John 12:17–19

Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

Notice that it doesn’t say, “See that we are accomplishing nothing.” It says, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing.” The verb (oh-phel-eite) is clearly second person plural.

In other words, some Pharisees are saying to other Pharisees, that they are accomplishing nothing. This is sharp criticism. There is great dissension within the Pharisees.

But do the ones making this criticism believe the other Pharisees should give up their opposition to Jesus or do they think they should step it up? Three related passages shed light on this.

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” — John 3:1–2

Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” — John 9:40

When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.” — Acts 5:33–35

We noted in week twelve that 9:40 implies that some Pharisees didn’t agree with the persecution strategy. The actions of Nicodemus and Gamaliel show that they were in that group.

So, some of the Pharisees strongly disagree with their associates’ opposition to Jesus. As we’ll see, they fail to convince the others to let up. Of course, that’s all part of the Lord’s plan to get to the cross.

Still, it’s an interesting failure.

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” — George Bernard Shaw

Shaw’s cheeky use of the word “reasonable” gives this quote its pop. He’s referring to the “go along, get along” attitude that keeps most people from ever having any impact. That’s how the dissenting Pharisees failed; they caved to peer pressure from the angry ones.

This is also what the first century Christians did right—and what we do wrong. Their refusal to “adapt” is how they turned the world upside down.

We can have the courage of our convictions without being rude.

These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

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The weekly study guides, which include the Monday–Friday devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

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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. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.