Condemnation & Accomplishment

This disturbing conversation is recorded in all four gospels. However, John’s account adds some additional information. “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.’ 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation …” (John 11:49-51, NIV). Note especially verse 51.

We know from history that Caiaphas was exceedingly corrupt. Although he was high priest, his character was profoundly self-centered. Consequently, his comments in verses 49-50 were not made out of any sense of divine orientation, but self-preservation. He wanted to maintain his position and that of his sect. Yet despite his self-serving purpose, John tells us that God spoke through the very words Caiaphas used and delivered his own promise. Much like Joseph in the book of Genesis, Caiaphas meant his words for evil, “but God intended [them] for good … the saving of many lives” (Gen 50:20). God paired his voice to Caiaphas’s and prophesied hope and redemption, even while Caiaphas intended judgment. Theologians refer to this type of event as concurrence. It is when an event is produced by human choice or natural causes, yet God acts through the very same choices or events to deliver his own message. So, the very words that were intended to condemn Jesus, promised that Christ’s work would be accomplished. Thus, even in the darkest times, there is light. Amidst condemnation (or criticism or blame), there is assurance. Caiaphas planned to use Jesus as a scapegoat, but God pledged to redeem Israel through him. Lent embodies a time of sorrow and repentance, but also of hope and promise.

Prayer

Oh, God of all eternity; you who fill the heavens, we stand in awe of your deeds. Help us, Oh God, to see what you have promised, even amid our greatest hardships. Give us eyes to see the hope you have stored up for us, as you conform us to the image of your own dear Son. In the extraordinary name of Jesus, amen.

Jeffrey K. Anderson, Ph.D., D.Min., serves as associate professor for the Regent University School of Divinity