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This darkness in their hearts has grown. First they miss the Messiah-ness of Jesus. Then they fear he is a threat to their control, and then to the state of Israel. So they plot to kill him, laying in wait many months. Now they must expand to destroy the evidence of his lordship by plotting to kill Lazarus. Was it not these dark hearts who ventured into the holy of holies in the temple for atonement each year while Jesus ministered on earth? How is this like the one who believes Jesus is their Savior and teacher, but not their Lord who dwells within, with their spirit; Periodically trying to exercise their own control over life, and adapting their ways to avoid the uncomfortable twinges of conscience he uses to shed light on their path. In Moses time it was a simple task, look on the lifted snake on a staff, and be saved. John keeps reminding the more complex we make it, the worse the results. Try to understand if you must, but turn to Jesus and believe that you are facing The One sent by God, to reconcile between the two of you. How is this like me?

kill the proof of Jesus' miracles so people would have one less thing to point at and say "See? This was no ordinary man!"