The Plot Against Jesus
THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS
JOHN 11:45-57
A crisis would come soon—and for the Jewish leaders Lazarus’ rising was the last straw.
Surely this supreme and incontrovertible demonstration of Jesus’ power will lead to his acceptance by those who have seen it and those who hear their evidence! Many who had come with Mary believed. But others, no doubt still bewildered, went to tell the Pharisees. They joined together with the chief priests to call a council. They do not now deny that Jesus is doing signs. The evidence is too strong for that. Nor, however, will they accept what the facts are shrieking at them, that this man is acting with the power of God, for he has been sent by God (cf. Mark 3:22).
There is no attempt now at theological assessment. They have already made up their minds and they are confirmed in their resolution now that such an obvious threat to their position is developing. There is such a danger of a popular uprising that it will lead to counter-action by the Romans and that will be the end of both temple and nation. It is the high priest, of all people, who with cynical expediency chooses the victim for sacrifice. In this masterpiece of dramatic irony he decides that one man should die that the people should live. He spoke far more than he could ever know, for that was the purpose of Jesus’ mission, which stretched far beyond the confines of Palestine to all God’s scattered children (3:16). Now the issue is settled and they will pursue him relentlessly to death.
The statement of Caiaphas, and the decision and subsequent action of the Council, illustrate what is frequently stated in Scripture—that God can take the evil that men do and weave it into a larger pattern which is for his glory and the good of other people. Caiaphas acted as a free agent, personally responsible for what he did. God, however, used his action without destroying his freedom, and turned evil into glory.
Jesus knew the situation clearly enough and withdrew to Ephraim. When the Passover came there was widespread speculation as to whether he would come to Jerusalem or not.
Notes 11:47: the chief priests, who were Sadducees, were thrown into alliance with their rivals the Pharisees through common opposition to Jesus. The priests now take the leading rôle and the Pharisees are only mentioned in 12:19,42. 11:48: ironically this is just what the Romans did do in AD 70. They thought of “our holy place” as if it belonged to them, not God (cf. Matthew 23:38). But Jesus made a new temple (2:19-22) and gathers the people of God on a new basis (3:16; 10:16). 11:49: the high priest was unwittingly exercising his power of prophecy, despite his arrogant claim to knowledge (cf. 7:47-49; 1 Corinthians 2:8). The office did not change annually—he was high priest that memorable year.
To think over “You meant evil … but God meant … good” (Genesis 50:20).