John 11:47-53 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man does many miracles.… I. AN INIQUITOUS POLICY IN THE GOVERNMENT OF MAN. At the meeting of the Sanhedrim two things were admitted — Christ's mighty deeds; His power over the people, These admissions by enemies are important as evidence and significant as lessons. In relation to Caiaphas's policy, note — 1. That it was apparently adapted to the end. Christ was alienating the people from the institutions of the country, and shaking their faith in its authorities; and the most effective plan for terminating the mischief seemed to be to put Him to death. 2. Though seemingly adapted to the end it was radically wrong in principle. The Victim was innocent. The apparent fitness of a measure to an end does not make it right. 3. Being radically wrong it was ultimately ruinous. It brought upon them the judgments which broke up the Commonwealth. Let Governments study the policy of Caiaphas. II. A STUPENDOUS FACT IN THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD. Caiaphas unconsciously predicts a feature of the Divine administration — that the death of Christ was necessary to the salvation of others. 1. Negatively. The death of Christ — (1) Does not change the mind of God in relation to man. It is the expression, proof, and medium of God's love. (2) Does not relax the claims of laws. Nothing can do this but annihilation. (3) Does not mitigate the enormity of sin, but rather increases it. (4) Does not change the necessary conditions of spiritual improvement — the intellectual study, heart application, and devotional practice of Divine truth. 2. Positively. (1) It gives a new revelation of God. (2) It gives new motives to obedience. "Ye are not your own," etc. (3) It supplies new helps to spiritual culture. (a) The highest ideal — the character of Christ. (b) The highest incentives — gratitude, esteem, benevolence. (c) The highest Minister — God's Spirit. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. |
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