NIV Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition - Flipbook - Page 51
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page 1827
12:9
eJn 11:43,44
12:11
fver 17,18; Jn 11:45
gJn 7:31
12:13
118:25,26
1:49
hPs
iJn
J ohn 1 2 : 1 3
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only
because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. e 10So the
chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him f many of the Jews
were going over to Jesus and believing in him. g
esus Rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey
J
(183/Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–44 )
12 The next day the g
reat crowd that had come for the festival heard that J esus was on
his way to Jerusalem. 13They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna! a ”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” b h
“Blessed is the king of Israel!” i
a
13 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise
b
13 Psalm 118:25,26
CAIAPHAS WAS A LEADER of the religious group called the Sadducees.
Educated and wealthy, they were politically influential in the nation and on
fairly good terms with Rome. They hated Jesus because he endangered their
secure lifestyle and taught a message they could not accept. A kingdom in
which leaders served had no appeal to them.
Caiaphas’s usual policy was to remove any threats to his power by whatever means necessary. For Caiaphas, whether Jesus should die was not in question; the only point to be settled
was when his death should take place. Not only did Jesus have to be captured and tried, but
the Jewish high council (the Sanhedrin) also needed Roman approval before they could carry
out the death sentence. Caiaphas’s plans were unexpectedly helped by Judas’s offer to betray
Christ.
Caiaphas did not realize that his schemes were actually part of a wonderful plan God was
carrying out. Caiaphas’s willingness to sacrifice another man to preserve his own security was
decidedly selfish. By contrast, Jesus’ willingness to die for us was a clear example of loving selfsacrifice. Caiaphas thought he had won the battle as Jesus hung on the cross, but he did not
count on the Resurrection!
Caiaphas’s mind was closed. He couldn’t accept the Resurrection even when the evidence was
overwhelming, and he attempted to silence those who could have borne witness to the risen
Christ (Matthew 28:12-13). Caiaphas represents the people who refuse to believe because they
think accepting Jesus as Lord will cost them too much. They choose the fleeting power, prestige,
and pleasures of this life instead of the eternal life God offers those who receive his Son. What is
your choice?
Caiaphas
Strengths and
accomplishments:
• High priest for 18 years
Weaknesses
and mistakes:
• One of those most directly responsible for Jesus’ death
• Used his office as a means to power and personal security
• Planned Jesus’ capture, carried out his illegal trial, pressured Pilate to approve the
Crucifixion, attempted to prevent the Resurrection, and later tried to cover up the fact
of the Resurrection
• Kept up religious appearances while compromising with Rome
• Became involved in the later persecution of Christians
Lessons from
his life:
• God uses even the twisted motives and actions of his enemies to bring about his will.
• Even when we cover selfish motives with spiritual objectives and words, God still sees
our intentions.
Vital statistics:
• Where: Jerusalem
• Occupation: High priest
• Relative: Father-in-law: Annas.
• Contemporaries: Jesus, Pilate, Herod Antipas
Key verses:
“Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, ‘You know
nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people
than that the whole nation perish.’” (John 11:49-50)
Caiaphas is mentioned in Matthew 26:57; Luke 3:2; John 11; 18; Acts 4:6.