“Caiaphas … 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” (John 11:49-50, ESV).

Jesus had just worked His ultimate miraculous sign: the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1–44). Not only did Martha and Mary rejoice to have their brother back from the grave, but also “many of the Jews … believed in him” (John 11:45, ESV). Both Jesus’ ultimate miraculous sign and many of the Jews believing in Him alarmed the religious leaders. In this case, Jesus’ good deed of raising Lazarus would not go unpunished.

The Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council) was called into emergency session. “We cannot have this Man performing signs like this. ‘Everyone will believe in him’ (John 11:48). What shall we do about it?” Then Caiaphas, the high priest and chairman of the council, spoke up: “You know nothing at all … it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50, ESV). He was not wrong! What Caiaphas uttered out of political expediency also, ironically, expressed God’s eternal plan of salvation.

It was, is, and always will be better that one Man—Jesus—should die “for the people”—for you, for your family and friends, for your church and school, for your colleagues in ministry, and for all people the world over. If Jesus did not die for us, we all would have to face the consequences of our own unbelief and countless sins. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, ESV). He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29b, ESV).

As we finish Lent and head into Holy Week, it is good to ponder this: what Caiaphas meant for political evil God meant for our eternal, spiritual good. The Apostle John gave the Gospel-centered explanation: “[Caiaphas] 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” (John 11:51b–52, ESV).

Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, we thank You … that You have redeemed us poor and condemned creatures not by any of our works, merit, or worthiness, but by Your holy suffering, death, and shedding of blood … We pray You, let Your holy, bitter suffering and death not be lost on us, but grant that at all times this may be our comfort, and that we may boast in it …” (Treasury of Daily Prayer, p. 1313)

In Christ’s service,

Rev. Randy K. Asburry
Second Vice President, Missouri District