Isn't it odd how both Lincoln and the Lord Jesus had such similar threads woven within their stories? John Wilkes Booth did not act alone. He was part of a group that plotted the killing of Lincoln. In our reading today, we will listen in on the closed door meeting of the Sanhedrin (:the Council) as they plot to kill Christ Jesus. This is the key turning point in the book. Yes, we've read earlier of other times where people wanted to stone Jesus. For example, after he healed the invalid by the pool. Why? "...the Jews tried all the harder to kill him, not only for breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God" John 5:18. They also wanted to stone him after he declared, "Before Abraham was, I am" 8:59. A few months later, they again picked up stones to stone him when he declared, "I and the Father are one" 10:31. They even tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp, 10:39. His time had not yet come. But soon the time would come, set by the Father, for Jesus to be given over to death. But it wouldn't come by stoning, the Jewish form of execution. It was prophesied that he would be pierced through for our transgressions (Is.53:5). God directs the affairs of men.
So why is our passage today the turning point of the story? Because it is no longer isolated groups of irate Pharisees that sought to kill the Lord; it is the very religious leaders of the country plotting his death. They were the ones in the know who should have been the first to warmly receive Jesus as their prophesied Messiah. But they united to turn against him (thus, the turning point). He came to his own and his own did not receive him (John 1:11). Amazingly, it is right on the heels of raising Lazarus from the dead that they begin plotting his death. This was the great climactic miracle of miracles, yet they resolutely reject him. "He was despised and rejected by men..." Is.53:3. And why did the Sanhedrin declare their need to plot Jesus' death? Discover for yourself. Read now the turning point of the book, John 11:45-57.
Here are a few of my observations:
Once again you'll see how John notes the division within the people. Some believed, others did not, but ran like tattle tales to the Pharisees. 11:45-46
The leaders admitted that Jesus was performing miracles, but still opposed him. 11:47.
Note their stated political reason for doing away with Jesus- 11:48. Yet ironically, the Romans came and destroyed their place (temple) anyway in 70 AD.
Mt.27:18 lets us know their deeper reason for wanting to do away with Jesus- they envied him. They wanted his popularity. Envy wants the position or possessions of another. Jealousy wants the love another is receiving. The Jewish leaders did not jealously want the people's love. They didn't care about the people! They weighed them down with their burdensome, man-made laws. So it was out of envy that they sought to do away with Jesus, wanting his fame. Life lesson: If you want to be great, be the servant of all (Mt.20:26).
Sure hope your boss has better people skills than Caiaphas- see John 11:49.
Caiaphas spoke far more than he knew- see 11:50.
John gives us added theological insight- see 11:52. We are included.
If you can escape persecution, do so- see 11:54. If you can't, you are blessed, Mt.5:10-12.
1.- Share some of your thoughts on a verse or phrase that grabs your attention.
The turning point of John's gospel hinges on the united plot to put an end to Jesus. But John tells us that such would only bring God's children (Jews and Gentiles) together and make them one- 11:52. When John Wilkes Booth killed Lincoln, he thought he would further divide the nation. He was shocked how the death of Lincoln actually unified the nation for a season.
2.- When people are unified, powerful things can happen. And when we are unified by being devoted to one another in brotherly love, powerful things can occur. But we live in such a me centered world, not a team oriented kingdom. We must fight against this isolationism. It's not easy. So to give you a nudge, I asked you yesterday to contact your wingmen and find out how they're doing and what GREAT areas they want to work on improving. I promised that I would ask you today about such. So who did you talk with? :)
Louie recently reached out even to his lawn care guy. Here's what he wrote- "The last person I gave a mini-movie card, M3 card, and an invitation to church was Dave, the lawn care guy. We've talked very few times. Our only communication is when he texts me to let me know he's stopping by to cut the lawn and pick up the month's payment. This time I left him an additional envelope with cards. Later that night I called to see if he got them. He did and said he would review them later. He thanked me for the cards and the invitation to church." Way to sow something far better than grass seed Louie!
Announcements
Do you like to hike? Tim Dearborn and I are organizing an outing over to Indiana Dunes on Saturday, Oct.3rd. We will rendezvous at mi casa (9541 S. Oakley) at 8:00 AM and be back by 1:PM. Just bring some fast food lunch money. Be adventurous. Build great memories and brotherhood. Live life outside of the rut :)
Who needs a reminder to put your points on the board as soon as you finish blogging? You just got one:)
1. In verse 55 we read: "Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves." To me it was very interesting that the Jews were going through different rituals to purify themselves in preparation for the Passover (remembrance and celebration of their freedom from slavery in Egypt), yet when they had the opportunity to find true freedom from their sins by believing in Jesus they rejected Him, the only person that can give us true freedom and a new beginning in life.
