Fear that Holds Power

When control becomes the priority, we risk missing what God is doing right in front of us.

This really is the turning point in the gospel of John. There will be no more signs (until the resurrection, that is). There will be no more public teaching (though a lot of teaching to the inner disciples). The focus now shifts toward Jesus’ journey to the cross, and the forces working against him are solidified in their opposition.

The messed-up strategy of the Pharisees and chief priests is a lesson for anyone and everyone—be careful what you’re focused on. The easier path is not necessarily the righteous one. Their concern is not truth, justice, or even faithfulness to God, but rather, maintaining control. They are worried about the Romans cracking down if Jesus stirs too much attention, so they justify a preemptive strike: If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.

Their reaction is fear-driven, and fear has a way of distorting reality. Instead of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, they view him as a threat. Instead of trusting in God’s sovereignty, they take matters into their own hands. And in doing so, they end up playing a role in bringing about the very redemption they are resisting. For a moment, try and have some understanding for the Pharisees - they did actually think they were doing the right thing. But their action is faithless, a conservative holy huddling that God never asked for.

If only we had the eyes to see Christ at work among us, in us, and through us.

Caiaphas, the high priest, embodies this tragic irony. He argues that it’s better for one man to die than for the whole nation to suffer—a cold, utilitarian logic. But John tells us that, unknowingly, he was actually prophesying. Jesus would die for the people, not in the way Caiaphas intended, but as the very means of salvation.

It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes we can be so fixated on protecting what we think is important—our comfort, our power, our traditions—that we miss what God is doing right in front of us. Or, we simply miss that there is a bigger injustice going on. When our situation is insulated from the injustice, it’s much easier to dismiss. Let those with ears to hear, hear.

John 11:45-57

Therefore, many of the Jews who came with Mary and saw what Jesus did believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

Then the chief priests and Pharisees called together the council and said, “What are we going to do? This man is doing many miraculous signs! If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him. Then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our people.”

One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, told them, “You don’t know anything! You don’t see that it is better for you that one man die for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed.” He didn’t say this on his own. As high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would soon die for the nation— and not only for the nation. Jesus would also die so that God’s children scattered everywhere would be gathered together as one. From that day on they plotted to kill him.

Therefore, Jesus was no longer active in public ministry among the Jewish leaders. Instead, he left Jerusalem and went to a place near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

It was almost time for the Jewish Passover, and many people went from the countryside up to Jerusalem to purify themselves through ritual washing before the Passover. They were looking for Jesus. As they spoke to each other in the temple, they said, “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?” The chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where he was should report it, so they could arrest him.

Psalm 31:13-15

Yes, I’ve heard all the gossiping,
terror all around;
so many gang up together against me,
they plan to take my life!

But me? I trust you, Lord!
I affirm, “You are my God.”
My future is in your hands.
Don’t hand me over to my enemies,
to all who are out to get me!

Prayer

God,

Power is a dangerous thing in human hands. Too often, we grip it tightly, afraid of losing control. Too often, we justify whatever it takes to keep it. (As if I have to tell you this.)

Help me to see where fear is driving me instead of faith. Help me to trust that your kingdom does not rise and fall with earthly rulers.

Make me wise enough to recognize when power is being abused. Make me bold enough to speak truth. Make me humble enough to seek your way above all else. At the same time, keep me from ringing unnecessary alarms.

Give me wisdom.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.