What can we learn about God's use of authority figures from John 11:49? Setting the scene John 11 finds Israel’s leaders alarmed by Jesus’ growing influence after Lazarus is raised. In that tense council meeting “one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all!’ ” (John 11:49). The next verses add that God used this same Caiaphas to prophesy Christ’s substitutionary death (vv. 50-51). Caiaphas—an unwitting messenger • Held the highest recognized spiritual office in Israel (Exodus 28:41; Numbers 35:25). • Personally opposed Jesus and sought His death (John 11:53). • Spoke words that advanced God’s redemptive plan even while acting from corrupt motives (John 18:14). What this reveals about God and authority • God sovereignly places rulers – “There is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). – “He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). • He can guide their very words – “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). – Caiaphas “did not say this on his own” (John 11:51). • He fulfills His purposes through them, whether they intend good or evil – Assyria as “the rod of My anger” (Isaiah 10:5-7). – Pilate’s authority “given…from above” (John 19:11). – “They did what Your hand and plan had predestined to take place” (Acts 4:27-28). • His plan centers on saving people through substitution – Caiaphas voiced the gospel’s heart: “one man die for the people” (John 11:50). – “Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Principles we can carry into daily life • Respect imperfect authorities—God may be working through them. • Pray for those in leadership (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Trust God’s control when leaders act unjustly; He weaves their decisions into His larger story (Genesis 50:20). • Anchor hope not in rulers but in the One whose plan cannot be thwarted (Psalm 33:10-11). |
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