Raising Lazarus from the dead was a remarkable miracle. Jesus wanted the community in Bethany to believe in Him (John 11:41-42) and many of them did. Those who had come to sympathise with Mary's bereavement now shared Mary's joy. Mary and Martha had their brother back home alive and well. Emotionally, they were happy; financially, they were now secure because their breadwinner was able to work; and spiritually, they were satisfied because they had God's power at work in their family. Their doubts had gone and they gave praise to God.
 
But some in the village refused to believe. Perhaps they had been planted by the religious leaders to spy on Jesus' activity, or maybe they simply wanted to gain favour with the priests and rabbis. However, their report was so significant that a full meeting of the Jewish ruling Council was called. As they discussed, it was clear where their loyalties lay - not with God or His Messiah, but with themselves and their position in society. They rightly understood that if Jesus was God they would have to step aside for Him to reign. But they wrongly chose to do everything in their power to keep their own position and, in order to do so, they needed to dispose of Jesus.
 
Jesus continues to expose people's loyalties. Those who have experienced salvation should trust Him with everything, but those who are trusting in themselves, relying on the praise of other people, will find Jesus embarrassing and inconvenient. His authority challenges people about who they are trusting in. When a believer talks about His Saviour, it automatically exposes the spiritual loyalties of those who listen. This is a necessary thing to do. Until people realise how much they are against Jesus, they may not listen to the Holy Spirit challenging their consciences. So do not stop sharing your delight at what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will start people thinking. Even if they are against Jesus, they cannot deny that their reaction proves that He exists and has superior authority to them.