It Was God’s Plan

This is a famous quote by G. Donald Gale that says, “A pessimist, they say, sees a glass as being half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty.” So many people can look at the same event and arrive at different conclusions.

In the earlier section of John 11, we saw Lazarus got sick, died and raised from the dead. That was a miracle in the life of Lazarus and his family, a miracle from the hand of God. Verses 45-46 AMP says, “So then, many of the Jews who had come to [be with] Mary and who were eyewitnesses to what Jesus had done, believed in Him. But some of them went back to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” There were a variety of people at the tomb of Lazarus; they knew that he was dead and witnessed the power of God in action. Yet they responded differently.

Some looked and believed; others looked at the facts and decided to complain. The leaders of the people were not happy. They were concerned about their power and influence in the community. “So the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council [of the leaders in Israel], and said, “What are we doing? For this man performs many signs (attesting miracles).” (Verse 47) They could not deny that something good was happening but they were concerned about retaining power. Caiaphas, the high priest said, “You know nothing at all! Nor do you understand that it is expedient and politically advantageous for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”  (Verses 49-50)

That is the plan of salvation. Jesus died so that we can become children of God. “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB) So they began to make plans to kill Him.  They had no idea that His death was part of God’s redemption plan.  

Thought for Today: Friend, Jesus paid our price.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.