John 11:45-57 The Plot to Kill Jesus
Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 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.”
And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 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.” 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, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 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.
And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 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?” 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.”
“Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 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.” 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, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.”
The Pharisees and Sadducees are shaking in their sandals! Jesus is doing miracles and people are believing in him! Never mind the fact that Jesus is teaching people to be kind, merciful, humble, and to serve others. All the religious leaders can see is a radical threatening to take away their positions of authority. After all, this bumbling upstart carpenter from the Galilee claims to be the Son of God; meanwhile, the Roman emperors now demand that they should be worshiped as gods. The Jews have so far succeeded in dodging Roman demands that they worship the Emperor; however, this guy’s popularity might push the Romans over the edge. The Jewish religious authorities live in stark fear that the Romans will simply begin eliminating them as threats to the Empire, carrying out what will later be called a pogrom.
“And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 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.” What’s so important about Caiaphas’ position as high priest that year? Traditionally, the high priest might also function as a prophet, and that’s what Caiaphas is doing. God is using Caiaphas, even though Caiaphas might not be aware of it.
“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?” 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.” Messiah has come, the One for whom believers have longed for centuries, but religious leaders are plotting to kill him somehow.
You can be sent by God but remain a threat to men through no fault of your own. John Wycliffe was a priest and an Oxford professor in the fourteenth century. Wycliffe translated the Bible into English and spoke out against corruption within the Catholic Church. The Church viewed him as a threat and persecuted him. Wycliffe Bible Translators takes its name from John Wycliffe. (For a thorough discussion of Wycliffe’s life and works, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wycliffe )
Ultimately, we must follow God and not men, even when persecuted. May God help us so that we will be able to follow His Call, even if that means persecution or even death.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow You and nobody else, trusting that You will keep us and guide us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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