John 11:50

John 11:50 is a pivotal statement spoken by Caiaphas, the high priest, during a council meeting of the chief priests and Pharisees. They were discussing what to do about Jesus, whose popularity was growing significantly, especially after He had raised Lazarus from the dead in John 11:44.

Context

Following the miraculous raising of Lazarus, many people believed in Jesus. This alarmed the Jewish leadership, who feared that Jesus' growing influence would provoke the Romans. They worried Rome would retaliate and destroy their temple and nation (John 11:48). In this council, Caiaphas speaks up, essentially arguing for a politically pragmatic solution.

Key Themes

• Political Expediency: Caiaphas's primary concern is political survival. He views Jesus as a threat to the stability of the nation under Roman rule and believes His death is a necessary sacrifice to prevent a larger catastrophe.
• Unintentional Prophecy: While Caiaphas intends his words purely in a political sense, the Gospel of John interprets them as an unintentional prophecy. As high priest, he unknowingly spoke God's truth about Jesus' true purpose – to die for the nation, and indeed for all who would believe (John 11:52).
• Substitutionary Atonement: The phrase "one man should die for the people" foreshadows the core Christian doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus' death serves as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24).
• Divine Sovereignty: This verse highlights how God can use even the malicious or self-serving intentions of humans to fulfill His divine plan. Caiaphas sought to preserve the nation politically, but God used his words and actions to bring about salvation spiritually.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "expedient" is the Greek word symphero (συμφέρει), which means "to bring together, to be profitable, advantageous, or better." Caiaphas is arguing it is politically advantageous or better for them to eliminate Jesus.

Reflection and Application

This verse is a powerful reminder that God's purposes are often accomplished through means we might not expect. Human plans, even those born of fear or self-interest, can be woven into God's larger redemptive narrative. It contrasts the world's view of 'expediency' – doing what is convenient or politically shrewd – with God's truth about sacrifice and salvation. Ultimately, Caiaphas's political calculation ironically pointed towards the profound theological reality of Christ giving His life as a ransom for many.