The Gospel of John: John 11.49-57

Read and meditate on John 11.49.
Those who are captive to the Lie, and who hold places of prominence and power, will often seek to bully into submission those who don’t see things as they do, and who therefore may impede their plans and schemes. Caiaphas is exhibit 1.

⁴⁹Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high
priest at that time, said to them all, “Now I
can see that you know nothing.”

- John 11.49

Reflect
1.  It’s important that we understand the situation as it had come to be among the Pharisees and priests. It’s clear they were threatened by Jesus (v. 48). Why? What could Jesus do to them? Is Jesus a threat like this to people yet today? Explain. Complete this prayer: Lord, help me to understand why some people are threatened by You, so that I…

2.  A small cadre of the Jewish leadership was driving the effort to destroy Jesus. They were led by the high priest, Caiaphas. From what you know from the Old Testament about the role of the high priest, how was he regarded by the rest of the people of Israel? What was his place in the nation with respect to the people and their relationship to God and His Law? Why was it important that John single out Caiaphas as the ring-leader of this conspiracy against Jesus? Lord, I think about the people who are in places of authority in our day – in the media, universities, politics and government, pop culture, and business. I pray for them, Lord, because…

3.  Notice how Caiaphas opened his remarks to his colleagues. He basically told them they were ignorant and blind. Do you suppose anyone present would have taken umbrage at such a charge? But would he have dared to say anything? Why? Lord, do not allow me to cower under the bullying charges of those who prefer the Lie to the truth that is in Jesus, lest…

4.  Caiaphas didn’t care what anybody else thought about Jesus. He was not open for discussion about the matter. He knew what he intended to do, and so he peremptorily silenced any other opinions, throwing his weight against the question raised in verses 47, 48, and leaving no room for alternative views. Does this not have a very contemporary ring to it? Explain. Everywhere, Lord, those who occupy the bully pulpits of this land have silenced those who might speak out against the Lie and stand for the truth that is in Jesus. Lord, do not allow me to…

5.  Put yourself in this situation. Even if you were like Nicodemus, inclined to believe in Jesus, or at least to give Him a fair hearing, it’s not likely you would have said anything to challenge or contradict the high priest. The high priest, throwing his authority around and bullying all present into compliance, imposed a spiral of silence on any Jesus-sympathizers. This is how the Lie works to assert itself, even against powerful evidence to the contrary (v. 47). Many Christians today are trapped in a downward spiral of silence concerning their witness for Christ, because they have been bullied into silence by those who occupy places of authority. Do you agree? How can we break out of this spiral of silence? Bring together into one the prayers you composed for questions 1-4.

Summary
“How is it that he is called the high priest of that year, when God appointed one hereditary high priest? This was owing to the ambition and contention of parties among the Jews themselves, which had ended in the appointment of several high priests, who took the office in turn, year by year.… And sometimes there even seems to have been more than one in office.” Augustine (354-430 AD)

The sin which had corrupted the office of high priest was ruling the soul of this high priest, who may have been nearing the end of his tenure, and was determined to stop Jesus. Sin corrupts not only human souls, but human institutions, and can turn them against the truth. Do you see this happening in our day? Explain.

Closing Prayer
How long, LORD?
Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You,
And on the kingdoms that do not call on Your name.
For they have devoured Jacob,
And laid waste his dwelling place.
Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us!
Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us,
For we have been brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
For the glory of Your name;
And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins,
For Your name’s sake!
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”

Psalm 79.5-10

Psalm 79.1-11 (Passion Chorale: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded)
O God the nations all Your inheritance have spoiled!
Your City have they ruined, Your temple they have soiled!
Your servants’ bodies all to the birds of heav’n are thrown;
The flesh of all Your faithful the jaws of beasts now own.

The blood of faithful servants like water flows around;
And none are there Your saints to commit into the ground.
Our neighbors mock and scorn us: How long, O Lord, how long?
How long will You be angry and scorn our mournful song?

Pour out, O Lord, Your wrath on all who deny Your Name;
Who trust You not nor seek You, bring down to deepest shame!
For they have with great rancor Your precious saints devoured;
Lay waste their habitation at this late dreadful hour.

Why should the nations mock and say, “Where now is their God?”
Let there be known among them harsh vengeance for our blood!
Hear, Lord, our groans and sighing; preserve us by Your pow’r.
For we are fairly dying each day and hour by hour.

T. M. Moore

Men, God is calling you to pray. Watch this brief video, then seek the Lord about joining our Men at Prayer movement.

Improve your prayer life with our free, online course, Parameters of Prayer. Study at your own pace or with a friend. Read more and register by clicking here.

We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.