Dear Explorer,
Re-Read John 11:50
Caiaphas said, “It is better for one man to die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
Here is a good example of God giving someone a prophecy – even though they didn't understand it. We'll talk about this kind of inspiration when we talk about the various ways that God inspired (breathed) Scripture.
What do you think Caiaphas was thinking when he made this statement?
I think Caiaphas thought if he killed Jesus, then the people would settle down and return to their obedience to the Jewish leadership. I think he felt that if they didn't kill Jesus, then it would lead to rioting and turmoil and Rome would step in and put a stop to Jewish rule. They might even destroy Israel completely. Remember that the Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin were allowed to rule if they kept the people of Israel submissive and cooperative with Rome.
But regardless of what Caiaphas thought, God used him to speak a prophecy about Jesus.
Re-Read John 11:51-52
We talked about God's plan for paying for our sin on Day 134. Please review that material and let me know if you have any questions. Jesus must die.
Here we are told that He would die for two specific groups. Who are they?
The Jews and all non-Jews – that's the whole world and that includes you!
What else would Jesus do?
He would unite them into one group.
When Jesus died, our sins were paid for, the cocoon had completed its job, and there would be no division between Jew and non-Jew. All would be welcome to invite Jesus into their lives and become followers of a NEW WAY.
So, Caiaphas' prophecy held a lot of meaning. Let's continue our study and see how it unfolds.
In His service, dale
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