Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
—John 11:45-53

~~~~~

An Unwitting Prophet
By Jennifer Kane

They saw a dead man walk,
and some fell to their knees—
but others ran to whisper
to those who polished their piety
like brass shields.

The council gathered—
not to rejoice,
but to scheme.

Not,
“What does this miracle mean?”
but,
“What will Rome do if He keeps going?”

Fear twisted their thoughts:
What if we lose the temple?
What if we lose the nation?
What if we lose control?

So Caiaphas stood—
robes draped in authority,
voice drenched in strategy.
“Better that one man die
than the whole nation perish.”

He did not know
that the words rolling from his tongue
were not his own.

Not a plan of preservation—
but a prophecy of redemption.
Not the voice of a schemer—
but the mouthpiece of God.

The High Priest spoke from fear,
but God spoke through him still.

They plotted death.
God plotted life.
They feared Rome.
God defeated sin.

Even in conspiracy,
His purpose marched forward.
Even in unbelief,
His truth was declared.

They did not know
that the very temple they sought to protect
would be fulfilled
in the Body they sought to kill.

They thought they were steering the course—
but they were passengers
in a chariot He had long prepared.

So when the world rages,
and rulers plot,
and fear calls meetings in shadowed rooms—
I will not be shaken.

Because the Sovereign Lord
writes His will
through the proud,
the afraid,
the stubborn,
and the broken—

and His voice
cannot
be
silenced.

~~~~~

Scripture: John 11:1-57

The resurrection of Lazarus was a turning point—not only for those who believed, but also for those who refused to. It was a miracle so public, so undeniable, that the religious leaders could no longer ignore Jesus. The response of the Sanhedrin wasn’t worship. It was fear.

The council of religious authorities, mostly Sadducees with some Pharisees, feared that the growing influence of Jesus would bring about the wrath of Rome. Many “messiahs” had risen before, only to be crushed by Roman legions. The Sanhedrin was not about to let history repeat itself. They feared losing their temple, their position, and their national identity.

In the middle of this tense meeting, the high priest Caiaphas stood and declared, “It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” His intent was political—sacrifice one life to preserve many. But John points out that Caiaphas was speaking more than he knew. In his self-preserving strategy, he uttered a divine prophecy.

This “unwitting prophet” meant to protect a fragile system. But God used his words to point to the eternal plan of redemption. Jesus would die—not merely to avoid Roman crackdown—but to conquer sin and death forever. Caiaphas plotted murder; God planned salvation.

Isn’t it amazing that God can use even the twisted motives of human hearts to accomplish His perfect will? Caiaphas didn’t believe in Jesus. He didn’t set out to proclaim the gospel. Yet his lips spoke a truth deeper than he understood.

This shows us that God’s sovereignty isn’t limited to the faithful. He can work through rebels and rulers, doubters and deceivers. The cross was not a tragic accident—it was the fulfillment of a divine plan foretold through the mouths of prophets…and even enemies.

What fear led Caiaphas to this conclusion? Fear of losing power. Fear of Rome. Fear of change. When we are driven by fear, we may resist what God is doing—even when it’s standing right in front of us. But God’s purposes are never hindered. They are fulfilled in ways we least expect, even through people who don’t know they are being used.

What fears are shaping your decisions today? Fear of losing comfort, control, or influence? Take heart—God is still in charge. He is working all things, even the schemes of the proud and powerful, for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Remember, Caiaphas spoke truth without meaning to. How much more can God speak through us when we willingly surrender to His will?

~~~~~

Sovereign Lord, You are always in control—even when the world seems chaotic. Help me trust that Your purposes are good, even when I don’t understand how You’ll fulfill them. Use even the hardest moments in my life for Your glory. May I not be an unwitting prophet, but a willing one. Speak through me, Lord. Amen.

July 11 2025