December 3, 2010
CHECK YOUR BLIND SPOT!
John 11:47-57
Luke Ellerman
Central Truth
There was division between those who saw Jesus' miracles and believed and those who were hardened by their own selfish desires. After seeing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees plotted Jesus' murder. Tension grew, and the truth was twisted. Their vision had become dull.
Key Verse | John 11:48
"If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." (John 11:48)
John 11:47-57
47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 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.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.
55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for 1 11:56 Greek were seeking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
Dive Deeper | John 11:47-57
Beware of blind spots such as pride. If we allow it to take root and grow, it can lead us into enormous sin. Verse 47 describes how the council gathered. Their discussion was not wise, loving, and peaceable, but full of dissension and hate. God even used a powerful nonbeliever, Caiaphas, to speak something prophetic. Yet, the council did not understand the real meaning of Caiaphas' statement. They were blindsided by their own selfish motives.
James 4:1 says, "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?" We all are given ears to hear the Lord. But we must CHOOSE to listen, believe, and follow Him. Our choices say to the world what we believe. The council's reasons for rejecting Jesus were borne out of wrong beliefs. They were so dangerously misled by their own thinking that they missed what Jesus came for—to seek and save us from our blindness. And we know the rest of the story. Their thoughts and actions resulted in murdering their Messiah!
So, how is your vision? What is the source of truth behind what you believe? Are you operating in isolation or in biblical community in which wrong thoughts get exposed? "He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom." (Proverbs 18:1) I am glad I have God's Word as the source of my Truth. I also have parents who intentionally train and instruct me and a small group who knows me and holds me accountable.
While I will continue to want to go my own way, I have put Scripture and people in place to help me with my blind spots. I am also learning to ask God to give me ears to hear and a soft, teachable heart that receives the truth and chooses well. It is really a choice of life or death. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life . . . ." (John 14:6) I want to follow Jesus. Do you?
Discussion Questions
1. Wrong beliefs give birth to wrong thoughts, choices, and actions. Where do you receive the Truth that informs your thinking? Is it rooted in Scripture? (Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:8)
2. "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days." Proverbs 19:20. Where do you think you are blind? Do you have a biblical community that knows you well enough to expose your blind spots?
3. If you saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, what would you believe about Jesus? Would you place your trust and hope in Him?
4. Do you ask God daily for a soft, teachable heart to hear and see life clearly? If not, why not begin today?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How were the Pharisees trying to control the situation (verses 47-48)?
2. What in verses 49-52 show that God is the one who is in control?
3. What is happening in your life that you are trying to fix and/or control?
4. How can you stop controlling and trust God in His plan for your life?