The Gospel of John: John 11.49-57

Read and meditate on John 11.49-57.
The drama of Jesus’ incarnation and ministry moves into its final act. After an intermission in Galilee, Jesus returns to Jerusalem for the last time, knowing full well what awaits Him – the glory of God!
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. ⁵⁰Nor do you
consider that it is expedient to
our cause that one man for the nation ought
to die, and that the nation all be not
destroyed.” 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.

                                   ⁵³So then the Jews
from that day forward, plotted to put Him
to death. ⁵⁴So Jesus went to Ephraim,
the country near the wilderness, and no
more would He openly among them go.

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 11.49-57

Reflect
1. The relationship between Jesus and time is a recurrent theme in John’s gospel, as we recall the times he mentions Jesus’ “hour” (Jn. 2.4; 7.30; 8.20; 12.23), and as we see in this passage, when Jesus goes to Ephraim. How would you describe that relationship? What are the implications of this for us, as followers of Jesus? Complete this prayer: You are Lord of time, Jesus, including my time. Help me to follow You in the time of my life, so that…

2.  God is sovereign over time, and in all the affairs of men and nations. Even when His enemies intend evil against Him, God will use their efforts for His glory. How can you see this in the remarks by Caiaphas? How should this encourage us in our walk with and work for the Lord? No matter how bad things look or get, Lord, I know that…

3.  This passage, together with verses 45 and 46, holds some lessons for us about the power of sin. Explain. What should we learn about the power of sin to guide us as followers of Jesus? Lord, do not let me underestimate the power of sin, but always…

4.  Affections – fear, wonder, determination, anxiousness, resentment, rage, and so forth – are powerful motivators in the human soul. Which affections are in focus in this passage? How are they working? John seems to want his readers to be aware of the power of affections. Why? How did Jesus deal with affections, so that they worked for Him and His mission? Guard my heart, Lord, so that my affections are always…

5.  Much is yet to transpire before the Jews seize Jesus and begin proceedings against Him. But John lets us know in no uncertain terms that the final act of Jesus’ earthly sojourn has begun. Jesus will be seized, and He will die. The people who so enthusiastically accompanied Him to Jerusalem, and sang His praises as He entered, will give in to their fears and demand He be crucified. The Jewish leaders will get what they want. But so will Jesus, and so will our heavenly Father. John has not yet tipped his hand about Jesus’ “hour.” He’ll let the Lord do that Himself in John 17.1. What’s the most important lesson for you from these verses? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you composed for questions 1-4.

Summary
“But the true purification was not before the Pasch but during the Pasch, when Jesus died as the Lamb of God for those who were purifying themselves and took away the sin of the world.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

As the people came to Jerusalem to purify themselves for the Passover, so we come to Jesus, that He may purify us and adopt us into His Father’s family and household. Rejoice in Jesus, Who purifies us forever, that we may know the glory of our God and Father. For what are you especially grateful to the Lord today?

Closing Prayer
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles. 
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34.1-8

Psalm 34.1-9, 3 (Alleluia [Lowe]: Mighty God, While Angels Bless You)
I will bless the Lord at all times; I shall praise Him evermore!
My soul makes its boast in Jesus – Him we gladly all adore!
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I sought the Lord, He answered, and from fear delivered me.
Those who look to Him are radiant; shamed their face shall never be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I cried to God, He heard me, and from trouble rescued me.
‘Round their camp His angel lingers that they may delivered be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

Taste and see how good is Jesus; blessed are all who in Him hide.
None shall lack for any blessing who in Christ will e’er confide.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

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.