Plan To Kill

John 11:45-57

45 Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation”. 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

Notes

Some of the Jews witnessed the resurrection power of Jesus when He raised Lazarus from the dead. As a result, many who witnessed it believed in Him, but some reported the event to the religious leaders. The religious leaders did not believe that Jesus was from God because He healed on the Sabbath. They would perceive the most extraordinary miracle, the raising of the dead, as a threat to their status and their nation.

45 Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done (John 11:45-46).

1. Council’s Fear

   The Sanhedrin gathered to meet because of a concern. The popularity of Jesus might lead to a revolt, which might threaten the Romans. If the Romans become threatened, then the semi-autonomous status of the Jewish nation might be threatened.

   
   47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:47-48).

   Application: Expect opposition. Part of God’s plan is to use opposition to fulfill His plan. God used the concern of the Jewish Council to set His plan in motion, the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. As we continue the work of Jesus, let us expect opposition, which is part of God’s plan.

2. Prophetic Statement

   The high priest Caiaphas spoke out of concern for the Jewish nation. He gave a practical but deadly statement for the sake of the Jews. To avoid complications, it was better for one man to die than to make the whole nation suffer. According to the author, the statement was prophetic.

   49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad (John 11:49-52).

   Application: Trust God to use the opposition. Even if the enemies of the gospel do not know it, God directs them to His purpose. Therefore, we can rest in faith despite difficulties and trials. God will fulfill His decree and plan to bring the gospel to all nations.

3. Arrest and Kill

   The Council planned to kill Jesus, but it was not yet time. Even though they put the word out, no arrest has been made yet. Jesus avoided walking openly among the Jews, not because He was afraid, but because it was not yet time. People would look for Him during the temple.

   
   53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.

   55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

   Application: Believe that God is in control. God is sovereign over His enemies. The enemies of the gospel might work on destroying the message of Christ, but God governs all. His plan and purpose shall happen despite all opposition.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What was the fear and concern of the council?

2. What did the council intend?

3. Explain the prophetic statement of Caiaphas.