[. . .] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth [. . .]
(Philippians 2:10)
Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”
He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.
So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. (John 11:45–53 NLT)
Just prior to today’s passage is the story of Jesus calling out Lazarus from his grave four days after he had been entombed. Jesus had turned back the clock on death before, but this was likely the most poignant instance. It was the first time he defeated death not simply because he was moved by the sorrow of the parents but to serve as a sign of his sent-ness: “Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me’” (John 11:41–42).
As a result of this awe-inspiring display of divine power, more and more people were choosing to believe in Jesus.
The Pharisees could not let this stand. This is the point in the ministry of Jesus where they transition from being a thorn in his side, probing and prodding him to determine if his teachings passed their theological standards, to being outright antagonists, actively looking for ways to bring about his downfall.
They plot his death.
Ultimately, this plot fit perfectly inside the plan God had for Jesus that would result in the redemption of all creation. However, it means that instead of the Pharisees partnering with God where he was at work in the world, they were actively striving to work against him, even if they didn’t know it. That their efforts fit perfectly into God’s plan simply illustrates his power and their limited nature.
All plots based upon human planning will ultimately be sublimated to God’s plan. Choosing our way over God’s isn’t winning; instead, it often just cuts us off from the opportunity of being part of God’s plan, joining with him at work in the world around us.
Are you actively seeking God’s plan and how you can join in, or are you too focused on your own plotting? Are you bowing your knee to Jesus today?
Michael Benson is the communications director for the North American Baptist Conference.