Explaining an Explanation

Scripture: One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God. John 11:49-52

Observation: Throughout the book of John, John takes a little license as the narrator to explain circumstances. He interjects explanations for why people (usually Jesus) said or did certain things. However, this explanation in verses 51-52 is interesting. He is effectively taking something completely terrible that Caiaphas is saying and then later doing - pronouncing that Jesus must be killed in order to save the nation - and explaining it away as ... the prophesy of the high priest, pronouncing the sacrifice and salvation of all mankind.

In other words, in the midst of the high priest openly pronouncing the plot to kill Jesus, John jumps in as narrator and points out that the action is a prophetic word from God, pronounced through Caiaphas. This shows that God is at work in every circumstance, even in those who are resisting him.

John's narration in general is interesting, as his gospel has the advantage of time ... written 50+ years after the other gospels, he knows what elements need to be highlighted and better explained. However, "Caiaphas as prophetic leader" wouldn't seem to be such an element, until one looks at verse 52 stating that Jesus' death and resurrection is intended to "unite the scattered children of God." In that light, John is clarifying that the prophesy extends to ... all Jews regardless of where they are (and by the time of John's writing, they are all dispersed as the Romans have destroyed Jerusalem), and the Gentiles everywhere in the world.

The explanation isn't about Caiaphas, it is about God's plan being executed through Jesus to redeem the entire world ... and the fact that even those opposed to that plan are actors making it happen.

Application: Many times I pray about God's plan for my life. However, I would be happy to be an actor contributing to God's plan in someone else's life. I don't want to be the kind of actor who sentences Jesus to die! But I'd welcome being an actor who ... helps my son become a good man serving God; provides for my daughter to reach and inspire others; supports my wife in her amazing ministry that touches others every day.

I don't know why God has gifted me with leadership, then shown me why I must serve silently behind the scenes. I do know that I will never be great - I lost that path long, long ago - and that my best contribution to his kingdom will be to support someone else's greatness. Perhaps someday the narrator of my life can explain that "Trever did this because _______ needed help in performing this great deed."

Prayer: Lord, here I am. I seek to serve you in any small way you desire. May I serve others, and in so doing bring greatness to your name in a way that is never associated with me. I will become less, and I know this and welcome it. Your will be done. Amen.