ReplyDelete2. Yesterday I let my wingman know I was praying for them.
Humm, how many people today are outwardly religious, yet reject Jesus?
DeleteThat's a great picture Roger, how many were and still are looking for purification when Jesus' blood is the only way we can truly be washed clean?
DeleteGreat insight and thought provoking post Roger.
DeleteEyes wide closed as well as their hearts
I want to also add my congrats on a great point you made Roger.
DeleteThanks for calling up your wingmen, finding out how they are doing and praying for them. Excellent!
Jesus even calls the religious leaders "whitewashed tombs" (Matt. 23:27). I do the same thing in my own life when I attempt to be righteous in myself rather than righteous in Christ, whether it's trying save face or not admitting when I'm wrong or not confessing sin. Jesus covers all those things, but sometimes I still try to do it on my own. It's a good thing His blood covers that too!
Delete1. v.48 "If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” The Jewish leaders were focused on their position, their power, the little kingdom that they wrongfully thought was theirs that they had built around them. How about you (and me)? Are you willing to let God interrupt your status quo? Am I willing to allow God to mess with the "little kingdom" that I have surrounded myself with?
ReplyDelete2. I interacted with my 3 wingmen via txt yesterday.
Great insight. They could have had so much more by working toward getting everyone to believe in Him than by protecting their "place and nation".
DeleteJust think about how they could have advanced God's Kingdom if they had just followed Jesus instead of their selfish desires
DeleteGood and challenging application questions Tim. Have you prepared lessons before? :)
DeleteGlad you interacted with your 3 wingmen.
Great question to think about Tim. Thanks.
DeleteAwesome questions!
DeleteYes Tim great question for all of us to ponder on.
Delete(1) 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.
ReplyDelete"Who do you say that I am?" No one questioned or rejected His miracles, most of them attributed His signs to God: they thought He may be a prophet. The High Priest even prophesied as to Jesus' ultimate purpose. But they couldn't accept tht He was the Messiah they were looking for. Unfortunately, v48 was also a prophecy of sorts: one day every knee will bow and everyone will believe in Him; and the Romans did come and take away their nation, though that may have had more to do with the Priest's actions than Jesus'.
(2) Yesterday I only spoke with one, Lemmy, asking in what areas he wanted to improve.
Kevin. It's great to see you posting regularly and I enjoy your insight. Thx and Blessings bro
DeleteGood thoughts Kevin.
DeleteGlad you spoke with Lemmy. Did George or Andre call you?
While the council was at the height of its perplexity, Caiaphas the high priest arose. Caiaphas was a proud and cruel man, overbearing and intolerant. Among his family connections were Sadducees, proud, bold, reckless, full of ambition and cruelty, which they hid under a cloak of pretended righteousness. Caiaphas had studied the prophecies, and although ignorant of their true meaning, he spoke with great authority and assurance: “Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” Even if Jesus were innocent, urged the high priest, He must be put out of the way. He was troublesome, drawing the people to Himself, and lessening the authority of the rulers. He was only one; it was better that He should die than that the authority of the rulers should be weakened. If the people were to lose confidence in their rulers, the national power would be destroyed. Caiaphas urged that after this miracle the followers of Jesus would likely rise in revolt. The Romans will then come, he said, and will close our temple, and abolish our laws, destroying us as a nation. What is the life of this Galilean worth in comparison with the life of the nation? If He stands in the way of Israel’s well-being, is it not doing God a service to remove Him? Better that one man perish than that the whole nation be destroyed.
Delete1. " If we let this go on like this everyone will believe in him, then the Romans will come and take away our place and our temple" John 11:48
ReplyDeleteFirst of all raising Lazarus must have been the ultimate miracle - as Jesus could resurrect the dead, as he is the resurrection. This was a true confession and validation that Jesus was the Christ through his miracles performed and the Jewish leaders couldn't handle it as they now we're losing their power and this would end them glorifying themselves. This was another form of confirmation besides the gospels who The Christ was-- as they confirmed the miracles.
