The Gospel of John: John 11.49-57

Read and meditate on John 11.55-57.
Everyone was looking for Jesus, some out of curiosity, some with murderous intent.

⁵⁵At length, the Passover of the Jews was near,
and many from the country traveled here,
unto Jerusalem, to purify
themselves before the feast. ⁵⁶Once there, they tried
to find where Jesus was, and spoke to one
another in the temple: “Will He come
for Passover, or will He not? What do
you think?” ⁵⁷The Jews, meanwhile, had given to
the people orders, that if anyone
knew where He was, then he to them should come,
and let them know, that they might seize Him.

- John 11.55-57

Reflect
1.  The “they” of verse 36 refers to the “many” (v. 55) who were coming to Jerusalem from all over the country. Passover was the draw, but Jesus was the main event. Everyone, it seems, was looking for Jesus. Why? Are people looking for Jesus like this today? Explain. Complete this prayer: Lord, are people today looking for You as well? What can I do to…

2.  The Greek negative in verse 56 – ou me – should be translated surely not or not at all. What does this suggest about the people’s expectations? Why would they think this way? Lord, the threats of men did not cause You to fail in Your mission. Let them not cause me to…

3.  The Jewish leaders commanded anyone who knew where Jesus was, to report His whereabouts. It’s not clear how they did this, but the effect of this on the people must have been disturbing. Anyone who obeyed would have been complicit in His death. Anyone who disobeyed such a command could have been regarded as a collaborator with Jesus, and risked being excommunicated (Jn. 12.42). In that light, can you see that the concern of the people mentioned in verse 56 might have been as much one of self-interest as for Jesus? Explain. Lord, people act out of self-interest all the time, so when I talk with them about Jesus…

4.  We’ll see where that self-interest will lead. The Jews intended to seize Jesus, but doing so would not be easy, because of what we know about Jesus’ ministry in Ephraim (vv. 53, 54; cf. Matt. 20.29, Mk. 10.46, and Lk. 18.35, 36). What does this suggest about the enemies of Jesus and the visible presence of many who follow Him? Lord Jesus, the greatest fear that men have of other men is on the part of those who despise You. If only we Your people were more consistent in our witness…

5.  Troubling. Hatred. Fear. Uncertainty. The prospect of violence. Emotions in Jerusalem were running high as the Passover – and Jesus – approached. Clearly, Jesus stirs people up. But He Himself was not deterred from His purpose by such emotions. Should we allow such feelings to render us silent in our witness for the Lord? How can we keep that from happening? Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“Many who had come up from the country to Jerusalem in order to purify themselves according to the precepts of the Law before the Passover … gathered together in the temple and discussed among themselves whether the Lord would come out of respect for the festival or would avoid coming in order to protect himself from the ambushes of his enemies. These were the words of those who desired to see him. With good reason the crowd was close to him because of the miracles he had performed.” Theodore of Mopsuestia (350-428 AD)

Emotions always run high when Jesus is in view. But love for Jesus and commitment to our calling as His witnesses must override negative emotions, so that we, like Jesus, can finish our course in glory. How do you prepare to overcome fear in being a witness for Christ?

Closing Prayer
Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up;
Fighting all day he oppresses me.
My enemies would hound me all day,
For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?...

In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
I will render praises to You,
For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have You not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living?

Psalm 56.1-4, 11-13

Psalm 56.1-4, 10-13 (Morecambe: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart!)
Savior, be gracious, gracious unto me!
Weary, I seek the shelter of Your wings
Till trouble passes, till my sighings flee.
I seek the Lord Who for me does all things.

When I’m afraid I’ll put my trust in You,
You, Lord, Whose everlasting Word I praise;
I will not fear what foes to me might do,
But will in faith to You my crying raise.

I will not fear what foes might do to me.
I give You thanks, my vows will I renew.
You have redeemed me, set my spirit free,
And ever in Your light I’ll walk with You.
           
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.