Thoughts on the Gospel of John (102) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, What shall we do? For this man works many signs. 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. And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing at all, 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.
John 11:47-50.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (102)
Jesus Christ had brought a dead person back to life. Lazarus had already lain in the tomb for four days. This amazing miracle had far-reaching consequences. It happened in Bethany near Jerusalem. Many heard about it, confirmed the fact and believed in Jesus.

The religious leaders of the nation were troubled by it however. They knew that such miracles were signs by which they could recognise the promised Messiah. But the council of the Jews failed to take God's law and the writings of the prophets into account. The religious leaders thought only of their status in the nation and their reputation among the Romans. Jesus represented a great danger for them. So they finally developed their political strategy.

The Romans did in fact destroy Jerusalem and the temple in the year 70 A.D.. Many Jews were killed or taken prisoner, many were dispossessed and left the land. But that occurred not because they all believed in Jesus, as the council had feared, but because most did not believe in Him and had killed Him, refusing to believe in Him even after His resurrection.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Joshua 13:15-33 · 1 Corinthians 11:20-34