John 11:45-57
Verse 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation,
Having witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus there was a group of Jews that now believed that Jesus was more than just a prophet of God or a good teacher, He was someone very special. But there were those who saw but didn’t believe or want to believe.
The unbelieving Jews hurry to tell the Pharisees what has just happened. The Pharisees were the sect of Jewish leaders that believed in resurrection so these witnesses must have felt safe squealing to them. They knew that the leaders were looking for reasons to take Jesus down and they felt they could help. The fact was that they were there among the mourners, they were there as a support for the sisters. Or were they?
This could have been the cruelest betrayal of the story of Lazarus’ death but it was still all part of God’s plan for His glory being revealed. This was the beginning of the end that would lead to the great beginning. The Jewish leaders call a meeting to discuss what this man, Jesus, was doing. He was doing things that made people believe in Him. But look what their main issue is, “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” Their concern is in losing their religious building and the land promised to them from God, Himself. They are in essence saying that they don’t trust God to help them keep their land and city.
By trying to save what they see as important to the religion, they decide it is better that He who came as the Promised One, die so the rest of them won’t. Though the high priest didn’t see the full prophecy that he was giving, he was prophesying right into God’s plan. None of these men could understand the part they were playing in the long promised redemption plan. They were willing to rely on the covering of sins by the blood of animals instead of desiring the Passover Lamb that would fulfill the need for the sacrifice system. This very man that says it is best one man should die for all of the people of God, is the same one that hands Jesus over for the Romans to kill Him. Things were getting closer to Christ living out His mission. The betrayal wasn’t just against Mary and her siblings, a greater betrayal was the high priest against the God who placed him in that position, knowing he would head the charge against Jesus.
Making It Personal
Though we know sin displeases God, have you ever learned something as a consequence of your sin that later helped you grow spiritually? What ways have you betrayed God by your words or actions? What do you need to confess?
Making It Personal Kids
Did you know that sin is a way that you can hurt Jesus? What are some ways that you have hurt Him? Do you need to tell Him you are sorry?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess that we often betray You by sinning and therefore not living out the purity of Your name. Please give us an ever growing distaste for the sins that so easily entice us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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