The Plot to Kill Jesus

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 11:45-57

 

John 11:53-54

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.

(NKJV)

 

I urge everyone reading this post to continue praying both for Israel and the United States regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran. A nuclear-armed Iran not only represents a threat to Israel but to every other country in the world because it will not hesitate to use these weapons against anyone threatening it. Pray for God’s protection of Israel and other nations threatened by Iran, and that those in power in Iran, who would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons, are removed from power.

 

Jesus has just performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the grave which has caused many Jews to believe in Him (John 11:45). However, not all the Jews seeing what Jesus did believe and instead go to the chief priests and Pharisees with the news (John 11:46). This news disturbs the chief priests and Pharisees with them convening a council out of fear that left unchecked, everyone would believe in Jesus, with the Romans intervening (John 11:47-48).

 

At the council, Caiaphas, the high priest, stood up and told those at the council they knew nothing at all (John 11:49). Caiaphas continued, saying it was expedient for one man to die for the people and not that the whole nation perish (John 11:50). Caiaphas did not say this of his authority as high priest, but it was a prophesy as high priest that Jesus would die for Israel, but not just Israel, all the children of God scattered abroad (John 11:51-52).

 

From this time forward, those in the council conspired to put Jesus to death, with Jesus no longer walking openly among the Jews but staying with His disciples in Ephraim (John 11:53-54). The time of the Passover was coming near and many Jews made the journey to Jerusalem to purify themselves (John 11:55). Those seeking to kill Jesus spoke among themselves, wondering if Jesus would even show up for the feast (John 11:56). Just in case Jesus did not show up, the chief priests and Pharisees issued a command that anyone knowing where Jesus was should report it so they could seize Him (John 11:57).

 

The signs and wonders performed by Jesus are causing many Jews to believe in Him, threatening the positions of the chief priests and Pharisees (John 11:47-48). The miracle that has brought this to the forefront was the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). This threat was so serious to the chief priests and Pharisees that they felt it necessary to convene a council. However, an interesting thing happened at this council. a word of prophecy from Caiaphas that Jesus would die for Israel and the people of God in other nations (John 11:49-52). While this may seem out of place in a Biblical account of the plot to kill Jesus, it is here to remind us of what is really occurring here. Based upon Caiaphas’ later handing Jesus over to the Romans for crucifixion, it is safe to presume he had no idea what he was saying or even that it was a prophecy, but God did use him to speak truth. The stage is now set for a confrontation at Passover.

 

Jesus commanded those in the Church to love one another and that this love for each other is what separates the Church from the world (John 13:34-35). However, a look at Church history with its splits and divisions over non-essential doctrine reveals the failure of the Church to heed this commandment from the Lord. Non-believers, seeing these divisions, see nothing different from what they experience in the world and thus have no reason to be attracted to becoming part of the Church by accepting Jesus as their savior. This is why many Churches feel the need to attract people through glitzy worship that more resembles a rock concert than worship of the Lord, or even worse, watering down the message of truth. This is precisely what Paul warned Timothy about in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. The attraction of people to the Gospel must remain in lifting up Jesus (John 12:32), and boldly declaring the truth of the Gospel. While it is unrealistic to believe a group of people like the Church will agree on everything, we must unite behind the mission of declaring the Gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Working in this unity of purpose, the members of the Church can have love for one another and show the world what they need, a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and believe that Jesus came to die for your sins and give you a personal relationship with God, I invite you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision, especially anyone who has been praying for you, or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.