The Prophecy and Plot: Jesus’ Sacrifice Foretold
The Easter message on John 11:1-48 (Jesus who is the Resurrection and the Life) was posted earlier and available at https://www.comnc.org/the-gospel/the-gospel-of-john/jesus-who-is-the-resurrection-and-the-life/
John 11:49–57 (NKJV)
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.
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.
Message
We’re about to step into a powerful story from the Bible. It’s about a prophecy made by Caiaphas, the high priest, and a plot against Jesus. The scripture, taken straight from John 11:49-57, helps us understand why Jesus’ sacrifice was so important, not just for one nation, but for all of God’s children everywhere.
I. Caiaphas’ prophecy: Jesus’ Sacrifice for the nation and God’s children
See v49-52.
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.
The Jews have been seeking Jesus to seize or kill for breaking the Sabbath (John 7:1, 11, 25, 30, 32, 10:39). Also, they tried to stone Him for blasphemy (John 8:59, 10:31). However, they found an additional reason to justify Jesus' death. God revealed through the high priest that Jesus would die not only for the nation but also for God’s children worldwide (51, 52). His sacrifice was perceived as a necessary measure to save the entire nation from perishing (50). These verses reveal Jesus’ mission for the nation and the extensive implications of His sacrifice for the Gentiles.
II. The Plot Against Jesus: His Withdrawal and the Approaching Passover
See v53-54.
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.
Now ‘His hour’ of sacrifice has come closer.
See v55-57.
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.
That’s the end of the message for this part of the Bible. We’ve seen a prophecy, a plot, and the lead-up to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. The scripture from John 11:49-57 gives us a deeper understanding of why Jesus had to die and what his death meant for the world. It’s a reminder of the great love and sacrifice that Jesus showed us, a love that continues to touch lives today.
