A Study Of John 11:45-57
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals a divide between belief and unbelief, prophecy from a non-believer, and a cautious Savior as he completes his mission.
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals a divide between belief and unbelief.
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. (ESV, John 11:45-46)
After Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead the people who witnessed the miracle are spiritually divided. Some believe in Jesus but others go to the Pharisees to report the event. They knew the religious establishment wanted to arrest him and would want to know about such a spectacular miracle.
The Greek word for “believed” is pistĕuō, which means to put trust in, have faith in, entrust one’s spiritual well-being, commit to. John doesn’t comment on the genuineness of these believers in their faith. But the way he positions thems against those who reported to the Pharisees suggests the reporters are delivering intel on the enemy. Raising Lazarus from the dead was an awesome disply of God’s power. And yet, people hardened their hearts toward Jesus.
We see the same divide between belief and unbelief today. Along with the hostility toward Jesus and his followers. It’s why Jesus warns us to beware of a sinful and often hostile world.
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (ESV, Matthew 10:16)
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals prophecy from a non-believer
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked.(ESV, John 11:47)
The Sanhedrin was the Jewish ruling council during the time of Jesus. It operated as a religious, judicial, and political authority under Roman rule. It included 70 members made up of chief priests, pharisees, and scribes led by the high priest. And they met to discuss the problem posed by Jesus. The first thing to note is they don’t deny that Jesus performed miracles.
Here is this man performing many signs.
They acknowledged the power of God in his miracles, but they hardened their hearts against Jesus as the Son of God.
The motive for seeking Jesus’ death.
If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.
Jesus’ popularity was growing and their influence declining. And the religious leaders worried Jesus might spark a messianic movement. In that case Rome would certainly crush it, but they might be replaced in the process. Then Caiphas, the high priest, prophesizes on two levels.
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. (ESV, John 11:49-50)
Humanly speaking, Caiphas makes a cold, calculated statement. Jesus must die to protect the people of Israel and preserve their power. But his words also proclaim the gospel.
And not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (ESV, John 11:52)
John points out that Caiphas prophesied without realizing the spiritual depth to his words. Jesus would die for the nation of Israel and the entire world. But not because the Sanhedrin conspired to bring it about. He was obeying the father and sacrificing himself for the sins of the world.
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals a cautious savior as he completes his mission.
So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. (ESV, John 11:53-54)
The Greek word for “plotted” is ebouleusanto and actually means resolved. In other words, the Sanhedrin agreed Jesus must die. Now to formulate a plan and execute it. And like cutting to the next scene in a movie, the biblical text jumps to where Jesus makes a decision. Rather than appearing openly in Judea he moves to the remote village of Ephraim with his disciples to make sure all goes according to the father’s will.
The Passover celebration was approaching. And the Jewish religious leaders anticipated Jesus making a public appearance. So they ordered the people to alert them if they saw him.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
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