Live@5 – Friday, March 25, 2022
John 11:45–57 (NKJV)
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, there were varied reactions. Many who were present were amazed and believed in Christ, spreading the word of the miracle everywhere. The Pharisees who heard about it, though, were alarmed and their reaction ushered in the next phase of the plan of God to save the world.
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”
John 11:45-54
49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.
While revival broke out around Bethany, plotting ensued in Jerusalem. The believers followed Christ, but the religious leaders began to plan how they could kill Jesus. The high priest unknowingly prophesied of the work of Christ’s death when he stated, “…it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people….” Jesus would die for the people, the Pharisees would play a major role in that process, and Jesus would rise again. All activity began to move in the direction from this point on. Jesus did not walk openly among the Jews from that time on. He would show up in Jerusalem at the appointed time and all would be complete.
55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
John 11:55-57
The Passover was near, and many came into Jerusalem to prepare for the feast. The Pharisees sent out an appeal for anyone who saw Jesus to report it to them so that they could capture Him. They felt as if He would surely come in for the feast. The plan was in motion. When things seem to be dangerous, damaging, or just uncomfortable relating to how people treat you, trust that God is in control of all things and pray for His will to be done. You can overcome if you trust and obey the Lord. His plan is for the best, regardless of how the circumstances may look directly in front of you. Have faith that God’s plan is best!
Devoted To You 