John 11:45–57 - 45 Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done. 47 Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, “What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. 48 “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” 51 Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it, so that they might seize Him.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, different people reacted to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Some who saw the miracle put their faith in Jesus, while others went straight to the religious leaders with news of what happened. The Jewish authorities panicked, fearing Jesus' growing influence would cause Rome to destroy their nation and position (vv. 45-48). Caiaphas, the high priest that year, declared it better for Jesus to die than for their whole nation to be destroyed. Without realizing it, he spoke a prophecy about how Jesus' death would unite all God's children. From that day on, the Jewish leaders made plans to kill Jesus (vv. 49-53). Jesus then stopped teaching publicly and went to a town called Ephraim. As Passover approached, people wondered if Jesus would come to Jerusalem, while the authorities ordered His arrest (vv. 54-57).
How can I apply John 11:45-57 to my life?
The religious leaders watched in stunned silence as Jesus performed the impossible. Lazarus - dead and buried for four days - now walked among them, living proof of Jesus' divine power. Their response to this earth-shattering miracle exposed a dark truth about human nature. Rather than bow before such overwhelming evidence, they dug in their heels and plotted against Him. Their choice seems unthinkable, yet people make similar decisions every day. The proof of God sits right in front of them, but they turn away to keep control of their lives. These religious leaders didn't start out planning to kill God's Son. Their path toward such evil began with tiny compromises - small moments when they chose their reputation over truth. Little by little, their hearts grew harder until they could no longer see Jesus for who He really was. But God wasn't surprised by their evil plans. He took their worst intentions and used them to accomplish something amazing - salvation for anyone who believes in Jesus. This story hits close to home for Christians today. The pressure to water down our beliefs or stay quiet about our faith grows stronger all the time. Some face losing friends or jobs because they follow Jesus. Others deal with family members who mock their faith. Yet God's perfect plan moves forward, no matter who stands against it. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Choose Truth Over Popular Opinion (vv. 45-48): The religious leaders placed their positions of power and influence above the clear evidence of Jesus' divine identity. Standing for biblical truth starts with small daily choices that build spiritual backbone for bigger challenges ahead. When your coworkers mock Christianity, speak up with gentleness and respect. When family members pressure you to support unbiblical lifestyles, love them while staying true to God's Word. The religious leaders' failure warns us that comfort and status can slowly erode our commitment to truth. Their example calls believers to examine where compromise has crept in. Some Christians lose jobs for refusing to support values that go against Scripture. Others face rejection at family gatherings because they will not back down from their faith. God's truth gives us strength to face these costs. Start by identifying areas where you have grown soft on biblical standards. Then take action - change your entertainment choices, speak truth in love during difficult conversations, resist pressure to participate in activities that dishonor God. Following Jesus means deliberately choosing His way over the popular path, even when it hurts. The religious leaders watched Jesus perform undeniable miracles, yet still chose their social standing over salvation. Their tragic example shows how earthly power can blind people to eternal truth. Building conviction now prepares you for harder tests ahead. Make God's approval your highest goal. Take time to study Scripture so you know truth from error. Practice standing firm in small ways today so you will be ready when bigger challenges come (Daniel 3:16-18, Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 5:29, Galatians 1:10).
Food for Thought: What areas of your life show evidence of choosing popular opinion over biblical truth? What specific pressures do you face to compromise your faith for social acceptance?
2. Trust God's Perfect Plan Even When People Act Wickedly (vv. 49-53): Caiaphas spoke of Jesus' death as a political solution, yet God used his evil intent to fulfill the divine plan of salvation. Bad things happen when sinful people make choices, but God works through these actions to accomplish His purposes. Life brings painful situations caused by others - betrayal by friends, unfair treatment at work, abuse of power by leaders, or attacks on your character. These hurts can leave you wondering where God is in the mess. The truth stands clear - God stays in control even when evil people seem to win. Your spouse walks out on your marriage. Your boss takes credit for your work. Someone spreads lies about you online. A corrupt official blocks justice in court. God sees it all. He takes these wicked choices and weaves them into His master plan. This does not excuse the wrong actions or minimize your pain. Instead, it gives hope that nothing catches God by surprise. He used Caiaphas's selfish plot to bring about salvation for the world. In the same way, He can use the harmful choices of others to shape your character and advance His kingdom. When others act with evil motives, look beyond their actions to see God's bigger purpose. Choose to forgive those who wrong you, knowing God will bring good from their bad choices. Focus on becoming more like Jesus through the trial instead of getting bitter. Trust that God's plan will succeed despite human opposition (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11).
