John 11:45-57
The Cost of Following Jesus
Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts
S – What verse stands out to me today?
O – What is God revealing about Jesus?
A – How should this change my life today?
P – What is my prayer in response?
Scripture
(John 11:45-57, NLT) 45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. 53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.
Observation
We are told that many believed because of what Jesus did for Lazarus.
However, some decided to tattle to the religious authorities about what Jesus had done.
The high council is in a dilemma because the Jesus train is gaining momentum. They aren’t sure what to do, but they know they have to do something to get rid of him or bad things could happen. It is suggested that even the Romans could get involved and destroy both their Temple and the nation.
The high priest, Caiaphas, explains the gospel of Jesus without even knowing he is doing it. He suggests it is better for one man to die for the nation instead of the whole nation dying for one man. Also, he explains that through the death of Jesus the whole nation and those scattered around the world would return to Israel. There is so much gospel symbolism in this prophecy from Caiaphas. He doesn’t even realize it.
Shockingly, even though this is the prophecy, they still decide he must die.
Jesus stops his public ministry.
The third Passover celebration is beginning, Jesus has withdrawn to a small wilderness town named Ephraim, the people are wondering if Jesus will show up, and the religious leaders are ready to arrest him. You could cut the tension with a knife.
The Pharisees have instructed the people to report Jesus if he shows up so they can arrest him.
Application
Often times people have aspects of the truth, but not the whole truth.
People know what is right and good but still choose to do the wrong thing.
Jesus will eventually walk right into a trap. He will do this willingly.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, so often I know the right thing to do and choose to do the wrong thing. Please, forgive me for my willful rebellion. Help me to hear the word of God and respond in speedy obedience to your instructions. You were willing to walk into a trap for me. You are the way, the truth, and the life. Wherever I have incomplete truth or knowledge, please, give me the whole, full, and complete truth that I need. You are so gracious, patient, and kind towards me. Thank you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen!
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