CAIAPHAS’ PROPHESY
EZEKIEL 37:21-28; PSALM – JEREMIAH 31:10-13; JOHN 11:45-56
Caiaphas prophesied saying; “it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed” (John 11:50). This prophesy is true about Jesus’ mission and purpose but it was understood literally. Due to the miracles and the widespread belief in Jesus among the people, the chief priests and Pharisees with their scribes were terrified and conspired to kill Jesus because if they don’t the people would crown him king and the Romans would rule over them, so they had to kill it to save their nation.
Similarly, Ezekiel caught a vision saying; “I will bring them home and make them one nation” (Ezekiel 37:22). This prophecy speaks of the day when all shall be united as a redeemed nation. In today’s gospel; Caiaphas captured this vision of Ezekiel in his prophecy. And so, the death of Jesus restored unity to humanity. This was seen in the relationship between Herod and Pilate (King of the Jews and the Roman Governor). These two enemies, became friends by their profession of Jesus’ innocence
However, this prophecy of Caiaphas was interpreted literally to mean the fame of Jesus that could earn him political reign. So for them, it was not about the salvation of the children of God but the political restoration of their land. Thus, the chief priests and the Pharisees gave orders to find him and arrest him. Beloved, till this tick, many of us have not still understood the mission and purpose of Christ coming. The attitudes of many Christians towards Christ mirror a generation that is worse than the chief priests and the Pharisees. As we enter the Holy week let’s desire a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission.
LET US PRAY
O God, who have made all those reborn in Christ a chosen race and a royal priesthood, grant us, we pray, the grace to will and to do what you command, that the people called to eternal life may be one in the faith of their hearts and the homage of their deeds. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
