November 22, 2016
COMFORTABLE CONVERT OR COMMITTED FOLLOWER?
John 11:45–57
Jonathan Quin
Central Truth
The Jewish leaders saw Christ as a threat to their political, social, and economic standing that needed to be dealt with. It is safe to say they weren’t interested in a Messiah who didn’t bow to them. We sometimes want the same type of Christ.
Key Verse | John 11:48
"If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." (John 11:48)
John 11:45–57
The Plot to Kill Jesus
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.
55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for 1 11:56 Greek were seeking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
Dive Deeper | John 11:45–57
My wife and I were driving to Charleston, SC, where we would be spending a week with family. We had planned the vacation a year in advance. The day before we left for Charleston, I was called into the owner’s office at work, my job was eliminated, and I was released.
In this passage, the leaders in Israel were also realizing their positions were in danger.
I found it very telling that, after Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, the Jewish leaders don't question whether the story was true. No one is brought in for questioning or interrogation. Rather, there is only the realization that this man, Jesus, changes everything, including their influence and power.
As I was praying about what to write for this devotion, I couldn’t help but feel convicted about my own agenda in light of the gospel. Christ came “that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). But what does it mean that we have life abundantly? I think that I sometimes confuse comfort for abundant life.
Three or four years ago, I would have thought abundant life was a steady job and decent pay. One that provides what I need and most of what I want. One that allows me to spend time with my family and friends. One that allows time to serve, but still keeps me on track to retire and give some of my earnings to church. Simple, comfortable, and convenient, I wanted a gospel that lets me keep my “place.”
But this is not abundant life. This is life on my terms and is what the leaders in Israel wanted. They didn’t want a Savior who would bring them abundant life. They wanted a simple, comfortable, and convenient Messiah who would let them carry on with business as usual. Jesus didn’t fit into their “place,” so He had to be removed.
Their plan, however, didn’t work. God used their hardness of heart to accomplish His plan and grant abundant life to all who trust in Jesus for salvation. Are you ready?
Discussion Questions
1. Identify what is keeping “your place” in work, society, or social standing?
2. Where is your comfort winning out over submitting to Christ?
3. What is one thing you can surrender TODAY (right now) to Christ?
4. Are you ready for abundant life?