Apr
04
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. - Ezek 37:26
Word of Jesus' miracle (raising Lazarus from the dead) and His growing following has reached the Pharisees. Now they hold a meeting. They aren't discussing if Jesus could be the Messiah. They express concerns about losing their status or losing their country to the Romans. The high priest, Caiaphas, interjects his solution: "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" (Jn 11:49-50).
There are two very interesting things about Caiaphas' words. First, the Gospel says Caiaphas "did not say this on his own," but he "prophesied" (see Jn 11:51). That is, God is giving him these words. Caiaphas means to say that killing Jesus would be in their nation's political interests, but God gives Caiaphas words that reveal His salvific plan. We know "from that day on they planned to kill him" (Jn 11:53). The words from Caiaphas - the prophecy - are leading to Jesus' Crucifixion.
It's worth noting that Caiaphas' prophecy harkens back to our first reading today. In it, God speaks to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel about gathering His people to Him in an everlasting covenant. Caiaphas wanted Jesus killed for political purposes. God had a more far-reaching plan for the good of mankind.
Prayer: Lord, when bad things happen, help me to trust in Your eternal plan for my salvation.
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Word of Jesus' miracle (raising Lazarus from the dead) and His growing following has reached the Pharisees. Now they hold a meeting. They aren't discussing if Jesus could be the Messiah. They express concerns about losing their status or losing their country to the Romans. The high priest, Caiaphas, interjects his solution: "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" (Jn 11:49-50).
There are two very interesting things about Caiaphas' words. First, the Gospel says Caiaphas "did not say this on his own," but he "prophesied" (see Jn 11:51). That is, God is giving him these words. Caiaphas means to say that killing Jesus would be in their nation's political interests, but God gives Caiaphas words that reveal His salvific plan. We know "from that day on they planned to kill him" (Jn 11:53). The words from Caiaphas - the prophecy - are leading to Jesus' Crucifixion.
It's worth noting that Caiaphas' prophecy harkens back to our first reading today. In it, God speaks to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel about gathering His people to Him in an everlasting covenant. Caiaphas wanted Jesus killed for political purposes. God had a more far-reaching plan for the good of mankind.
Prayer: Lord, when bad things happen, help me to trust in Your eternal plan for my salvation.
See all meditations to date
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