Whispers from the Crowd. John 11:32–37 (CSB)

Jesus was confronted with the grief of his friends and followers when two sisters, Martha and Mary, were mourning the loss of their brother Lazarus. Seeing Mary, Martha, and the others weeping, Jesus also began to weep. What a Savior we have that he grieves with us. He is human like us, therefore, He understands the pains of this life and what it’s like to lose and bury someone you love. Yet, at the same time, He is fully God, who came to save us from the power of death by making a public example of it (Colossians 2:15).

In this moment of comforting his close friends, the text shares what eyewitnesses overheard as whispers from the crowd: “See how he loved him!” referring to Jesus’ love for his friend Lazarus. They followed it up by saying, “Couldn’t he who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?”

Don’t allow the whispers from the crowd to keep you from focusing on what you are destined to do. Don’t allow the whispers from the crowd to keep you from becoming all that God has created you to be. Don’t let the whispers from the crowd distract you from finishing what you started. Jesus knew Lazarus was dead before he even returned to Bethany. He had already told his disciples so (John 11:14).

Just as Jesus remained focused on his purpose despite the crowd’s doubts, we too should stay true to our calling despite external distractions or criticisms. Jesus’ response to Lazarus’ death teaches us about his deep compassion and unwavering focus. Let us draw strength from his example to stay committed to our God-given purpose, regardless of the challenges or doubts we face.

~ Devotional by Rev. Feltus C. Frost