The Prophecy of Caiaphas (John 11:49-52)

2023-04-28

People are unpleasable. After Jesus rose dead Lazarus from the grave, though some believed, some also went away to the Pharisees to report Jesus to them. A council of religious leaders gathered, and some voiced their concern that belief in Jesus would cause the Romans to destroy them.

If Jesus demonstrated such power among the people, why would the religious elite be concerned of the Romans, who would be destroyed? It was because their power would be taken away as well.

But this is not the most interesting thing about the religious leaders’ discussion. The high priest Caiaphas was the one who wanted to put Jesus to death to avoid this problem of the Romans. Moreover, consider this:

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. (John 11:51-53)

The high priest had “foretold” that Jesus would die, and now he was going to force this “prophecy” through.

He was righter than he knew. Jesus did die for the nation. And He will one day gather the children of God who were scattered. However, it was not the way he thought. Jesus died for the sins of His people. Like the prophet Balaam, Caiaphas prophesied correct things, but was a wicked enemy of our Lord.

Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)