Give glory to the 1 and only God and be his servant and disciple as we advance his Kingdom-- work in unity as Gid's children as together we are better and stronger and can build momentum together.
2. I didn't talk to my squad, but I text them yesterday.
My bad! I'll reach out today-sorry!
Good thoughts on that verse Jack.
DeleteSorry that I didn't communicate better. That request was for men within their fire teams to contact their wingmen. I didn't expect you or the other squad leaders to call all of your squad in a day. You're doing great!
Nicely elaborated brother Jack, The resurrection of Lazarus was ultimately a greater prove that Jesus is the son of God. unfortunately in our today's world good deeds are not always rewarded as was with our Lord Jesus Christ in his generation. So when we do good to our fellow men, we shouldn't aspect any good in return, instead we do good because it is our nature to do good.
Delete1. 54Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough Jesus wasn't in or near that meeting with the Sanhedrin, yet He withdrew. His time had not come yet. Maybe it was preparation for the time ahead? Spending some quality uninterrupted time in the last days with his 12.
2. Will and I had a great time of discussion yesterday seeing how we can pray for each other. I also reached out to my squad. And on Sunday the fire team members lifted up our prayer requests to one another.
Sorry that I didn't communicate better. That request was for men within their fire teams to contact their wingmen. I didn't expect you or the other squad leaders to call all of your squad in a day. You're doing great!
DeleteIt's always a great time when we as brothers get together to pray over each other.
DeleteInteresting point Eddie, definitely true. He knew what was going on. The meeting that was taking place. Great spending some Quality time to great brother of mine
Delete1.You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 11:50
This is the high priest all part of God plan for or redemption.
2. Will call wingmen today.
Sorry that I didn't communicate better. That request was for men within their fire teams to contact their wingmen. I didn't expect you or the other squad leaders to call all of your squad in a day. You're doing great!
DeleteGeorge, the Jews forgot the law if Moses that commanded them not to kill. Even the accusations they had against Jesus they found it unjustifiable in their courts of law. Jesus however said
Delete“.......I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18
I love that observation, George. It speaks to the power of God in all circumstances.
Delete1. John 11:54 "Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples." As Dave mentioned above it is okay to try and avoid persecution at times. Jesus was focused on raising up leaders, and v. 54 says that he stayed with his disciples, but he doesn't seem to spend a lot of time with those who refuse to believe. He is much more patient with those who do not know the scriptures or who had not heard about Him (the woman at the well, etc.) than those who should know better but chose their system over the Savior (Pharisees, Sadducess, etc.). It is easy to get in arguments with the 'loudest voices in the room' in our lives. Sometimes this is necessary but not always. I don't want to spend too much time debating those who are not interested and wind up neglecting people who are ready to grow and follow the Lord.
ReplyDelete2. Small Group season starts tonight and I will try to add men to this team.
Amen and amen Mike! Move away from the argumentative and move with the movers.
DeleteAm praying for you daily. Was out last night on a prayer walk praying for you and our sons as well.
So true pastor Mike. Community with one another is a great way to grow. To build each other up.
Delete1. John 11:48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple[b] and our nation.”
ReplyDeleteI can't believe they actually thought believing in Jesus was a bad thing. Even though they knew he was performing miracles they were still too foolish to believe he is the Messiah.
2. I didn't get a chance to reach out but I did pray for my brothers.
That's true Jose even today people will see how followers of Jesus are changed men yet they still don't want to have anything to do with Jesus
DeleteGood insight Jose! Great seeng you earlier :)
DeleteJohn 11:51-52 (NIV) He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.
ReplyDeleteThe high priest was envious of Jesus. Caiaphas had political intentions of killing an innocent man, for the nation. Jesus didn't come for the nation. He came for the world. Thank you Jesus.
2. Spoke to Oscar recently, tried to reach out to Lou, but he was busy visiting his brother at the hospital. Will try another day.
Yes sir. God is so great. We can not begin to imagine his great plans.
DeleteThanks for your insight brother Sam. indeed the high priest, Rabbis, Scribes and all the councils of elders were frightened by the teaching of the son of "a carpenter from Galilee."
DeleteYes indeed thank you Jesus for coming for us even though we did not deserve it.
Delete1
ReplyDeleteI highlighted verses 11:50-52. Caiaphas indeed spoke more than he know. As this is a recurring thing to be said he too was used by God and though it was in a negative persecuting way, Caiaphas was God’s own providence still fulfilled His desire and totally made true Romans 8:28
2. I interacted with my 2 wingmen via txt today.
Bueno Gary!
