John 11:45-57


"Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, 'What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.' But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, 'You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.' He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death." (John 11:45-53 ESV)


The Response to the Miracle of Lazarus

This passage follows the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, an undeniable sign of Jesus' divine power. Many who witnessed this miracle believed in Him, recognizing that only someone sent by God could perform such a wonder. However, not everyone responded with faith. Some went to the Pharisees, leading to a council meeting that would set into motion the plot to kill Jesus. Their concern was rooted in fear—fear of losing their authority and the potential threat of Roman intervention if Jesus continued to gather followers.

The miraculous work of Christ often forces a response. For some, it leads to faith and belief; for others, it stirs fear, pride, and rejection. The religious leaders, instead of embracing Jesus as the Messiah, were more concerned with maintaining their positions and the status quo. This reveals the hardness of their hearts, despite the clear evidence of Jesus' divinity.

Scriptures to Study:

John 12:9-11, Matthew 12:22-24, Acts 4:13-18


Caiaphas’ Prophecy and God’s Sovereignty

Caiaphas, the high priest, speaks prophetically without fully realizing the significance of his words. He argues that it would be better for one man to die than for the whole nation to perish. While Caiaphas intended this as a political strategy to avoid conflict with the Romans, God was using his words to reveal a deeper truth: Jesus would indeed die for the nation, but not in the way Caiaphas imagined. Jesus’ death would be the ultimate sacrifice, not just for Israel, but for all who would become children of God through faith in Him.

This moment highlights the sovereignty of God. Even as the religious leaders plot against Jesus, God is orchestrating His redemptive plan. Jesus' death was not merely the result of human schemes; it was the fulfillment of God's plan to reconcile the world to Himself. Despite the opposition, God's purposes cannot be thwarted. The very actions of those who sought to kill Jesus became the means by which salvation would be made available to all.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 53:4-6, Acts 2:22-24, Romans 8:28-30


Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb

Caiaphas' statement, "It is better for one man to die for the people," points to the profound truth that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Jesus’ death was not simply a tragic injustice, but the predetermined plan of God to atone for the sins of humanity. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus bore the punishment for sin so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God.

This passage invites us to consider the cost of our salvation. Jesus willingly laid down His life for the sake of others, enduring rejection and suffering so that we might have eternal life. His sacrificial love becomes the model for our own discipleship. We are called to follow in His footsteps, living lives of sacrificial love and service, empowered by the Holy Spirit to reflect His character in the world.

Scriptures to Study:

John 10:17-18, 1 John 2:2, Hebrews 9:26-28, 1 Peter 1:18-19


The Plan to Kill Jesus

The religious leaders’ decision to put Jesus to death marks a turning point in the Gospel of John. From this moment on, the plot to arrest and kill Jesus begins to take shape. Despite the wickedness of this plot, we see that God is in control, using even the plans of sinful men to bring about His greater purpose of redemption. Jesus was never a victim of circumstances; He willingly chose the path to the cross for the sake of humanity.

As disciples, we must learn to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dark or when evil appears to be prevailing. God’s plan will always triumph, and what others may mean for harm, God can use for good. The cross, which appeared to be the ultimate defeat, became the place of ultimate victory over sin and death. In the same way, God works through the challenges and trials in our lives to bring about His purposes and to draw us closer to Himself.

Scriptures to Study:

Genesis 50:20, Romans 5:8-10, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions