Monday after Laetare Sunday
Posted on March 20, 2023 by under
Scripture: St. John 11:45-57 (NKJV)
11:45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 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.”
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.
Devotion
The title of “high priest” carries great weight in this text. That title and statement make it clear that Caiaphas was not speaking or acting as a private citizen, but was God’s high priest; and God overruled in what he said. Within the context of this Gospel narrative his words were true in a way he did not imagine.
Prophecy in Scripture is divinely revealed truth, thus all of the Bible can be called prophetic in that sense. In reality, Caiaphas’ words meant that Jesus’ death would be for the nation. The Lord’s death would save them, not by way of removing political trouble with Rome, but by taking away the sins of those who believed in Him. Those (from all nations) who look to Jesus Christ as their Redeemer and Lord are the true spiritual nation of Israel, who descend from their spiritual father of the faith, Abraham.
The “sign” (miracle) of the resurrection of Lazarus, which the Sanhedrin acknowledged, made Jesus a man of substantial reputation. He was sought after by the pilgrims filling Jerusalem in preparation for the annual high Jewish festival of the Passover. The Light of the world had but a little while to shine in that context; Jesus knew that His Passion loomed large on the horizon.
Prayer: Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