Delete1 John 11:51-52
ReplyDelete“He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.”
God can carry out his plans in anyway imaginable and even in ways that we can't imagine. It is interesting that once the priests were the ones who were in communication with God and in the last book of the OT we begin to see that the priests start to drift away from their calling. Now after about 400 years of silence the curtain is rolled up and we see the priests now acting on their own guidance rather than what they were called to do. And yet God uses the high priest who is acting completely contrary to his plan to prophesy of the soon fulfillment of what the scriptures had said.
I believe God acts like that often in our days. He can use things of this world to bring about his glory and reveal to men himself.
2- I did not. I am tempted to type down my excuse as to why I did not. But I am reminded that we are men who do not make excuses we admit our faults and failures.
Yes indeed Luis God uses circumstances that we may think are lost and turns them around to show His power and glory.
DeleteI totally respect your answer to #2 Luis. Now simply connect with them soon. Best of blessings!
Delete1. "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” John 11:48
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting just how possessive they were with things they can't possibly take with them upon death!
"Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21
2. I contacted Osiris, Vince, Mike, Rich and Nic via text message. Ed, via e-mail.
I definitely agree with you brother Robert. The Pharisees, Rabbis, Scribes & Sadducees were highly esteemed men. But Jesus who called himself the son of God 'blasphemy' takes all the attention rendering their offices useless. And I like your input naked I came and naked I will depart.
DeleteExcellent on #2 Robert. You are a good shepherd!
Delete1. – John 11:51-52, He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.
ReplyDeleteHow interested God uses the ungodly to do God’s work. Caiaphas prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation: Caiaphas gave an unconscious and involuntary prophecy. (David Guzik)
2. – I spoke to Sam and went over my plan to be the BEST in my spiritual grow. He encourage me to be faithful and dedicated the word God.
Yes Oscar it is very interesting how God uses unbelievers to accomplish His Devine will.
DeleteAnd I loved what you wrote on yesterday's blog Oscar regarding your plan for improving in your Bible reading and prayer time.
DeleteI agree, Sam is a good friend and a spiritual encourager
DeleteYour prayers is what keeps me going. thank you guys.
Delete1. "Now he did not say this on his own initiative" (Jn 11:51) - I can't get over this. There are so many times in Scripture when someone's actions, even evil actions, serve God's purpose. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but this is what he says to them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Gen. 50:20) and even all the toil and trouble the Devil went through to work evil in men's hearts and put Jesus to death - what he thought would be his greatest victory as he "killed" God - was his greatest defeat. Jesus overcomes everything. Always. No exceptions. That's mt King!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE
2. I met with one of my best friends this morning for coffee.
Great video Mark! You will find it within our Greatest Minimovies collection tomorrow.
DeleteMark , that's a good use of verse backup.
Delete1. John 11: 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me that still two thousand years later people are still worried more about thier material things in this earth. They were worried about their "place and our nation". They would rather not believe so they wouldn't lose thier home, lifestyle. I see this today were people live extreme because they are comfortable in thier possession. I have talked to many people that are more focused on worldly materials then building spiritual foundation fire the Lord's kingdom. I pray that i never lose focus of this because anyone can fall easy into this cycle.
2. I did contact both of my wingman. We communicated by texting.
Great payrer, staying focused on the Lord!!!
DeleteSo good that you are reaching out to your wingmen Horacio.
DeleteVery true that people still hold on to their worldly lifestyle and sink ,than to reach out for Jesus
Delete1) “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.””
ReplyDeleteJohn 11:48 NIV
It is sad that the priests were so worried about losing there temples and followers that they would take a mans life
2) Horacio
Good obsevertion.
Deletebut the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Mark 4:19 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mrk.4.19.NIV
Yes, I agree with George- good observation there. And glad you connected with Horacio.
DeleteFor a wicked sinner with murder on his mind , he didn't think twice. And these were the leaders of the people.
Delete1) So from that day on they plotted to take his life. - John 11:53
ReplyDelete(53-54) The plot to put Jesus to death
a. Then from that day on they plotted to put Him to death: Before it was mostly lesser religious officials who wanted Jesus dead. At this point the men with real political power decided to murder Jesus. The time was now short until the death of Jesus.
i. Maclaren expressed the thinking of the council: "Never mind about His miracles, or His teaching, or the beauty of His character. His life is a perpetual danger to our prerogatives. I vote for death!” - http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/guz/view.cgi?bk=42&ch=11
2) My guys have created a Facebook Messenger Group where we've been in contact.
