ESOCS Devotional 13 July 2026 – The Cost of a Miracle
MEMORY VERSE: “But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.” John 11:46 NKJV
TEXT: JOHN 11:46-END
But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”
49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.
55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
READ OTHER ESOCS DEVOTIONAL HERE
John 11 records one of Jesus’ most astonishing miracles: the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Many believed in Jesus after witnessing this powerful act (John 11:45), but surprisingly, verse 46 reveals a deeper truth: some went to the Pharisees to report what Jesus had done, not out of faith, but out of opposition.
This teaches us something profound: every miracle comes with a cost. For Jesus, the cost of Lazarus’ resurrection was that it triggered the final plot to kill Him (John 11:53). His demonstration of divine power didn’t just inspire belief; it also provoked hatred, jealousy, and fear among the religious leaders.
Miracles draw attention, and not all of it is positive. While some will believe, others will criticize, misinterpret, or resist what God is doing. The same happens today. When God moves powerfully in your life, restoring your family, healing your body, providing miraculously, not everyone will celebrate. Some may question, envy, or even oppose you.
Yet Jesus still raised Lazarus. He didn’t withhold the miracle out of fear of the consequences. Why? This is because love outweighs the cost. Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha deeply (John 11:5). He was willing to face death Himself so that others could live.
Likewise, we must understand that miracles are not just about breakthroughs; they often come with responsibility, opposition, and sacrifice. But we can trust that God’s glory is worth the cost (John 11:4).
Reflections
- Am I prepared for the challenges that may follow a miracle or breakthrough?
- Do I value God’s glory more than my comfort or popularity?
- How can I respond in faith even when others doubt or oppose what God is doing?
Action Step
Thank God for the miracles—big or small—in your life, even when others don’t understand. Stand firm in faith when faced with criticism for what God is doing in you or through you. Choose obedience over comfort, knowing that God’s glory is the ultimate goal.
Prayer
- Lord, thank You for the miracles you’ve done and continue to do in my life.
- Help me to accept the cost that may come with them.
- Give me boldness to stand for your glory, even when misunderstood or opposed, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Further Reading: Exodus 32:1-14; 2 Kings 24:8-17; Philippians 4:10-20
ESOCS Devotional 13 July 2026
