John 11:45-57: Isn't It Ironic? Don't You Think?

The aftermath of Jesus raising Lazarus sets the stage for the intensifying conflict between belief and opposition. While many believe in Him, others report the miracle to the Pharisees, sparking a pivotal meeting of the Sanhedrin. In this council, Caiaphas, the high priest, utters a prophecy rich with irony that he himself doesn’t understand: that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish. Unwittingly, he speaks a profound truth about Jesus' sacrificial death; thus God uses him in his high priestly role despite his unbelief.

The Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’ Shalom, in St. Louis, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 11:45-57.

The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.