Morning Prayer 31st March

John 11:45 - end (For text click here)

Here is a picture of the way the world workswhen those in power want to hold ontothat  power. The Pharisees in this part of the unfolding passion drama find themselves in a difficult situation.

Jesus is clearly a good man at the very least. But much more than that He has been performing amazing works of power. These works all point towards who He is and for many have become unavoidable testimony that Jesus is the Messiah and is anointed by God.

But the possibilities for change do not even enter into the imagination of the Pharisaic party. This is a clash between true faith in the possibilities of God and decision they face. If Jesus is the Messiah of God and God is behind Him what is there to fear? Isn't God really in control? Isn't God demonstrating His presence in Jesus through His works and life? So why not believe it? 

Caiaphas the High Priestin is in a highly politicized situation with foreign occupation on the one hand, a corrupt King on the other and a people on the point of rebellion. He would need to be a shrewd politician, used to managing and dealing with situations on his own wits, to hold onto this job. 

In such a difficult situation, to retain power would require compromise and any compromise with an attempt at integrity requires some priorities to be drawn up and defended. And traditions are these easiest thing to name and identify as that which needs to be protected. 

It is natural to occupy a defensive mindset when surrounded. Cynically it is easy to dismiss Caiaphas for his spiritual weakness but John does not do that. Instead he writes that Caiaphas prophesies that one man must die for the nation.

So is God in this decision? Does God approve of his decision to sacrifice Jesus? He does not intervene to save Jesus instead the implication is that God inspires Caiaphas to be part of the crucifixion that is to follow? What is going on here?

The whole way of thinking among the Pharisees is so different to the way that Jesus is revealed as thinking. Jesus is focused on the Father - this connection brings an understanding of the train of events that is a contrast to the way in which all the other people think and act. Jesus is not concerned with cost - what will be lost; or risk - what is the safest way through this. The Pharisees feel like they're playing a game of chess, making the moves. Yet everyone, except Jesus, with their well rehearsed worldly attitudes are trapped in their grooves. Jesus is connected to a different track. He understands what is going on around Him and the implications of it but He is has a detachment from the worldly perspectives - clearly he undrstands them as he withdraws until the right time, but hey do not set his direction. Yet all the lines are converging. Everyoneis making different choices but the choices are the result of who they have become and they are all moving unavoidably towards the conclusion of events.