Not Collateral Damage

"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)

In military terms, "collateral damage" is the general description for deaths, injuries, or other damage inflicted on unintended targets. A country bombs a village in another country, in an effort to kill a hated leader. The other casualties (and damage) beyond that one target, become "collateral damage." I've seen enough movies and TV shows to know this term. I'm still not sure I'm okay with it. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, exhorted his followers to do 3 things daily: "Do good. Avoid evil. Stay in love with God." I don't think collateral damage fits into that equation.

In the gospel of John, there's an amazing story about Jesus raising a guy named Lazarus from the dead (chapter 11). He'd already been entombed, and his body was ripe with the stench of death & decay. But Jesus brought him back. As you can imagine, word spread. Many came to believe - especially many Jews.

Jesus' relationship with the religious leaders of his day was definitely confrontational. They were offended by some of the things he said and did. They resented the authority with which he spoke. And they cringed at the people who seemed enamored with him. Their best solution to the "Jesus problem?" KILL JESUS.

And then the Lazarus incident happened. Even more people came to see Jesus as much more than a simple rabbi. They believed he was God's chosen one. The Messiah! And it drove the religious leaders CRAZY! Their response: KILL LAZARUS, TOO. This was no collateral damage. This was outright hatred and envy leading to murder. (Note: the Bible doesn't say if they were ever successful with their plans for Lazarus. But we definitely know what came from their plans for Jesus.)

Why is it that our human nature is to lash out at other when we feel threatened? Whether it's a personal attack on our actions or integrity... or a perceived affront to some cherished beliefs we hold dear... we tend to take it out on others. Maybe, just maybe, there's some truth out there other than what we already believe? Maybe God can still teach us something... grow us... move us... shape our hearts, minds, and souls? May we not be too arrogant for that.

Or we can just keep "going ballistic" on others.