Up until that time, Jesus was nothing more than a nuisance to the rulers of the Sanhedrin, but once this so called blasphemer had raised Lazarus from the grave, He became much more.  Now He was a definite threat to all those in control of the church.

Caiphas was the acting high priest of Judaea. His father in law held the title from the time of Quirinius, when the Romans took over rule of the Jews. The Jews venerated their priests. Things were rapidly changing from a political standpoint. The Pharisees and Sadducees were still allowed to worship as they wished, but now there was this new fellow who was stirring things up among the people.

The council was convinced that the people were beginning to believe in Jesus. They felt if Jesus were allowed to continue, the Romans would come and take away their place and nation.

Caiphas replied, “You know nothing at all, nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He didn’t say those words of his own accord, but by doing so, he actually prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation and also to gather the children of God together who had been scattered abroad.

Caiphas was the chief interrogator at Jesus “trial” which was nothing more than an opportunity for them to gather false evidence which would give the government the means to execute Jesus. During the trial, Jesus remained silent until asked by Caiphas if He was the Christ – the Messiah promised by God. Jesus calmly affirmed that He indeed was. With those words, Caiphas declared Jesus guilty of blasphemy and had him beaten.

Are there times when we doubt that Jesus is true God? Do we consider Him just a man with no power to save Himself in this time of great sorrow? Jesus proved His divinity throughout His entire life and even into His death and resurrection. He indeed is true God and true man – a concept that is one that requires faith to believe and even our faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We can’t possibly reason any of this out with our intellect. When we try to figure it out, we’re lost.

SIMPLY BELIEVE!