Reflecting on John 11:45-53“Not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.” (John 11:51–52)
Caiaphas was the appointed high priest for the year, called to serve God.
He makes a ‘prophecy’ about Jesus, even thought he doesn’t realize it.
The above comment is John’s commentary on what the high priest said.
This was not what Caiaphas meant, but it was more true than he realized.
Jesus died not only for the nation, but for all God’s scattered sheep.
The religious leaders were more concerned about their own survival.
Jesus was putting their world – the nation, the temple – at risk.
They were committed to protecting their ‘church’, no matter the cost.
If it meant making one person suffer to protect the group, so be it.
This is very different from Jesus, who left the ninety-nine to find the lost one.
As Jesus followers, our priority is not to protect the institution.
Our priority is not our positions or our own peace and comfort.
With Jesus our concern should be for the scattered children of God.
We are called to bring all people together in one family – God’s family.
To exclude some to protect the church is not the Jesus Way.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, God's children are not just the members of my church or group. You left the ninety-nine to bring back the one; help us not to ignore the one for the sake of the ninety-nine. May the unity of God's scattered family motivate me as well!