Very good Dave.
DeleteI am delighted to hear about #2!
Wow, what a comment by Maclaren.
DeleteJohn 11:49
ReplyDeleteThen one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! 50. You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish. "
Under the Roman rule the Sanhedrin could not execute the sentence of death. They could only examine a prisoner, and pass judgment, to be ratified by the Roman authorities. It was therefore necessary to bring against Christ charges that would be regarded as criminal by the Romans. An accusation must also be found which would condemn Him in the eyes of the Jews. Not a few among the priests and rulers had been convicted by Christ’s teaching, and only fear of excommunication prevented them from confessing Him. The priests well remembered the question of Nicodemus, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” John 7:51. This question had for the time broken up the council, and thwarted their plans. Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus were not now to be summoned, but there were others who might dare to speak in favor of justice. The trial must be so conducted as to unite the members of the Sanhedrin against Christ. There were two charges which the priests desired to maintain. If Jesus could be proved a blasphemer, He would be condemned by the Jews. If convicted of sedition, it would secure His condemnation by the Romans. The second charge Annas tried first to establish. He questioned Jesus concerning His disciples and His doctrines, hoping the prisoner would say something that would give him material upon which to work. He thought to draw out some statement to prove that He was seeking to establish a secret society, with the purpose of setting up a new kingdom. Then the priests could deliver Him to the Romans as a disturber of the peace and a creator of insurrection.
I chose the same verse Lemmy! Thanks for breaking it down and sharing that great wisdom on it! ;)
DeleteThanks Lemmy. Remember to cite your sources- Desire of the Ages, EG White.
DeleteLemmy, Alway love to read your posts.
Delete1. John 11:50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
ReplyDeleteThis stood out to me because it shows how sick and twisted some of our selfish mindsets are. They would rather kill an innocent man that has done nothing but help people than risk dealing with the Romans.
2. I messaged James, Ish, and William
Very good Phil.
DeleteI emailed Michael Johnson, but haven't heard back form him yet.
Great post , Phil
Delete1.- Life lesson: If you want to be great, be the servant of all (Mt.20:26). This applies on so many levels. If one cares to be a great leader, it is important to know that you serve more than yourself.
ReplyDelete2.- I know that I have to make more of a conscious effort to reach out to the team. Although I see the text, I am not very responsive. I do get encouraged but don’t share the encouragement.
In light of your good point on #1 Mark, I know you will improve in #2. You will triumph.
DeleteGood thoughts Mark!
DeleteThanks for serving our country and defending our liberty!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks George for all the encouragement you gave today.
Delete1) John 11:53 – So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
ReplyDeleteThose who were most religious, were the ones most opposed to Jesus, the Son of God. They were driven by their envy of Jesus and their fear of losing what control and influence they had over the people. They actually hated God's Sent One and plotted to kill Him who brought God's truth and love .They would become some of wicked tools God would use to sacrifice His innocent Son for the sins of the world. Oh Lord, show us if we have any religious pride in our hearts. Reveal to us those areas were we fail to trust and obey you and then try to cover it up so we can appear more spiritual to others. Help us to hold nothing back from you and to seek for you to transform us into the image of Christ.
2) I ended up texting both of my wing men as I often do.
Very good Dave!
Delete1.John 11: 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
ReplyDelete- it's sad how we can misplace our faith by fearing the wrong things.
2. Yes we talked, but we didn't focus on the "great" stuff.
Glad you talked :)
Delete1- John 11:54New Living Translation (NLT)
ReplyDelete54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples.
I loved to see how Jesus is willing to spend time with his disciples. He went with the people he knew he could trust and invest in. I feel that even when I go through some trouble I need to be around people I can invest in and be encouraged. Jesus was setting an example to his disciples. I wondered what they talked about out there.
2- sent out a text
Very good Vince!.
DeleteGood thought , Vince
DeleteGood post, Vince!
Delete1. John 11: 55
ReplyDeleteThe passover , a Jewish holy day, was near, and many country people arrived in Jerusalem several days early so that they could go through the cleansing ceremony before the Passover began.
