Have They Taken Notice? Living a Life That Points to Jesus

Have They Taken Notice? Living a Life That Points to Jesus

There's something magnetic about a transformed life. Something undeniable. Something that makes people stop, stare, and wonder what happened.

In John 12:9-11, we encounter a fascinating scene. Six days before Passover, crowds are gathering in Bethany—not just to see Jesus, but to witness something extraordinary: a man named Lazarus, who had been dead and buried, now sitting at the table, very much alive.

The whole town was talking about him.

Your Life Tells a Story

Every testimony follows a similar pattern: This is who I was. This is how I met Jesus. This is who I am now.

Lazarus had a story everyone knew. He was dead. His body had been placed in a tomb. The funeral was held. People brought food. They mourned. Everyone witnessed his death and burial.

But then Jesus called his name, and everything changed.

What's your story? Who were you before you met Jesus? What was life like in those "B.C." days—those Before Christ days? How did you think? How did you live? What did you turn to when life got hard?

For many of us, our before-Jesus story includes darkness we'd rather forget. Maybe it was addiction, deception, rebellion, or simply wandering through life without purpose or hope. Perhaps you were lost without even realizing it, going through the motions but feeling empty inside.

Then came the encounter. That moment when Jesus called your name. That day when the gospel stopped being just information and became transformation. When you realized that Jesus didn't die for good people—He died for sinners. He died for you. He was buried on your behalf. And on the third day, He rose again, proving He has power over death, hell, and the grave.

And now? Now you're different. Not perfect, but changed. Not where you want to be, but thank God, not where you used to be. The old habits don't control you anymore. The lies don't define you. The darkness doesn't own you.

You are what you are by the grace of God.

The Ripple Effect of a Changed Life

Here's what's remarkable about Lazarus: his transformed life became the bait that drew people to Jesus. People came to Bethany specifically to see the man who had been dead but was now alive. His very existence was a sermon. His testimony was undeniable evidence of Jesus' power.

The same is true for every believer. Your transformed life plays a greater role in reaching others than you might realize. We're living in a time when people can't physically see Jesus, but they can see people He's changed.

As 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 reminds us, the Word of God goes out, but so does our faith. Our changed lives speak so loudly that sometimes words aren't even necessary. People see how we've turned from our old ways to serve the living God, and it makes them curious about the One who made the difference.

Think about the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, when thousands of coal miners came to Christ. Their conversions were so dramatic that they stopped drinking, fighting, and cursing. The transformation was so complete that the pit ponies—mules trained to respond only to profanity-laced commands—literally didn't know what to do anymore. The animals stood still because they didn't recognize the clean speech of their handlers.

If a stubborn mule can recognize the power of the gospel to change a life, shouldn't your neighbors be able to see it too?

When Your Light Draws a Target

But here's the challenging truth: a changed life doesn't just draw admiration—it can also draw opposition.

In John 12:10, we read something shocking: "But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also." These religious leaders were so threatened by Lazarus's testimony that they wanted to silence him permanently.

Lost religious people often feel uncomfortable around genuinely transformed lives. A life ablaze for Jesus makes the lukewarm nervous. It exposes their emptiness. It challenges their comfortable religion.

As 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 explains, we are the fragrance of Christ. To those being saved, we're the aroma of life—refreshing, attractive, hopeful. But to those who are perishing, we're the smell of death—offensive, uncomfortable, convicting.

This means you can't please everyone. Some people will be drawn to the change in your life, asking about church, requesting prayer, wanting to know what happened to you. Others will turn up their noses, keep their distance, or even become hostile.

The goal of the Christian life is not to be liked by everyone. In fact, Jesus warned, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26).

Satan hangs a target on every transformed life. He wants to distract you, attack you, and if possible, destroy your testimony. Your adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. He knows your address, your weaknesses, your triggers.

But here's the good news: no weapon formed against you shall prosper. The gates of hell will not prevail. You're on the winning side.

Because of You, Many Believed

The most powerful statement in this passage comes in verse 11: "Because on account of him, many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus."

Because of Lazarus, many believed.

Can this be said of your life? Because of you, someone came to faith. Because of your testimony, someone found hope. Because of your changed life, someone discovered Jesus.

Your life matters more than you know. The way you handle conflict at work, the patience you show in traffic, the grace you extend to difficult people, the joy you maintain through hardship—all of it preaches. All of it points somewhere.

The question is: where does your life point?

The Invitation Still Stands

If you're reading this and realize you don't have a testimony yet—if you're not sure where you'd spend eternity if you died today—there's good news. You don't have to stay lost.

Jesus died for you. He was buried for you. He rose again to prove He has power to forgive your sins and grant you eternal life. The only requirement is that you turn from your old life and say yes to Him.

There's nothing wrong with being lost today. But there's everything wrong with staying lost when the Savior is calling your name.

And if you've been saved but your fire has dimmed, if Satan has been attacking your testimony, if you've grown cold or distant—the altar is still open. Jesus is still faithful. His grace is still sufficient.

The world is watching. They're taking notice. The question is: what will they see?

Let them see Jesus.