The Plot to Put Jesus to Death

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. John 11:46-53

Steps: 1, 2, 3

This part of the story of Jesus and Lazarus shows the other end of the spectrum of belief. The people who saw the resurrection of Lazarus believed that He was the Messiah. These men of leadership believed that He did miracles but they would not believe that He was the Messiah for if they did then they would have to accept Him as higher in authority than they were and they would have to listen to Him and obey Him as Messiah and Lord. Instead they determined that He should die so that the whole nation would not die at the hand of the Romans. Because Caiphas was the High Priest that year his statement was considered to be a prophecy, and Jesus actually fulfilled this prophecy. He died that the whole nation would not die as a result of sin/addiction.

Prayer for Today: God, help us to believe in You. We know that we have major problems and we need Your care. Help us to not get caught up in protecting things and to surrender to You so that You can help us. We need Your help to see things clearly and we need Your help to have victory over our addictions. We haven’t done anything great for You but we give all that we have – our addictions. Thank You for Your help for us.