Prior to the Passover, a Jewish would have to go through a ceremonial cleansing. This was to purify themselves . As for the Jewish leaders, they followed this ritual all the while have the act of murder in their heart. What wickedness.
1. I did text Sam and Oscar this afternoon.
Awesome point, Louie. Wicked men can wash all day and still be filthy. It is our soul, not our bodies that need cleansing, and only Christ, the Lord, can cleanse us so deeply and so perfectly as to make us radiant in the eyes of the Father.
Delete1) So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. John 11:47
ReplyDeleteThey ask all the wrong questions, if they see Jesus do all these amazing things why not embrace him
2) I have to do still
Great observation, brother. Sadly, the same can be said for many people living today. They ask all the wrong questions, as you perfectly put it. Why can't I win the lottery? Why don't I own a bigger house? Why does my job not pay me enough? All the while, God is working miracles in their life that they are too blind to see. The same people woke up this morning. They may not be wealthy, but they have enough. They may not own a mansion, but they have a roof over their head. Their job may seem terrible, but they have a job. How many people wouldn't wish to be in their place, and rather than embrace Christ in gratitude, they complain about not having enough.
Delete1. “Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 11:51-52
It seems that caiaphas wanted to protect his reputation and not seen as a fraud by his prophecy not being fulfilled. It also seems strange that one of the country's most religious men is so intent on killing Jesus. It definitely seems more motivated by jealousy.
2. I texted my fire team and the all responded back. I did talk and pray with one guy over the phone
Great work reaching out to your entire fire team, Nic, and taking the time to build a relationship with a brother in need of prayer! God bless you, brother. You are truly your brothers' keeper.
Delete1. John 11:53 "So from that day they planned to kill Him."
ReplyDeleteIt's really absurd that they sought to kill him. I mean, I know it was prophecy, but even to think of it from strictly an earthly perspective. Really? You're going to kill this guy? For what? Why?
2. We texted some today.
It's crazy what people do for power. Good way to look at that verse.
Delete1. John 11:49 "Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one."
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how God's will is sometimes carried out by the least likely of characters. Caiaphas was clearly aligned against Jesus as a co-conspirator against our Lord. Yet, it is he who speaks the essence of the Gospel: that one man, Jesus Christ, should die so that all mankind may not perish, but live. Does this make the Pharisees part of God's divine plan? Like the Pharisees, we too have acted out, at times, in seeming opposition to God's will, living for ourselves, forsaking our fellow man, acting as though the Son of God did not dwell among us and within us. Perhaps that, too, is part of God's divine plan...not that we should live like Godless men, but that from this period of wickedness in our life we might emerge and give testimony to the transforming work of God in our lives. I do not know God's mind, nor could I ever understand His ways, but I believe that the mistakes of my past brought me to where God needed me to be to surrender my life to Him. Truly, He sees the best in us and forgives us at our worst when we repent and turn from the crooked path to walk in His presence. You are proof of that, brothers. We are all broken men being rebuilt by God into a mighty army of spiritual warriors. Who better to carry the light of Christ into the world, than those who have intimately known its darkness. Fight on, light bearers...fight on! How is God using you today? Send me, Lord...send me!
2. I apologize to my brothers. I have yet to reach out to any of you. No excuses, though. I will try again tomorrow, but know that I prayed for you by name today.
Wow good way to observe that verse bro. We all have a testimony that God planned to share with others. Good stuff!
DeleteGood post, Osiris! I think that entire section of John shows how God is in control at all times and that His plans cannot be thwarted by His enemies. In fact, His enemies unknowingly play a part in those plans too.
Delete1) “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.””
ReplyDeleteJohn 11:48 NIV
The whole political element is something I missed before, this verse frames their state of mind perfectly. It is crazy that all they are worried about is this grip on power. It is so sad to know that this was the group ruling over the true believers in Israel. Reminds me of the way America is today in a way...
2) I reached out to both of my Wingmen, Phil and Alex. I'll be praying for them in the areas they need to work on :)
Thanks for the text the other day Will. It seems power corrupts people. Good point!
DeleteWill, it's sad the way politics are today but I guess it's been that way for thousands of years.
DeleteGood thoughts, Will!
DeleteP.S. That Lincoln documentary looks great ;) going to have to check it out.
ReplyDelete46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
ReplyDeleteWhy "but"? does that mean they wanted to win points with impressing the Pharisees?
2 I emailed Robert
Good question Edward! Or maybe even money was involved.
