My dear friends, the gospel is very interesting to reflect upon especially as we look forward to Holy Week. It displays the different human strengths and weaknesses that are prevalent in our society; the strength of the power of love that existed between Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, which made Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. From the Gospel, we can also see the weakness of hatred and jealousy amidst some of the people over the miracle.
While some were happy, which prompted them to believe in Christ, it was a nightmare to some others who were much preoccupied with their future political status and influence if the number of those believing in Christ continued to grow because of the miracle and other works of Christ. Hence, jealousy, hatred and persecution started to grow among them. They started, as well, to hold secret meetings to plan how to get rid of him.
The Meeting of the Elders
The popularity of Jesus became a worry to the elders. They feared that Jesus had come to take over and destroy their traditions, but he had already said that he had come not to abolish the law and prophets but to fulfil them (Mt 5: 17). In their worry, the elders (the chief priests, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, in fact, the kingmakers) gathered to discuss Jesus’ matter and the panic he had created among them. They saw him as a threat to their tradition, influence, and power in their kingdom. They were very upset with him and wondered what to do. And, they were highly afraid that if they allowed him to continue, a time will come when they would no longer be in charge and their enemies, especially the Romans, may one day overpower them, their palaces, land, and nation.
You can see racism, segregation, hatred, and jealousy playing out in their lives. They could not live above their ethnic and religious ties and their pride too. They were afraid of losing control of their influence and their territory. But they made a mistake by thinking that the best way to take back their control was by persecution. However, that made Jesus more popular and relevant.
The Advice and Prophecy of Caiaphas
As they were deliberating over the matter in their meeting, Caiaphas suggested what was of interest to them. He said, “You do not seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed” (John 11: 50). Caiaphas spoke to his people but unknown to him was the fact that he was prophesying as a high priest the mind of the Father that ‘Jesus was to die for the nation – and not for the nation only, but to gather together in unity the scattered children of God’ (John 11: 55), and from that day, they were determined to kill him.
But the very thing the Jewish leaders wanted to protect themselves against happened beyond their expectations. It turned against them as in less than 40 years, their temple and their nation were destroyed, and their people scattered. And the Christian believers thrived and grew from strength to strength over the persecution of Jesus. That was not what Caiaphas had in mind when he made the statement. Persecution of any sect or group of people, even strangers, does not subdue them but empowers them to thrive more.
Jesus retreated from the people to prepare for the Passover. They wondered if he would come or not. But he was getting ready to attend the final Passover that would defeat evil, and the devil, and bring ultimate victory unto himself and the Christian believers. Jesus entered the Passover and made the highest Passover in history. His persecution made him popular and brought him glory. We shall witness and reflect over these things within the Holy Week.
Peace be with you.
