Since he was high priest for that year,
he prophesied that Jesus was going to die
for the nation, and not only for the nation,
but also to gather into one
the dispersed children of God.
(John 11:51-52)
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 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. Caiaphas’ statement about one man dying for the people is an ironic prophecy of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. The plot to kill Jesus only 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. 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.
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?” (John 11:45-56)
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, 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.
A call for personal and communal purification and starting anew with a commitment to righteousness. Even when things seem lost, there can be a future reunion and healing. Unity is important under a single, divinely appointed leadership. A society should be governed by just and God-fearing rulers. A community’s identity is tied to its spiritual and moral standing, which can serve as a witness to others. This proves the unbreakable bond between God and His people, and the eternal nature of God’s enduring presence and the sanctity it brings to the community.
21 Thus says the Lord God: I will take the children of Israel from among the nations to which they have come, and gather them from all sides to bring them back to their land. 22 I will make them one nation upon the land, in the mountains of Israel, and there shall be one prince for them all. Never again shall they be two nations, and never again shall they be divided into two kingdoms. 23 No longer shall they defile themselves with their idols, their abominations, and all their transgressions. I will deliver them from all their sins of apostasy, and cleanse them so that they may be my people and I may be their God. 24 My servant David shall be prince over them, and there shall be one shepherd for them all; they shall live by my statutes and carefully observe my decrees. 25 They shall live on the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where their fathers lived; they shall live on it forever, they, and their children, and their children’s children, with my servant David their prince forever. 26 I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever. 27 My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28 Thus the nations shall know that it is I, the Lord, who make Israel holy, when my sanctuary shall be set up among them forever. (Ezekiel 37:21-28)
In lands afar, 'neath heaven's bright star, a call rings out, both near and far to cleanse the heart, to start anew with righteousness in all we do. When shadows fall, and hope seems small, a future reunion's gentle call. Healing's touch, a balm so sweet, in unity, our hearts shall meet. One shepherd leads with gentle hand, divinely picked to guide the land. Just rulers rise, with fear of God, their righteous paths, the earth applaud. A community, with morals tight stands as a beacon in the night. Their spirit strong, their virtue clear, a witness to the nations near. Unbreakable, the bond divine between the Maker and His line. God's presence, an eternal flame sanctifies His people's name. So let us walk in this bright way, and in His peace, forever stay. For in His covenant, we find a love that never leaves behind.
Heavenly Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name in the firmament given. We call upon Thee for purification, a personal and communal transformation. In righteousness, may we be dressed with hearts renewed, in Thy presence blessed. When lost we stand, in shadows drear, remind us, Lord, that Thou art near. Bring us together, make us whole, under Thy leadership, let unity take its toll. Grant us rulers, just and true who fear Thy name in all they do. May our community's identity reflect Thy moral clarity and sanctity. A witness to the world, let us be, of Thy love, and Thy decree. For unbreakable is the bond we share with Thee, our God, beyond compare. Thy eternal presence, our guiding light brings to our community, Thy holy might. In this prayer, we commit to Thee our lives, our all, eternally. Amen.
God’s plans and purposes are not just for Israel but for all nations. God promises to gather His people like a shepherd gathers His flock, which speaks to His care and provision. This gathering is not just physical but also spiritual, as it involves redeeming us from the hardships we may face. God will turn our mourning into joy and will comfort us, transforming our sorrow into gladness. Joy comes from being in a right relationship with God. Let is trust in God’s sovereign plan and His ability to restore and transform lives.
10 Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock. 11 The Lord shall ransom Jacob; he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. 12 Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the Lord’s blessings: the grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen. 13 Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. (Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12, 13)
From every corner of the earth, a call resounds of sacred worth. God's plans for all, not just one nation, a tapestry of His creation. Like a shepherd with gentle hands, He gathers His flock from distant lands. Not just in body but in soul to mend the broken, make them whole. From valleys deep where shadows lie, His promise echoes through the sky to turn our mourning into song, and right the places we've gone wrong. In joy we stand, by God embraced, our sorrows gone, our tears erased for in His love, we find our place and, in His grace, a steady pace. So let us trust, with hearts so brave, in God who loves and God who saves. His plan, a masterpiece of art, restoring life to every heart.
O Sovereign Lord, whose purpose spans from Israel's tribes to all the lands. Gather us in, Your flock, Your fold with shepherd's care, as foretold. In Your embrace, we find our peace, from worldly hardships find release. Spiritual bonds, in You, we find redeeming love for all mankind. Transform our mourning into praise, comfort us through all our days. Sorrow to gladness, You transpose, in right relation, joy You bestow. We trust in You, Your sovereign plan, restoring life since time began. Transform our lives, Your power display, In Your eternal presence, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
SESSION OF THE SANHEDRIN / THE LAST PASSOVER
John 11:45-54 / 55-57
Book of Ezekiel
THE TWO STICKS
Ezekiel 37:15-28
III: Oracles in the Last Years of Jerusalem
THE ROAD OF RETURN
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Reflection Source:
Copilot in Edge
