#john 12:11

[quotesfromscripture]

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

John 12:9-11 NRSV (1989)

[worthwhilesermons-blog]

Conditional or Unconditional Faith. Metropolitan Jonah. Palm Sunday, 2011

John 12:1–18

How consistent and strong is our faith in God when he does not meet our expectations? The Lord’s disciples and friends struggled with faith throughout the week spanning Christ’s entrance to Jerusalem and his death and resurrection. The Lord came as King, but not an earthly king. Disappointed and confused by his willingness to submit to humiliation and death, the disciples fled and left him alone. Is our faith and belief conditional? Do we practice our piety because we hope to serve God, or because we hope God will serve us? The Lord will come again in glory and strength more powerful than any earthly kingdom – that will be the time of judgment, for which we have all the length of our life to prepare. (Via: Archdiocese of Washington)

Note: Вонмемъ ("Vonmyem") is a Slavic form of "Let us be attentive," a phrase used in Orthodox services to call for extra attention before readings from Scripture.