Saturday, March 10, 2012
John 18:12-24 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
JESUS SUFFERS PURPOSEFULLY
Caiaphas was reasoning as a man, contrary to the will of God. He used his reasoning as an excuse to kill Jesus. The Jewish council accused Jesus of stirring up the people to the point where it could threaten the nation. The Romans could come in and destroy them all. But what they were really concerned about was losing their own position as leaders of the people (John 11:48). So Caiaphas reasoned that it would be better for one man, Jesus, to die and put an end to all this commotion before it gets any more out of hand. The nation would be spared further turmoil and loss.
John informs us, however, that God was using Caiaphas in his office as High Priest to speak the glorious truth of God's plan. God chose to sacrifice His own Son in place of the whole nation; and not only for the Nation of Israel, but to gather people from every nation as God's Children (John 11:51-52).
It is marvelous to see how everything went according to God's plan in every detail. Jesus was crucified exactly when, where and how He planned it. The priests and Pharisees were acting out of the hatred in their own hearts, yet with all their raging against God and against His anointed they were only accomplishing God's will. God is able to take the evil intentions and deeds of mankind, and without excusing their wickedness, use it in His own plan for our salvation.
Oh the greatness of God's wisdom and power! It is truly unsearchable. Oh the marvel of God's plan to have one man, His holy Son, die for the people rather than all dying! In Him we have life.
