John 11:45-57
Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” Now he <Caiaphas> did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. (vv. 51-52) Caiaphas, the ultimate politician, willing to let an innocent man die so that he could maintain his own power!
It’s strange that the two major political parties, the Sadducees (Caiaphas, the chief priest) and the Pharisees could come together and agree on this one item, that Jesus must die. Verse 53 is telling: So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. Jesus had a long history of doing battle with the Pharisees. Now the other political party, the Sadducees has joined the fray and they have agreed together! All this in spite of the fact that many of the Jewish leaders were now believing in Him (v. 45)! And killing Him didn’t end their problems. The Romans sacked Jerusalem some forty years later!
Slava Bohu!
I find it amazing that this is true: killing Jesus didn’t make their problems with Rome go away. And it is true of all the ways sin seems like a good idea—it doesn’t make things better, only delays or worsens problem areas in the long run!
So true!!!