What is the meaning of John 11:48? If we let Him go on like this The ruling priests and Pharisees have just witnessed the undeniable resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:45-46). • They admit Jesus’ works are real—“this man performs many signs” (John 11:47). • Their concern is rooted in control, not truth. Similar reactions appear in John 7:46-49 and Acts 4:16-17, where leaders fear losing authority if Jesus’ influence spreads. • By saying “let Him go on,” they concede that stopping Him would require rejecting obvious evidence—much like Gamaliel’s later advice in Acts 5:38-39. The statement shows hardened hearts choosing self-preservation over submission to God’s revealed power. everyone will believe in Him Their fear is mass faith. The crowds already “went away and believed in Jesus” after Lazarus was raised (John 12:11). • John 2:23; 10:42; and 12:19 describe swelling belief because of signs. • Mark 1:37 reveals an early pattern: “Everyone is looking for You!” Belief in Jesus, however, is exactly what God desires (John 3:16; 6:29). The leaders’ anxiety exposes a tragic irony—what they dread is what heaven celebrates. and then the Romans will come Judea lived under Roman occupation (John 18:31). Any hint of messianic uprising risked swift reprisal (Luke 13:1). • When the crowd hails Jesus as King, the Pharisees cry, “Look how the whole world has gone after Him!” (John 12:19), fearing the empire’s reaction. • Jesus Himself predicts Jerusalem’s fall by Roman forces in Luke 19:41-44. Their political calculation overlooks God’s sovereignty; Romans 13:1 reminds us that earthly authorities are under divine control, yet they trust politics over providence. and take away both our place and our nation “Our place” points to the temple—center of worship and seat of their power (John 4:20-21; Acts 6:13-14). • Jesus had already cleansed that temple twice (John 2:13-17; Mark 11:15-18), threatening their religious economy. • Forty years later, in 70 A.D., Rome destroys both temple and city—fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy (Luke 21:5-6). What they tried to prevent became reality because they rejected their Messiah (Matthew 23:37-38). Their fear of losing temporal structures blinded them to the eternal kingdom Jesus offered (Hebrews 12:28). summary John 11:48 reveals leaders desperately clinging to power. Confronted with undeniable miracles, they plot against the very One who gives life, fearing that faith in Him will upset their political and religious status quo. Ironically, their rejection of Christ invites the judgment they dread, while those who believe gain an unshakable kingdom. |
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