Food for Thought: How has God worked good outcomes from situations where others meant to harm you? What makes it hard for you to trust God's control when facing opposition from others?
3. Act Wisely In The Face of Opposition (vv. 54-57): Jesus moved away from direct conflict with the religious leaders until the right time for His sacrifice arrived. Walking with God takes wisdom to know when to stand firm and when to step back from dangerous situations. Some Christians think every challenge requires a bold confrontation, but Jesus showed that timing and discernment matter. Your coworker makes hostile comments about your faith - perhaps the best response involves private conversation rather than public debate. Your neighbor spreads false rumors about your family's Christian values - you might need to limit contact while still showing kindness from a distance. Your child faces bullying at school for believing in God - teaching them when to speak up and when to walk away builds lasting strength. Opposition does not always call for immediate action. Sometimes God leads you to change jobs quietly instead of fighting workplace discrimination. Other times He guides you to move to a new neighborhood where your children can grow stronger in faith before facing intense spiritual battles. Walking in wisdom means staying alert to dangers without becoming paranoid. It requires close attention to the Holy Spirit's guidance about timing and approach. God might direct you to find a different doctor when yours pushes anti-biblical advice, or to switch schools when teachers actively work against your family's values. The goal is not to run from every challenge, but to choose your battles with spiritual wisdom. Protecting your witness sometimes means avoiding needless conflict while preparing for essential confrontations (Proverbs 22:3, Matthew 10:16, Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians 4:5).
Food for Thought: What current situations in your life require wisdom to know whether to stand firm or step back? How can you better discern God's timing for addressing opposition to your faith?
Standing for biblical truth carries real costs in today's world. The religious leaders' choice to reject Jesus despite witnessing Lazarus's resurrection serves as a sobering warning. Their story shows how easy it is to put status, comfort, or popularity ahead of God's truth. Christians face the same choices every day where we have to choose between God’s truth and the deceptions of the world. When facing mockery at work, pressure from family, or hostility from neighbors, we need to stand firm. At the same time, God gives wisdom to know which battles to fight and when to step back. The key lies in staying focused on His plan. Nothing surprises God - not the religious leaders' plots then, not opposition to faith now. He transforms the worst human choices into victories for His kingdom. This truth frees believers to face resistance with confidence. Rather than fear those who oppose Christianity, Christians can move forward with bold faith, knowing that God's purposes will prevail. Just as He used Caiaphas's hostile words to prophesy salvation through Jesus, He continues to work through difficult situations to accomplish His perfect plan.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me courage to stand for truth even when it costs me relationships, status, or comfort. Guard my heart against the slow drift toward compromise that marked the religious leaders' path. I pray that You would open my eyes to areas where I have begun to choose popularity or comfort over Your truth. Help me build spiritual strength through small daily decisions of obedience.
I pray that You would increase my trust in Your perfect plan when I face opposition. When others act with evil motives, help me look beyond their actions to see Your bigger purpose at work. Give me grace to forgive those who wrong me, knowing You can bring good from their harmful choices. I pray that You would shape my character through trials instead of letting bitterness take root.
Lord, I need Your wisdom to know when to stand firm and when to step back from conflict. Guide my responses to hostility at work, in my neighborhood, and even within my family. I pray that You would sharpen my spiritual discernment about timing and approach. Help me protect my witness while staying ready for essential battles. Thank You that nothing surprises You and that Your purposes will prevail despite human opposition.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
John 11:49-50 - 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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