Morning Moments

(Continued from yesterday)

John 11:45-57
The Risk -
v 48 "If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."

Notice this plotting. It had to be done just right or it might backfire and these hypocrites would lose their position of power and influence with Rome.

v 49 - The Rebuke -
"And one of them [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all."

"Look you guys, you are going about this the wrong way. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure this out, and you don't have to let him alone. I have a better idea as to how to handle this situation. I have given this matter much thought since I saw it coming on the horizon and let me suggest a resolution -

v 50 - The Resolution -
"Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not."

The idea here is that even if killing Jesus made him a martyr, it would not last very long. Soon his followers would disperse, decrease, and disappear. Little did they know.

v 51 And this apake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation. In his mind a brilliant way to prepare for killing Jesus.

Again the intent is to get rid of Jesus, and to do it in a very subtle way so that they are not blamed and that his followers would become discouraged, disillusioned, and defeated. Hence, they would lose heart and give up belief in him. Get rid of him, but make his followers think he would be sacrificed for the nation.

v 52 And not for the nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Isn't that amazing? Here from the mouth of such a scoundrel comes the very Word of God. What Caiaphas spoke was true, but he had not a clue that he was plaing right into the hands of God. The Lord often uses evil men to serve His purpose.

The Results -
v 53 "then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."

Priviacy - "Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples."

Knowing that His days were short, He wanted to spend as much "quality time" with them as He could. Think about it. If you kndew you were about to die, with whom would you want to spend your remaining time? Obviously those you love most.

Passover - v 55 "And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves."

Plotting - v 56 "Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to feast?"

Plan - v 57 "Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew {it}, that they might take him."

THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS! And all for us.