DeleteThat is a very good question, Edward! I'm surprised they weren't even afraid of Jesus. He had just raised someone from the dead before their eyes. Who does that?
Delete1. “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” John 11:48 KJV
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy they killed a innocent man. Only because they didn't want to lose their place. It's crazy what power can make you do.
2. I texted with 2 of my wingmen.
Good point James. "It's crazy what power can make you do." It makes me think of some of our politicians.
DeleteExactly, James! They had no respect for Jesus at all even though He had done tremendous miracles before their eyes. Their selfishness, power, and thirst for the approval of men had corrupted them completely.
Delete1 – John 11: 50 “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” Little did Caiaphas know that Jesus’ death would do so much more than save their temple. I wonder what the Pharisees would think if they knew everything we know.
ReplyDelete2 – I didn’t do it today but I will tomorrow.
Good verse choice, George. I chose it too. :)
Delete1) John 11:50 "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.""
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that the high priest didn't realize what he was saying and prophesying even though the Bible said he did not say that on his own. Those wicked religious leaders and priests never realized that they were actually preparing a sacrifice. It shows how God is in control at all times.
2) I texted Gary, and I will be texting Will in the morning.
Testing, not accepting my post?
ReplyDelete1.- Jn. 11:45
ReplyDeleteTherefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.
Bereainternetministry.org
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST?
The way we receive forgiveness, salvation, and the gift of eternal life is by believing on Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
John 3:15, “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 6:47, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
Belief or simple faith means reliance or trust. Faith (trust, reliance) conveys the thought of making a commitment to someone. When a person relies or trusts in another person to accomplish a specific task for them they are committing themselves to that person wholeheartedly. Belief can be expressed as a personal commitment (handing over, turning over) of an individual’s faith to Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It’s a commitment of one’s faith to the death and resurrection of Christ for salvation. Faith is a commitment to Christ’s ability to give you salvation and eternal life. Believing on Christ means a person places their complete trust in the death and resurrection of Christ for the specific purpose of providing them with the forgiveness of sins, deliverance from hell, and the gift of eternal life.
Many people only believe in the historical facts of Christ’s death and resurrection. They believe He died in a generic way for the human race, but they have never committed their personal faith to Jesus Christ alone for salvation from hell. They have never personally relied on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for their salvation. Belief in Jesus Christ can be accurately expressed as a definite decision or choice of a person’s will to commit their faith to Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
There is a vast difference between believing about Jesus and believing in Jesus Christ for salvation. General belief in God without committing your faith to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for salvation does not result in salvation (James 2:19).
Faith accepts the fact that Jesus died and rose again to give salvation. But it does not stop here. Faith then depends on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for salvation. Faith involves a definite decision or choice of a person’s will to commit their faith to Jesus Christ alone for salvation. You have not truly believed in Jesus Christ or expressed genuine faith in Christ until you make a personal choice to rely on Christ, commit your faith to Christ, or transfer all your trust in Christ alone for your salvation.
2.- Sorry I failed this task, forgive me brother Jose n Roger my wingman, I know I have much to improve on, as we discussed this at our last M3 meeting. I will attempt contacting you tomorrow
ReplyDelete1Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”
ReplyDeleteJohn 11:47-48 NIV
These people fail to realize the coming Messiah as to saying "what are accomplishing" & last portion where there worried about people believing in him, don't want their temple nor nation to be taken. Much like us today, where we so consumed by our accomplishments, goals at hand that we fail to realize in the back drop what Jesus is doing right in the midst of our daily lives.
2. Brother Phil has been reaching out and been texting daily.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. John 11:54 says " Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples." -- I find the fact that Jesus was dodging the Jews ironic, since no one can take Jesus' life, it is only He who can lay it down for us. I think this shows His wisdom, as He was looking to avoid physical conflict with those that hated Him. It certainly was not because Christ was scared, but He knew His mission was getting close. He now focuses in spending His final days and times building up and teaching His disciples.
ReplyDelete2. I did not contact one of my wing men, but one of them contacted me, Dave Deboer :). We had a nice conversation and will focus on building a stronger team thru Facebook Messenger.
Make up post.
ReplyDelete1. John 11: 49-50 ESV. "49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”
Reminds me of a hero movie... oh, yeah all hero movies archetype the model Jesus laid. Reminds me of the that meme. Jesus is sitting and telling all the marvel characters... 'Yeah, and that's how I saved the world... '
2. Called and texted.