5th week in Lent, Saturday – 4th April 2020 – John 11,45-57
Death that unites
The religious leaders were not interested in the destruction of the temple or even Jerusalem, but were worried about the effect of Jesus’ popularity over their own. Their main concern seems to be their own loss of power and so they come together to discuss how Jesus and His teaching might affect Jewish nation. They were afraid that Jesus will lead people in such a way that the Romans will come and destroy Jerusalem and disperse the Jews throughout the Roman Empire. Caiaphas, the high priest, speaks on behalf of them. He wants Jesus to die so that great trouble can be avoided. In fact, he is unknowingly prophesying about the true meaning of Jesus’ death. Though his sole aim is political convenience, he is collaborating in God’s plan of salvation for the whole human race. He uses his power to suppress God’s word but in effect bears witness to Jesus. In fact, Jesus’ death gathers together all the scattered people of God, through unity that was never witnessed before.
