Thought from today’s Bible reading from John 11.
After receiving word that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees met to determine what needed to be done about Jesus. They were concerned that if He continued, all men would believe Him, which would invite the wrath of the Romans (John 11:47-48). So the high priest, Caiaphas, offered some counsel.
“But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.’ Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they planned together to kill Him” (John 11:49-53).
Notice what the Scriptures tell us about what Caiaphas said. He had received a divine prophecy that “Jesus was going to die for the nation” (John 11:51). This was true. Jesus indicated that He was going to die as well (John 3:14-15; 8:28). Yet even though his message agreed with Jesus’ about this, Caiaphas and his allies were enemies of Christ. How?
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The United States is a relatively young country. It had its beginning when thirteen colonies declared their independence and defeated the mighty British army. From its beginning, its citizens have enjoyed liberty. This liberty led to prosperity, which led to the United States becoming the most powerful nation in the world.
