John 10:31-42
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. – John 10:33
In the previous passage, Jesus called out loudly to Lazarus, who had been dead for four days: “Lazarus, come out!” And came out! His hands and feet were wrapped in burial cloths, and his face was covered with a headcloth. Jesus instructed, “Unbind him and let him go!” (vv.43-44). This scene was truly astonishing! “Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.” (v.45)
However, even though all of them witnessed the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, others reacted differently—they went to report to the Pharisees. Such a great miracle, yet it did not move them! These Jewish religious leaders did not deny the authenticity of Jesus’ miracles. However, these “many signs” (v.47) had no effect on their spiritually blind hearts. They saw with their physical eyes, but because of their different attitudes, their responses varied. This reminds us: Do the things we see today strengthen our faith in the Lord, or do they, unknowingly, lead us away from God?
The many miracles Jesus performed in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas caused many Jews to believe that He was the Messiah. If this continued, the number of those who believed in Him would only increase. This could be perceived as a threat to the Roman Empire and might even lead to military suppression by the Roman army. If the Jewish leaders did nothing, they risked being removed from their positions by the Roman authorities and losing the privileges they enjoyed over the temple and the people. Therefore, the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council to discuss what should be done (v.47). The scripture states, “So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.” (v.53)
Among them, the high priest Caiaphas spoke up: “It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” (vv.49-50) Caiaphas was trapped in spiritual darkness, yet as the “high priest” (verse 51), he was still used by God. Unintentionally, his words aligned perfectly with God’s plan of redemption, making a prophecy about Jesus without realizing it.
Normally, we believe that only a right person can speak rightly. However, from Caiaphas, we see that even a person who was trapped in spiritual darkness can say something true! Indeed, just as God could use Babylon for His purposes, He could also use Caiaphas.
Today’s devotion reminds us: we should neither reject truth simply because of the person who speaks it nor blindly trust someone just because they speak the truth. We must not only listen to what people say but also observe their actions. Being used by God does not necessarily mean that a person is right before Him. Those who sincerely obey God and willingly serve Him should first seek to be right before Him. Only then can they be effectively used by the Lord, pleasing Him in all things and glorifying His name.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of Your greatness and sovereignty through Caiaphas, who was caught in spiritual darkness yet still used by You. Before You, we must remain humble and obedient. Dear Lord, mould me into a person who is right before You, so that I may be used by You. In the victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!
In the previous passage, Jesus called out loudly to Lazarus, who had been dead for four days: “Lazarus, come out!” And came out! His hands and feet were wrapped in burial cloths, and his face was covered with a headcloth. Jesus instructed, “Unbind him and let him go!” (vv.43-44). This scene was truly astonishing! “Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.” (v.45)
However, even though all of them witnessed the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, others reacted differently—they went to report to the Pharisees. Such a great miracle, yet it did not move them! These Jewish religious leaders did not deny the authenticity of Jesus’ miracles. However, these “many signs” (v.47) had no effect on their spiritually blind hearts. They saw with their physical eyes, but because of their different attitudes, their responses varied. This reminds us: Do the things we see today strengthen our faith in the Lord, or do they, unknowingly, lead us away from God?
The many miracles Jesus performed in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas caused many Jews to believe that He was the Messiah. If this continued, the number of those who believed in Him would only increase. This could be perceived as a threat to the Roman Empire and might even lead to military suppression by the Roman army. If the Jewish leaders did nothing, they risked being removed from their positions by the Roman authorities and losing the privileges they enjoyed over the temple and the people. Therefore, the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council to discuss what should be done (v.47). The scripture states, “So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.” (v.53)
Among them, the high priest Caiaphas spoke up: “It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” (vv.49-50) Caiaphas was trapped in spiritual darkness, yet as the “high priest” (verse 51), he was still used by God. Unintentionally, his words aligned perfectly with God’s plan of redemption, making a prophecy about Jesus without realizing it.
Normally, we believe that only a right person can speak rightly. However, from Caiaphas, we see that even a person who was trapped in spiritual darkness can say something true! Indeed, just as God could use Babylon for His purposes, He could also use Caiaphas.
Today’s devotion reminds us: we should neither reject truth simply because of the person who speaks it nor blindly trust someone just because they speak the truth. We must not only listen to what people say but also observe their actions. Being used by God does not necessarily mean that a person is right before Him. Those who sincerely obey God and willingly serve Him should first seek to be right before Him. Only then can they be effectively used by the Lord, pleasing Him in all things and glorifying His name.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of Your greatness and sovereignty through Caiaphas, who was caught in spiritual darkness yet still used by You. Before You, we must remain humble and obedient. Dear Lord, mould me into a person who is right before You, so that I may be used by You. In the victorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!
