The Gospel of John: John 11.49-57

Read and meditate on John 11.51, 52.
Caiaphas’ word was prophetic, but not because he intended it to be. God is sovereign, even in the lives of those who contrive evil against Him.

            ⁵¹Now this he did not on his own
authority proclaim, but he was shown
it, and as high priest he did prophesy
that Jesus for the people all would die,
⁵²and not for them alone, but also He
would gather into one all who would be
declared the children of the Lord, and who
were scattered everywhere.

- John 11.41b, 42

Reflect
1.  The word authority is not in the Greek text (as is evident from the fact that NKJV puts it in italics). The Greek says, “He did not speak this of (or from) himself.” What does John mean by this? Why did John think it was important for us to know this? Complete this prayer: Lord, in a very real sense, I want to speak nothing from or of myself, but…

2.  As the high priest, Caiaphas could serve as a prophetic vessel for the Lord, though it’s doubtful he did much of that before this moment. Even here, he could not possibly have understood the larger significance of what he proclaimed. God has invested certain offices with the duty of proclaiming His Word. But those who occupy those offices are not always faithful to their calling. How can we know when the words spoken or written by someone in a place of authority are prophetic, that is, are words God has given? Give me a heart of discernment, Lord, because if I do not exercise discernment…

3.  John interprets Caiaphas’ remarks as pertaining to Jesus. Obviously, he did this after the fact, after the events of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, after the pouring out of the Spirit, and after John began to understand all things in the light of Jesus. The words Caiaphas spoke were true words on two levels, as we have seen. Should we expect to find true words in the mouths of unbelievers today? Is it our duty to discern those true words, and to relate them to Jesus? Explain. Lord, let me see You in every true word spoken by anyone, for then I…

4.  John (v. 52), knowing more broadly the mission of Christ and the application of His redeeming work, took Caiaphas’ prophetic word beyond what he intended, or what might be deduced from what he said. Explain.Lord, I know they are out there, those children You have chosen and for whom You died and rose again. Give me grace and conviction to…

5.  We note that John attributes the saving and gathering of the “nation” of God to our Lord Jesus: “He would gather...” Yet all the apostles and early Christians were very active in proclaiming the Good News about Jesus. What are the implications of this for the work of evangelism? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote for questions 1-4.

Summary
“Do you see the great power in the high priest’s authority?… Even though he was unworthy of the office of the high priest, he prophesied, although he did not know what he was saying. Divine grace merely made use of his mouth, without touching his corrupt heart.… See how great the power of the Spirit is. It was able to bring forth a marvelous prophecy even from an evil imagination.” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

All truth is God’s truth, no matter the source from which it issues. And all truth finds it ultimate meaning and significance in Jesus and His work of redemption. Why is it important for us to understand this? How can knowing this serve us in learning about the world, culture, the issues of the day, and so forth? How can knowing this open doors of opportunity for talking about the Gospel?

Closing Prayer
Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

Psalm 5.8-12

Psalm 5.7-12 (Meirionydd: O Savior, Precious Savior)
O Lord, Your lovingkindness escorts me in this place.
I bow before Your highness and praise Your glorious grace!
In righteous ways You guide me; Your pathway I will know.
No good will be denied me as I with Jesus go.

My foes would fain deceive me and crush me in the way;
Their lying tongues would grieve me and lead my soul astray.
Their guilt hangs on above them; their guile shall be their fall;
They spurn the One Who loves them: reject them, one and all!

Let those rejoice who seek You and shelter ‘neath Your wing.
Their tongues shall rise to speak to Your praise; Your grace they sing.
Your people You will bless, Lord, all those who to You yield;
Preserve them with Your best Word, and guard them like a shield.
T. M. Moore

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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.