Section 16
saying, "You know nothing at all, nor do you account that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not the whole nation perish" (11:49-50). The following verses say, "Now this he did not say from himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation; and not for the nation only, but that He might also gather into one the children of God who have been scattered abroad" (11:51-52). The phrase "gather into one the children of God" mentioned here implies that not only the death but also the resurrection life of the Lord is for the building up of God's children. What does all this mean? It simply means that the resurrection life will raise up a situation through which God's scattered people may be gathered together in order to be built up for God's dwelling on earth. Religion's conspiracy helps in the fulfillment of God's purpose.
THE GATHERING OF GOD'S CHILDREN
THROUGH THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION LIFE OF THE LORD
The death of Lazarus was provided by God as an opportunity for resurrection life to be manifested. Resurrection life needs death in