John 11:50

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Nor {G3761} consider {G1260} that {G3754} it is expedient {G4851} for us {G2254}, that {G2443} one {G1520} man {G444} should die {G599} for {G5228} the people {G2992}, and {G2532} that the whole {G3650} nation {G1484} perish {G622} not {G3361}.

You don’t see that it’s better for you if one man dies on behalf of the people, so that the whole nation won’t be destroyed.”

You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Commentary

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.

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Cross-References

  • John 18:14 (6 votes)

    Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

  • Luke 24:46 (4 votes)

    And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

  • Romans 3:8 (3 votes)

    And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

  • John 11:48 (2 votes)

    If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

  • John 19:12 (2 votes)

    And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.