matthew 5:21-22

A overview of what God desires, and what He Himself had spoken, about murdering someone, is in the following verses…
– “6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” – Genesis 9:6
– “17 You shall not murder.” – Deuteronomy 5:17
– “17 Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death.” – Leviticus 24:17

The conclusion about the Law of YAHWEH, and how should we behave, as the ‘Chosen People of God’ with one another as Christians, and the rest of the world, as the Ambassadors of the Most High God, is found in the following God inspired words, of the apostle Paul.
– “8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. “ – Romans 13:8-10

Let us not talk about how “christians” have behaved, down through the centuries, beginning with the romanisation of the early Church. The contrast between, the apostles led early Church, and the subsequent take over by Rome, is stark and dark, to say the least. Hereunder is an example of how the effects of such a change has impacted the Church, its purity, integrity and its testimony, to the rest of the world.
– On 05 December 1525, Anabaptist leader Hans Schlaffer is arrested by “christian” persecutors in Austria, asking him to recant his views about baptism. Refusing to recant his opposition to infant baptism, and strongly supporting adult baptism, he was subsequently, burnt alive.”
Small wonder then, the world hates Christians, but adores Christ.

The standard that the LORD is expecting from us, is very clear.
– “15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” – 1 John 3:15
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters,
– “18…let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Just because someone holds religious “power” does not make them ambassadors of God. Only those who obey the LORD, and such obedience is seen by all, are truly His children. May the LORD help us not to fall into the trap of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, nor follow in the tradition of the church leaders, who have violated the laws of the LORD, for all kinds of reason. May the inspired and the written Word of God alone, be our guide…SOLA SCRIPTURA!!!