Thoughts on the Gospel of John (103) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Now this he (Caiaphas) did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that he would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. Then, from that day on, they plotted to put him to death.
John 11:51-53.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (103)
The high priest Caiaphas had told the council that it would be expedient if one man, i.e. Jesus Christ, died for the people, so that the nation might be spared warfare with the Romans (v. 50).

Let us consider this from three points of view:

Politically it was a clever proposal. Objectives that were expedient and advantageous for the majority of the people were always sought after.
Morally, however, it was unthinkable. Caiaphas' words revealed a cynical, cold-blooded spirit. He was prepared to kill the holy, righteous Son of God to protect a guilty nation.
Prophetically, despite his evil intentions the high priest's words corresponded to the revelation of God's thoughts on the death of Jesus. The explanatory words in today's verses prove this.
God is sovereign in the means that He uses. Jesus had indeed come to die for His people. He wanted to "save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). At the same time He was the Saviour of the world. Through the death of Jesus a great fellowship of believers from the Jews and the nations has arisen. They are God's children and, as such, are not separate from each other, but brought together to form the one family of God. But Jesus' enemies couldn't know that!

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Joshua 20:1-21:26 · 1 Corinthians 15:1-11