It Is Better for One Man to Die for the People

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 11:45-57. The reaction to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus is mixed. Many believe in Jesus, but when the Pharisees find out what happen, their resolve to kill Jesus only grows. They take the matter to the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, which actually has some authority to do something. Their deliberation refuses to acknowledge any chance that Jesus is worthy of faith, and the matter proves fruitless until the high priest speaks up. Though Caiaphas means one thing by his prophecy, God teaches the truth through the high priest’s words. Jesus will die as one man in place of the people, not only for Jews, but also for Gentiles. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His name.