May 21

How Far Will Religion Go to Silence the Truth?

John 12:9–11 exposes the shocking depth of evil that false religion will sink to in order to protect its lies and maintain power. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people began believing in Him. Instead of rejoicing in this undeniable miracle, the chief priests, religious leaders who claimed to serve God, plotted not only to kill Jesus, but also to murder Lazarus. Why? Because his very existence was a living testimony that Jesus was the truth. This shows how corrupt their hearts truly were. They had no interest in the truth, only in preserving their influence, authority, and control over the people.

False religion today is no different. Many so-called spiritual leaders and teachers build empires on tradition, emotional manipulation, and half-truths. When the clear teaching of Scripture threatens their position or exposes their hypocrisy, they do whatever it takes to silence it. They mock sound doctrine, twist Scripture, discredit genuine believers, and label biblical truth as dangerous or divisive. Just like the Pharisees, today’s false teachers are not driven by love for God, but by the love of power, fame, and comfort. Paul warned that in the last days, people would not endure sound doctrine, but would heap to themselves teachers having itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3). And just like in Jesus’ day, those who truly follow Christ and preach His Word faithfully will be hated and opposed, not only by the world, but by religious systems that claim to speak for God.

False religion will stop at nothing to protect itself, even if it means suppressing the truth and destroying the messengers of God. But the truth cannot be silenced. Just as Lazarus stood as living proof of Christ’s power, so every true believer today stands as a witness that Jesus is alive, and that His Word is the only truth that saves.

Read / Listen

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
John 11:55-12:19
Psalm 118:1-18
Proverbs 15:24-26

New Testament: John 11:55-12:19

Summary:
Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany
The Plot to Kill Lazarus
The Triumphal Entry

So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. ~ John 12:10-11

As a result of what Jesus did for Lazarus, he became a target for Jesus’ enemies. You will become a target for Jesus’ enemies when Jesus blesses you to bring people to Him, but that is what life is all about, leading people to the Kingdom of God.