After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the response of the crowd was mixed, as some believed that Jesus was certainly the Messiah, while others were resistant, and wanted to make sure that the Pharisees and Chief Priests knew what had just happened in Bethany, just a few miles from the seat of power in Jerusalem. After convening the council, the religious leaders asked:

“What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs” (John 11:47).

And then they began to reason together, saying:

“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” (John 11:48).

Did you catch that? They felt that because of Jesus, the Romans would come and remove them from their positions of authority over the people, and in fact, they would no longer even have a nation to “lead.” Power and authority are always involved when people reject Christ. If you recall, Jesus demands our absolute allegiance as we take up the cross and follow Him. 

But Caiaphas, the High Priest that year, said to them:

“You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish” (John 11:49-50).

John reminds us that because Caiaphas was the High Priest that year, he correctly prophesied that Jesus would die for the entire nation (John 11:51). Of course, Caiaphas was thinking in physical terms, believing that if Jesus died, the entire nation would be spared by the Romans, but he didn’t realize the true spiritual meaning of his prophesy that Jesus would did for the “sins” of the whole nation. And John goes on to tell us that Caiaphas also said that Jesus would not only die for the nation, but that:

“…He would also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:52).

The fulfillment of this prophesy was clearly seen on the Day of Pentecost shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, as the Holy Spirit fell on all who were gathered together, people from all over the Roman Empire. John adds:

“From that day on, they plotted together to kill Him” (John 11:53).

Knowing this plot was being hatched, Jesus left Judea and went to the city of Ephraim where He stayed with His disciples. But the Feast of Passover was coming, and many people were wondering if Jesus would come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast. And the chief priests and Pharisees were lying in wait, asking the people to report any sightings of Jesus directly to them. 

Jesus spoke on many occasions that “My time has not yet come.” But now, “His time” was just around the corner, as Jesus returned to Bethany where He had just raised Lazarus from the dead. And “His time” was for Him to die on the cross for the sins of the world, including yours and mine! And for us, Good Friday and Easter are also coming. As the crowd asked after Lazarus was raised from the dead: “What should we do with Jesus?,” we also need to ask ourselves: “What will I do with Jesus?” Believe in Him or reject Him? Just as it was almost two thousand years ago, “the ball is in our court.” As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let’s make sure that we believe and trust in Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world. 

May the Lord richly bless you this week.