John 11:47-53 reports the rationalization for "killing Jesus" and in this conversation Caiaphas declares that it would be better for one man to die for the country than for all of them to "lose their position - and even their country." What he said was prophetic - but the idea didn't originate with him. It originated with God. It is wonderful to be able to see the master plan when we look at it in the rear view mirror. We know the end of the story - and we know it all had to fall in place in God's timing.
But - what is tumbling around in my brain most saliently is that they were under Roman rule, and they obviously very clearly knew that! Yet just a few chapters ago, in John 8, when they argued with Jesus (with their limited perspective and erroneous view) they claimed in John 8:33 that they had never been slaves of anyone. Seriously? They were under the rule of the Romans at that point, and their people historically had been enslaved multiple times.
The account in John 8 is a very interesting read. They were arguing from two totally different perspectives, yet the truths Jesus left for us are amazing and provide us building blocks for our Christian faith. I love Verse 8:58 that records Jesus statement to them: "Before Abraham was I am." Before he received his earthly name, Jesus (actually Yeshua) lived in heaven. He was "I AM", God! And he chose to come to earth to redeem us from Sin - to be the one and only sacrifice that could satisfy the debt that was created when Adam and Eve sinned. What an amazing God. The God who sees me, knows me - and loved me anyway. It is impossible to grasp the expanse of God's Agape love!
No comments:
Post a Comment