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209. The Plot Begins

John 11:45-57
Key Verse: "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."
John 11:50

As usual, the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead had the desired effect. It brought glory to God and many believed. Also, as usual, it brought controversy. This latest miracle was reported to the leadership, who evidently were not eye witnesses, and a meeting was called to discuss what to do about "the Jesus problem."

Now, Jesus was seen by the leadership as, not only posing a threat to their own power, but a national threat as well. What if everyone eventually believed in Jesus? Then what? What would happen to the leadership standing with the Romans, with whom they had become somewhat comfortable? What would happen to Judea as they knew it and ruled it? This, "Jesus problem," was not going away. It was growing and the more it grew, the less control they would have over the situation. Something had to be done!

So, as high priest, Caiaphas speaks up and says more than even he realizes. "You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." (John 11:50) What Caiaphas probably thought that he was saying was something like, "Look, let's just get rid of him and the nation will go back to the way things were." John, however, calls Caiaphas' statement a prophesy, which is an amazing statement in itself. Aren't prophets in close communication with God and supportive of His message for His people? Without realizing it, Caiaphas has actually hit upon God's plan for mankind that Jesus had come to die for all people so that those who would believe would be saved. Unfortunately, at present, it would appear that he himself would not benefit from God's plan.

Are you surprised that an enemy of Jesus, a nonbeliever, would be used to utter the words of God? It had been done before. Balaam prophesied about Judah's coming messiah, though he had actually been hired to curse the nation of Israel. (Numbers 24:5-7) Saul prophesied and he was an enemy of David. (1 Samuel 10:9-12 & 19:23-24)

God says, through the prophet Isaiah, "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven; and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11) It's not the messenger, but the message that we must honor.

We get caught up in the trappings. Caiaphas was honored and listened to because he was high priest, a position of honor. It's the message, however, that deserved the honor because it was actually the word of God. We too easily get distracted by the vessel that we can see and hear. We say that so and so is a good speaker, dynamic, captivating! We get caught up in the style and drama, or lack thereof, in the presentation. In truth, however, it's the message, not the packaging that we need to regard as Holy. It's the Bible, lying in your lap, or on your screen that holds the true power for our lives. It is the Word that God sends forth to accomplish His purposes.

Now, doesn't that leave us without excuse? How often have we used the limitations of our own vessels to not go forth in the world? We forget what we carry. We have the Word of God and that's where the power lies. It's not about us! It's about Him. He has promised to be faithful to His word. He will guide it on its course, but it must be spoken through us, broken vessels though we are. Paul says that we are clay vessels with treasure. (2 Cor. 4:7-12) So, speak, and let others see the treasure within you.

Hymn: "Thy Word" 

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