John – Chapter 11:45—12:8
11:45-46 “Many…believed in Him” – The raising of Lazarus had an abrupt ending, with no word about Lazarus, no reaction from Martha, or even a note from Mary, or Thomas. But this fits John’s style with everything about Jesus’ identity in the signs, the revelation that He is the Christ, the Son of God. What follows is a predominately positive reaction, much like 2:23; 3:2; 10:42; 11:42. Much like with the healing of the blind man, those eyewitness give testimony to the Jews, here specifically the Pharisees (c.f. 5:15). These have been mentioned before (7:32, 45, 47; 9:13, 40). The Pharisees play an even more influential role after the fall of Jerusalem. v. 47-48 – Now is the fulfillment of Ps 2:2 (c.f. Mt 26:3; Mk 14:1; Lk 22:2). The “chief priests” refer to the members of the family and officials working together in the Sannhedrin with the high priest. They meet in council, embarrassed by what Jesus has accomplished. This is unlike the Synoptics, who are less specific as to what caused offense (Lk 19:47). Jesus is a legitimate threat to their place (i.e. the temple as in Ac 6:13; 21:28) and authority under Rome, a new political theme. v. 49-50 – In the midst of their embarrassment and fear enters Caiaphas, who was high priest from A.D. 18 to 36, understood as “being high priest [in] that year [that Jesus died].” He demonstrates great political experience and skill (see Mt 26:3; Lk 3:2; Jn 18:14; Acts 4:6). Without mentioning Jesus by name, he shows them their incompetence and fault them as leaders. And it is easier to solve the problem if you avoid fixating on that one person. Caiaphas, as presiding officer and leader of the nation, gives in few words the solution. v. 51-52 – The Evangelist inserts a common to focus the entire direction of the story. Caiaphas bears responsibility for his evil purpose. Yet despite His motive, Caiaphas is confessing the deeper evangelical truth that Jesus was to die for the salvation of His people, vicariously as the One given for the many. It is a tragic irony that Caiaphas, against his knowledge and intention, appears as the prophet. Israel’s highest official, with all the authority attached to his office, speaks of Jesus’ death as the only way in which the people could be saved. The Evangelist adds to this prophecy,…