Monday after Laetare Sunday
Posted on March 11, 2024 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 chief priests and the Pharisees wanted to stop people from believing in Jesus. Nevertheless, they could not prevent it, because Jesus performed many signs which strengthened people’s faith. His miracles proved that He is true God and that He has power to deliver men from the affliction of sin. Just a few verses before today’s reading, Jesus raised Lazarus of Bethany from the dead (John 11:43-44), proving that He has power to raise all men from physical and spiritual death.
Today’s reading is an example of divine irony. Instead of impeding Jesus’ ministry, the chief priests and Pharisees unintentionally promoted it. They wanted to stop His signs, but their high priest, Caiaphas, articulated one of the greatest signs given to us in the Scriptures: the death of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world.
This sign together with Lazarus’ resurrection are two signs which summarize the entire saving work of the Christ. Jesus is our Savior who died for our sin so that we may not perish, and who raises us unto everlasting life. With these two signs He strengthens our faith. We see the cross and remember that He paid for all our transgressions; and we reflect on our baptism, trusting in His promises of the resurrection and new life. Contrary to the desires of wicked men, we are strengthened in believing in Jesus, and made able to ignore all threats that come from the enemies of the Gospel.
Collect: 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.
