But one of them, Caiaphas,
who was high priest that year,
said to them,
“You know nothing,
nor do you consider that
it is better for you that one man
should die instead of the people,
so that the whole nation may not perish.”
(John 11:49-50)
Caiaphas’ statement about one man dying for the people is an ironic prophecy of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. It served to accomplish what was already determined in divine purpose. Despite human plans, God’s sovereign will is ultimately fulfilled.
The cost of following Jesus sometimes require retreat or sacrifice for a greater cause. People may resist change, even when it’s for the greater good, due to fear of the unknown or loss of control. These lessons highlight the complexity of human responses to the divine, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the overarching sovereignty of God in the midst of human affairs.
In Bethany, a miracle was wrought,
Lazarus raised, believers sought.
The power of faith, in plain sight,
Divine acts turning night to light.
Yet in the hearts of men, fear stirred,
Change resisted, the unknown deferred.
Leaders trembled at the thought,
Of control lost, and battles fought.
Caiaphas spoke, unknowing, true,
One man's death for the many, not few.
A prophecy of sacrifice,
For humanity's sin, the ultimate price.
The plot to silence the Savior's voice,
Fulfilled the plan, the divine choice.
God's will sovereign, ever so grand,
Unseen threads in a mortal hand.
Discipleship's cost, a path of thorns,
Retreat and sacrifice, the heart adorns.
For greater causes, we must stand,
Guided by His unseen hand.
Complexity in our response to the divine,
Prophecy fulfilled, by design.
God's sovereignty, forever stands,
In the midst of human plans.
Lord Jesus,
You who raised Lazarus from the dead, your divine power leaves many to faith led. We witness your works and stand in awe, for in your hands, our souls you thaw. The leaders feared your name's ascent, change they resisted, their hearts not bent. Yet in your wisdom, you saw the plan, a greater good for every woman and man.
Caiaphas spoke, not knowing the truth, of your sacrifice, our eternal youth. One life for many, you chose to give, that through your death, we all might live. The plots of men, so frail and slight, against your purpose, they lose the fight. For God's will reigns, above all else, in your sovereignty, our hearts do melt.
Following you may cost us dear, retreat and sacrifice, but you are near. For in your footsteps, we find our way, through trials and storms, you lead the day. Complex and varied, our responses be, to your divine call, to your decree. Yet through it all, your love remains, sovereign and holy, your grace sustains.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
SESSION OF THE SANHEDRIN / THE LAST PASSOVER
John 11:45-54 / 55-57
Gospel Acclamation
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Gospel | John 11:45-56
45 Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. 48 If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, 50 nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” 51 He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. 53 So from that day on they planned to kill him. 54 So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. 56 They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”
Background:
John 11:45-56 is set in the context of Jesus’ ministry and the growing tension between Him and the Jewish religious leaders. This passage follows the raising of Lazarus from the dead, a miracle that led many Jews to believe in Jesus. However, some reported what had happened to the Pharisees, prompting the chief priests and Pharisees to convene the Sanhedrin council.
The council feared that Jesus’ increasing popularity would attract Roman attention and lead to the destruction of both the Temple and the nation. Caiaphas, the high priest, then made a prophetic statement—though he did not realize it at the time—suggesting that it would be better for one man (Jesus) to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. This marked the beginning of the plot to kill Jesus, leading Him to withdraw to a town called Ephraim with His disciples. As the Jewish Passover approached, many wondered whether Jesus would dare to come to Jerusalem for the festival123.
This passage highlights the pivotal moment when the decision was made by the Jewish authorities to eliminate Jesus, setting the stage for the events of His passion and crucifixion
Learning Lessons:
The Power of Witness: The miracle of raising Lazarus led many to believe in Jesus. This shows the impact that witnessing acts of divine power can have on faith.
The Fear of Change: The religious leaders’ fear of Jesus’ growing influence reflects how people may resist change, even when it’s for the greater good, due to fear of the unknown or loss of control.
The Irony of Unintended Prophecy: Caiaphas’ statement about one man dying for the people is an ironic prophecy of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s salvation.
The Sovereignty of God: Despite human plans, God’s sovereign will is ultimately fulfilled. The plot to kill Jesus only served to accomplish what was already determined in divine purpose.
The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus’ withdrawal in response to the threat on His life foreshadows the cost of following Him—sometimes requiring retreat or sacrifice for a greater cause.
These lessons highlight the complexity of human responses to the divine, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the overarching sovereignty of God in the midst of human affairs.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
