The Plot to Kill Jesus

Summary

• Some Jews believed in Jesus after witnessing Lazarus' resurrection, while others reported Him to the Pharisees.
• The Pharisees and chief priests were afraid of losing control of their leadership as more and more people started to believe in Jesus. Therefore, they convened a council to decide on the next course of action.
• At their meeting, High Priest Caiaphas declared it would be better for one man (Jesus) to die than for the whole nation to perish. Unknowingly, Caiaphas was prophesying about the sacrifice of Jesus for the benefit of all people.
• Jesus was aware of the volatile situation and gradually withdrew from public ministry as the plot to kill Him thickened.

Reflect

1. Caiaphas was using human wisdom when he decided to sacrifice Jesus to protect the Jewish religious establishment. Similarly, God was also planning to sacrifice His Son - but for a very different motive. What does Caiaphas’ decision tell us about God’s sovereign plans versus human schemes?

2. The Jewish Council was afraid of losing control of their leadership to Jesus. Are there areas in your life over which you fear losing control? How may Jesus help you?

Watch

Jesus’ continuous miracles frustrated the Pharisees, who acknowledged his power yet saw him as a threat. Their fear stemmed from historical experiences of foreign oppression. Caiaphas sought to preserve political stability, unaware of the deeper spiritual significance of his words. Meanwhile, Jesus’ withdrawal marked a turning point toward his final private teachings.

Reflect

3. As the plot thickened, Jesus withdrew from public limelight to devote more time to mentor His disciples. As your workload increases, do you withdraw from the world to spend more time with the Lord?

Closing Prayer

Ask God for courage to surrender all control to Him. Learn to find rest in Jesus. (Matthew 11:28-30)