SCRIPTURE: John 11:45-53
“Better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (John 11:50)
As an occupied nation, Israel was at risk whenever someone claimed to be king.
People were talking about Jesus, about the miracles He performed.
The religious leaders are worried, rumours of a rebellion would lead Rome to crush it, and them.
The temple and the nation were at great risk because of Jesus.
Often the Jews would rally around a messianic leader, hoping he would be the one.
But not THIS one, His teachings did not match the status quo.
Jesus spoke against the religious leaders, Jesus stood up for the weak and sinful.
Better to kill Jesus and eliminate the threat, than to put the temple and nation at risk.
John picks up on the irony of Caiaphas’s words.
Yes, better for Jesus to die – not just for Israel, but for all God’s children.
Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Jesus death was not to protect Israel from Rome, it was to save humanity to doom.
The curse of death is lifted, the blessing of life restored.
It is better for us all that one man die for the people of the world!
“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, CEV)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, as awful as death is, Your death was good and necessary. Thank You for setting us free from the curse of death, and for assuring us that death is now the gateway to life.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
The people were looking for release from the Romans. Having the great following, the Pharisees were afraid for their positions of prominence. The would rather side with the enemy. Yet God spoke through Caiaphas who was the high priest that year. The religious body believed that he would speak the very words of God – and he did. God places His people in the right positions at the right time. God’s will will be done inspire of the opposition. Jesus would lay down His Life to give LIFE to you and me not by man’s reckless violent overthrow of the enemy but by quietly submitting to the authorities. What a Saviour!
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.