John 11:45-54
Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him. So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples.
Grace Prayed For
Pray for an unwavering faith, like those who believed after witnessing Jesus’ miracle. Ask for the strength to trust in Jesus’ power and compassion, even when faced with doubt or uncertainty.
The Cost of Courage
Key Themes:
- Jesus’ Profound Empathy: This passage reveals the depth of Jesus’ compassion. He is not merely a miracle worker but one who shares in our sorrow. His tears for Lazarus underscore His intimate connection with human suffering, offering comfort and solace to all who grieve.
- The Power of Belief: Even amidst their Inspiration: In today’s Gospel, we witness the stark contrast between faith and fear, between divine purpose and human machinations. While many are drawn to Jesus’s miraculous works and begin to believe, the religious leaders are consumed by fear. Their concern is not for God’s will or the salvation of their people, but for their own power and position.
- Caiaphas’s Prophecy: Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly speaks a profound truth. He suggests that it’s better for one man to die than for the whole nation to perish. While his intention is rooted in self-preservation, his words become a prophetic declaration of Jesus’s sacrificial death for the salvation of all.
- Jesus’s Withdrawal: Jesus, aware of their plot, withdraws to a quieter place. This is not a retreat in fear, but a strategic move to fulfill God’s timing. Even in the face of opposition, Jesus remains in control, committed to His mission.
- Points for Reflection:
- Faith vs. Fear: Are there areas in our own lives where fear holds us back from fully embracing God’s will? How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plan, even when it challenges our comfort zones?
- The Cost of Courage: Jesus’s ministry was marked by courage, even in the face of persecution. What does it mean for us to follow in His footsteps, to stand up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular or costly?
- Divine Purpose: Caiaphas’s words, though spoken in malice, reveal a divine purpose beyond human understanding. How can we remain open to the ways God can use even our enemies and our struggles to bring about good?
- Strategic Withdrawal: Jesus’s withdrawal reminds us that there is wisdom in choosing our battles. How can we discern when to engage and when to step back, trusting in God’s timing and provision?
- Prayer:
- Heavenly Father, grant us the courage to follow Jesus, even when the path is difficult. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when we don’t fully understand it. Give us the wisdom to discern Your will and the strength to carry it out. May we always be willing to sacrifice our own comfort for the sake of Your kingdom. Amen.
- Key Takeaway: The Gospel today challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations. Are we driven by fear or by faith? Are we willing to pay the cost of following Jesus, even when it means standing alone? May we always choose the path of courage, trusting that God’s plan will ultimately prevail.mourning, Martha and Mary express their faith in Jesus’ ability to act. This faith, though tested, is essential for witnessing the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection. It reminds us that even in the face of death, belief in Jesus opens the door to the impossible.
- Jesus’ Divine Authority: Jesus’ command for Lazarus to come forth demonstrates His authority over death. This act not only restores Lazarus to life but also serves as a powerful testament to Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, sent to bring life to the world.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Understanding the Cost of Discipleship: The plot against Jesus highlights the opposition and rejection He faced, even as He brought healing and salvation. This passage serves as a reminder that following Jesus may come with challenges and sacrifices, but it also deepens your commitment to Him as you recognize His own sacrifice for you.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post