Lessons from John 11: Religious Leaders’ Deadly Conspiracy

The Religious Leaders’ Deadly Conspiracy ~ John 11:45-57

As a result of this life-giving miracle, many of the Jewish people believed. Yet some did not. In fact, they made it their mission to go and inform the Jewish religious leaders of what Jesus had done. And when the religious leaders heard of the miracle, they came together and plotted to kill Jesus.

Verse 49 tells us that one of them, Caiaphas, the high priest at that time, was a Sadducee, not a Pharisee. But he was also a part of the Jewish Council. And he spoke up and uttered these prophetic words of God. It was a prophecy unbeknownst to him or the Jewish council. “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

God used Caiaphas to proclaim this divine prophecy that Jesus would die for the nation so that the nation would not perish.

It was the prophet Isaiah who spoke these words in 53:8 “For the transgression of my people he was punished.”

John added his inspired explanation that Jesus would not only die for the Jews, but also for those outside of the Jewish nation of Israel, the Gentiles. One day all of God’s children, people of every nation, every tribe and tongue who profess belief in Jesus Christ will be gathered together and live with Him forever.

We are told in verse 53 that from that day on they plotted to take Jesus’ life. But Jesus would not surrender His life before it was God’s time. Verse 54 tells us, “Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea.” Instead, He withdrew near the desert where He stayed with His disciples.

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus. And as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t He coming to the festival at all?” But the chief priests and Pharisees had ordered that anyone who knew where Jesus was should report it. They were determined to arrest Him.

Jesus is glorified as He overcomes all opposition to Him.

How will you look for the glory of God in your everyday circumstances this week? What are you relying on to get you through some hard or difficult times?

As a believer, your faith can be increased as you trust and follow where God is leading you or calling you to serve Him.

And if you are not a believer yet, won’t you stop and begin first by placing your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Every time a person of unbelief turns their life over to Christ, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are glorified and exalted.

Where is it that you will follow Jesus who protects His people and overrules opposition?

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach