Friday 7 August 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
"You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed." He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation. (vs 50-51)
Background
In response to the raising of Lazarus some of the Jewish observers put their faith in Jesus and others reported him to their leaders (vs 45-46). The ruling council acknowledges Jesus’ 'many signs' and their potential to multiply the number of believers. This, they think, will so change the nation’s character that their Roman overlords will assume more direct control and destroy the Temple. Ironically, as readers of John's Gospel will know, this happened anyway in AD 67-70 despite the decision they made here to stop Jesus.
Caiaphas, who was the high priest not just for that significant year but for life, expresses a more perceptive judgement than the fear shown by his fellow councillors. He considers that the execution of Jesus will serve both political prudence in keeping peace with Rome and the interests of the ruling elite. But, in a supreme expression of the irony that is common in this gospel, Caiaphas prophetically indicates the true significance of Jesus dying for others (vs 51-52).
From this point on (v. 53), as this gospel understands the facts, Jesus was officially a man wanted for execution. But, as on previous occasions when people wanted to seize or kill him, Jesus for a time eludes them. He retreats from the limelight to the edge of the wilderness (v. 54), and when Passover came round – the time when many Jews made a point of travelling to the Temple to worship – there was widespread expectation that Jesus would stay away (v. 56). Meanwhile the leaders required anyone who knew his whereabouts to inform them (v. 57).
To Ponder:
- How often do you think the political machinations of secular leaders turn out to serve the purposes of God? Are there examples, historical or contemporary, that come to mind?
- Verse 54 does not tell us what Jesus did with his disciples during their stay in Ephraim. What do you think he might have been teaching them?
Prayer
We pray for those who have power over others to make decisions of life or death, both those who do so according to the law of their land and those whose actions are determined by political expediency. And we pray for those whose lives are in their hands. May your true understanding of justice prevail in every case. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Mosedale
Stephen is a retired Methodist minister living near Exeter. He served in West Africa and Scotland and was a New Testament tutor at Cliff College.