Text: John 11: 45-57
Text verse: John 11:50
Caiaphas was the leader of the Sadducees. The Sadducees were a group of learned people from priestly ranks who had political power among the Jews. They hated Jesus because He spoke out against their falsehoods. He was a threat to their comfortable life and status among the people.
As a result, they decided to kill Jesus. Caiaphas also says that it is better for one man to die than for an entire nation to perish. These words testify to his own selfishness, yet the Lord uses those same words as prophecy.
It reminds of one of the Psalmist who says: “Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.” (Ps. 76:10)
Caiaphas’ intention was to destroy Jesus. It is ironic that he says that one man should pay for the rest, because he wants to protect his own power through it. He is full of selfishness and cares only for his own interest and comfort. This while the Lord in His grace and love saves His people through the One who dies for many.
The selfishness, hatred and injustice we experience every day around us, tends to make us negative. It makes us lose perspective and hope because it may seem like evil is in control. We also involuntarily brood over all the bad that may result from others’ evil plans.
What is of great comfort to us as believers here is the fact that we can see how God destroys sin and creates good from of it.
Even Caiaphas’ anger, which was meant to break down and destroy, uses the Lord as a prophecy. A glorious prophecy because one righteous man dies, so that a multitude of sinful men may be saved.
Therefore, every bad situation and judgement should remind us of Jesus’ death on the cross. God uses the bad motives of men to save us. In the same way, He uses sin in today’s world to our benefit (also see Rom. 8:28).
Our enemy may have malicious intent, but one thing is certain: God also uses their evil plans to work for our good. We also see this in the history of the Israelites when Balaam is hired to curse them. Nehemiah then describes it as follows: “Because they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to call a curse down on them. Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.” (Neh. 13: 2)
God turns the curse into a blessing! We see this wonderful grace when Christ dies so that we can live. The curse we had to face, is turned into a blessing by Jesus. We become children of God.
That is why Peter also encourages us with these words: “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Pet. 1:13)
Every evil plan reminds us of the One person who died so that many can be saved. What a wonderful hope. In Christ we see how God uses the evil plans of man to save multitudes. Therefore, remain filled with faith by keeping your eyes fixed on your Saviour!