How can we avoid the Pharisees' mistake of valuing power over truth? Setting the Scene: The Sanhedrin’s Crisis (John 11:47) “Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, ‘What are we to do? This Man is performing many signs.’ ” • Jesus’ miracles were undeniable. • Instead of rejoicing in truth, the religious leaders felt threatened. • Power, reputation, and political security eclipsed honest submission to God’s revelation. Diagnosing the Heart Issue John 11:48 exposes their motive: “If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” • Fear of losing influence. • Attachment to position (“our place”). • Reliance on human authority more than on God’s sovereignty. Proverbs 29:25—“The fear of man is a snare.” Luke 20:46—Their love of status made them blind to truth. Guardrails that Keep Us from the Same Trap 1. Cultivate humility • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Micah 6:8—Walk humbly with your God. 2. Prioritize obedience to God over popularity • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men.” • Galatians 1:10—Seeking God’s approval frees us from people-pleasing. 3. Embrace servant leadership • Matthew 20:26-28—Greatness comes through service, mirroring Christ. • Philippians 2:5-8—Jesus laid aside rightful glory to obey the Father. 4. Trust God’s control over outcomes • John 11:50 shows Caiaphas manipulating events; contrast with resting in God’s plan (Romans 8:28). • Remember Christ now holds “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Letting Truth Master Us Instead of Managing Truth • Approach Scripture ready to be corrected (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Invite the Spirit to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accept that truth may cost comfort, prestige, or advantage (Hebrews 11:24-26). Practical Habits that Anchor Us in Truth • Daily, unhurried Bible intake—read, meditate, and obey immediately. • Transparent fellowship—trusted believers who can challenge pride and compromise. • Regular confession—keep short accounts with God when ambition creeps in. • Active service—seek unnoticed tasks that bless others, training the heart away from self-exaltation. • Gratitude—thanking God for every platform reminds us it is stewardship, not entitlement. Remembering Who Truly Holds Power • Revelation 1:17-18—The risen Christ declares, “I am the Living One… I hold the keys of Death and Hades.” • Because authority is already His, we are free to lay down our own claims and simply bear witness to the truth. Summary The Pharisees clung to influence and missed the Messiah standing before them. By embracing humility, seeking God’s approval, practicing servant leadership, and grounding ourselves in Scripture, we safeguard our hearts from valuing power over truth and remain faithful witnesses to the Lord who alone possesses ultimate authority. |
    |