What does John 11:47 reveal about the religious leaders' priorities? Background to the Conversation • Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). • News of the miracle spreads rapidly (John 11:45-46). • This forces the religious establishment to respond. The Verse Itself “So the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, ‘What are we to do? For this Man is performing many signs.’” (John 11:47) What Their Question Reveals • Self-Preservation over Truth – Rather than asking, “Is He the Messiah?” they ask, “What do we do about Him?” – Their concern is maintaining influence, status, and the fragile political balance with Rome (cf. John 11:48). • Political Calculations above Spiritual Realities – The Sanhedrin gathers like a crisis-management boardroom, not a prayer meeting. – They treat undeniable miracles (“many signs”) as a problem to neutralize, not a revelation to embrace. • Fear of Losing Power, Not Fear of God – Proverbs 9:10 teaches the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, yet they fear Roman intervention (John 11:48). – Genuine reverence would lead them to worship; instead they plot. • Rejection of Clear Evidence – Isaiah 35:5-6 foretold Messiah’s miraculous works; Jesus fulfills these prophecies openly (cf. Matthew 11:4-5). – Still, they suppress the evidence to guard their agenda (Romans 1:18). Contrast with Biblical Priorities • Scripture calls leaders to shepherd God’s flock faithfully (Ezekiel 34:1-4); these leaders protect themselves, not the people. • Micah 6:8 highlights justice, mercy, and humble fellowship with God—none of which appear in their emergency meeting. • Acts 4:19-20 later shows apostles choosing obedience to God over human threats, the opposite of the Sanhedrin’s posture. Lessons for Believers • Miraculous evidence will not persuade a heart set on self-interest (Luke 16:31). • Religious position can mask spiritual blindness; we must examine motives in light of Scripture (Hebrews 4:12). • True disciples ask, “What does God want?” not, “How can I protect my image?” (Galatians 1:10). Summing Up John 11:47 uncovers leaders whose first priority is safeguarding authority and political security, even if that means ignoring unmistakable signs from God. The verse warns every generation: when confronted with the works and words of Christ, choose worship and submission over self-preservation and control. |
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