Read John 12:9-11
Going From Religion To Relationship.
When the crowd of Jews found out Jesus was eating with Lazarus and his two sisters they came, not only to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus whom he rose from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were “going over” to Jesus and “believing” in him.
The Greek word for “going over to” is “hypegon” which is more than just walking over from one area to another. It carries the sense of shifting allegiance. In essence, they were deserting the chief priests and their religious establishment to an act of Faith in Jesus.
The Greek word for “believing” is “episteuon.” This word carries with it more than just a belief with your head, but it implies trusting someone while putting your full confidence in them. It shows a commitment of reliance. It’s a transition from “I see the miracle” to “I trust the man who did the miracle.”
Both Greek words, hypegon and episteuon, describe an ongoing process. In other words, people were “continually” leaving the old system (the chief priests and their religion) and “continually” putting their faith in Jesus.
As a result, many people were going from the old way of living (being religious) to the new way of living (being in a relationship with Jesus).
Do you have a relationship with Jesus that captivates your full attention, trust, and commitment? Or are there still things in this world that you have to let go of that captures your allegiance and is preventing you from being sold out to Jesus? The religious faith is trying to succeed on your own. A relationship with Jesus is relying 100% on the Holy Spirit to empower you toward holiness while serving the Lord and others with love and truth.
What is holding you back from “going over” to Jesus and “believing” in him?
