John 8:1-11
Jesus Forgives The Adulterous Women
John 8:12-30
Jesus Predicts His Death
John 8:31-38
The Truth Will Set You Free
John 8:39-47
You Are of Your Father The Devil
John 8:48-59
Jesus’ Claims To His Identity
John 9:1-12
Contentment in Any Circumstance
John 9:13-23
Trouble with the Jewish Leaders
John 9:24-34
The Testimony of the Healed Man
John 9:35-41
The Pharisees Blindless
John 10:14-30
The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep
John 10:22-30
Rejected by the Religious Leaders
John 10:31-42
Renewed Efforts to Stone Jesus
John 11:1-6
News of Lazarus’ Death
John 11:7-16
The Disciples Warn Jesus About Going to Judea
John 11:17-27
Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha
John 11:28-37
Emotions of Jesus
John 11:38-44
Jesus Calls Lazarus Forth From the Grave
John 11:45-52
The Sanhedrin plot to kill Jesus
John 11:53-57
The People arrive for the Passover
John 12:1-11
Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet
John 12:12-19
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
John 12:20-26
Some Greeks Seek Jesus
John 12:27-36
Jesus Predicts His Death
John 12:37-50
Hardened Hearts and the Fear of Man
John 13:1-11
Humbleness, Holiness and Happiness
John 13:12-20
Happiness Comes by Serving Others
John 13:21-30
Jesus Prediction of His Betrayal
John 13:31-38
Christ’s Farewell Sermon to His Disciples
John 14:1-7
Jesus Encourages the Troubled Disciples
John 14:8-14
The Measure, Means, and Might of Prayer
Jesus Withdraws to Ephraim
John 11:45–57
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
A dignified-looking, middle-aged gentleman decided to take advantage of a special sale and buy his wife a pair of nylons. After waiting an hour on the fringe of a screaming, pushing mob of women, he plunged toward the counter with both arms flying. Suddenly a shrill voice hollere … More
Many of the people who had come to visit Mary saw the things that Jesus did, and they put their faith in him (v. 45). When Jesus presents Himself there are always two responses. Some believe on Him and others are hardened in their sin. In this case the latter group went to Jerusalem to report what had happened in Bethany (v. 46). Upon learning of this, the Jewish council (Sanhedrin) met to discuss what to do with Jesus (v. 47). If He gathered too many followers, He might get the attention of the Roman authority; and this could hurt the Jewish cause (v. 48). Caiaphas, the high priest, reasons that if Jesus lives, the nation will die (vv. 49-53). In the interest of patriotism, Jesus must die so that the nation will live. These leaders thought they were in control of the situation, but instead God was working out His predetermined plan (Acts 2:23). Christ would die to save the nation spiritually, whereas Caiaphas intended for Him to die to save the nation politically.
Jesus, knowing their intentions, withdrew himself to Ephraim, about fifteen miles north of Jerusalem where He stayed with His disciples (v. 54). This little village provided a place for rest and it was close to the wilderness of Judea in case it was necessary to escape. At the same time the pilgrims were coming to Jerusalem for the Passover and there was much excitement over the ministry of Christ (v. 55). As the crowd was gathering in Jerusalem for the Passover feast, the pilgrims were wondering if Jesus would attend the feast even though his life was in danger. Popular opinion among the common people was in His favor. However, the religious authorities made it clear that any who saw Him must report it so they might arrest Him (vv. 56-57).
Application
Have you known of a Christian leader who felt threatened by another Christian who was successful? This was a big problem with the religious leaders in Jesus’ day and is still a problem today. Lord, help me to rejoice when another person is praised and I am not.
John 11:45-57 (English Standard Version)
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