“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.”– John 11:47 (KJV)
“Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. What are we going to do? They asked. This man certainly performs many miraculous signs.”– John 11:47 (NLT)
“The high priests and Pharisees called a meeting. What are we going to do about this man? They asked. He’s working so many miracles.”– John 11:47 (MSG)
What Does John 11:47 Mean?
John 11:47 presents a moment of crisis among the Jewish leaders of the day as they grappled with Jesus and His impactful ministry. This verse occurs in the context of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, a miracle that drew tremendous attention and fueled the debate among religious leaders about what to do with Jesus. Their conversation showcases the tension between the growing popularity of Jesus and the established religious authority’s fear of losing control and influence. It is a reflection of the deep conflict between faith and fear, and how leaders often struggle to reconcile the miraculous with the political.
In this meeting, the chief priests and Pharisees are worried not only for their own positions but for the impact Jesus’ actions could have on the entire Jewish community and their relationship with the Roman authorities. This verse serves as a catalyst for the events leading to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, revealing how fear of loss can lead to drastic decisions. In our own lives, we sometimes find ourselves in situations where our fear of loss influences how we respond to faith and God’s miracles.
John 11:47 Explanation and Commentary
As we explore this verse further, we see that the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together not just to discuss Jesus, but to plot and strategize against Him. Their initial question, “What do we?” indicates a sense of urgency and foreboding. They recognized that Jesus was a significant threat to their power, and their conversation reflects how fear can lead to collaboration for negative purposes. Even though Jesus performed many miracles that should have inspired faith and obedience, the leaders were instead motivated by fear. They feared that if Jesus continued to gain followers through His miracles, they would lose their influence over the people, which in their minds could lead to a Roman crackdown on the Jewish community.
This direct challenge to their authority creates a poignant lesson for us. Many times, we might face the temptation to hold onto our power or control when faced with the apparent success of others. It teaches us about the importance of humility and allowing God to work through others instead of seeing them as threats to our own standings. In John 11:47, we learn how neglecting faith in God can lead to tragic consequences.
It is also crucial to consider the perspective of the Pharisees and the chief priests. They weren’t merely bad people plotting against Jesus; they saw themselves as protectors of their faith and community. They believed they were defending the truth as they understood it. However, their lack of openness to re-examine their beliefs and acknowledge the clear miracles happening around them became their undoing. In situations where we cling to what we believe to be right, we should remember to remain open to God’s revelation and the incredible works He can do – often in ways beyond our comprehension.
As leaders of their religious establishment, fear blinded their ability to see the truth about Jesus, who was, in fact, the fulfillment of the very scriptures they were sworn to uphold. This scenario resonates with us today, as each of us has our burdens and fears that can cloud our vision and judgment. It reminds us to seek clarity and wisdom from God’s Word when we encounter feelings of fear. Reflecting on Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to not be anxious but to bring our requests to God in prayer, can help us maintain a clearer perspective in fear-driven moments.
Context of John 11:47
The broader context surrounding John 11:47 encompasses the last days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. At this time, Jesus had already performed significant miracles, and His reputation had spread throughout the region. The raising of Lazarus, which preceded this council meeting, was a dramatic demonstration of Jesus’ power over life and death, and it drew many followers. This event created a divide among the people; some were inspired and believed, while others doubted and feared the implications of His power.
In the previous chapter, we see Martha and Mary mourning the death of their brother Lazarus, who Jesus would later raise from the dead. This miraculous act threatened the status quo. The miracles of Jesus were not merely acts of compassion; they were demonstrations of divine authority that challenged the religious leaders’ interpretation of their faith. John 11:47 highlights this contentious atmosphere, where faith and skepticism interacted. The very act of raising Lazarus is a precursor and catalyst for the events that lead to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Following this council meeting, an intense series of events unfolds that would lead to Jesus’ final days, revealing how fear and misunderstanding can lead to rejection of truth. It sets the stage for the disciples’ hardships and the world-changing event of the Resurrection. The motivations of the leaders remind us that ignorance and pride can close our hearts and minds to Jesus. In our daily walk, we can allow for moments of personal reflection that help address our biases and fears, leading us closer to the truth of who Jesus is.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:47
When examining John 11:47, it is important for us to highlight key phrases and understand their implications. First, when the chief priests and Pharisees gather to discuss “What do we?” it indicates a collective apprehension that something must be done. They understand that Jesus’ miracles could sway the perceptions of the people and challenge their authority. Their dilemma reflects human nature; when faced with uncertainty, our response often is to come together in discussion, though sometimes our discussions may lean toward negative actions.
The phrase “for this man doeth many miracles” encapsulates the undeniable reality of Jesus’ impact. The miracles described are not anecdotal; they reflect a life-changing power that brought healing, restoration, and hope. The leaders are not able to dismiss these acts, which shows the tension between their desire to maintain control and the pressing force of faith being displayed through Jesus. This interplay forces us to consider what we prioritize in our lives and our openness to God’s work around us.
The gathering of priests and Pharisees symbolizes a broader struggle between faith and authority. They were entrusted to lead based on their understanding of religious law but found themselves challenged by Jesus’ differing approach to faith and healing. This dichotomy should remind us to pursue unity and not be threatened by differing viewpoints in our faith journey. Unity in Christ should drive us more than our individual interpretations.
The urgency in these discussions highlights the importance of addressing fear and uncertainty. When faced with challenges, it is vital to determine whether we are responding in faith or out of fear. By reflecting on moments in our own lives where we have felt threatened or anxious, we can learn to lean more deeply into our faith and less into self-preservation.
Lessons to Learn from John 11:47
Looking at John 11:47, we learn invaluable lessons about human nature, faith, and the power dynamics that come with leadership. The responses posed by the chief priests and Pharisees offer a mirror reflecting our behavior in the face of threats to our beliefs or authority. One crucial lesson is the importance of humility in leadership. Rather than cling tightly to their authority, religious leaders should have been open to accepting truth and change. In our lives today, true leadership should be driven by servant-hearted humility, embracing God’s will over our agendas.
This scripture also provides a profound warning about the dangers of fear. The fear that led to plotting against Jesus ultimately resulted in catastrophic consequences. Fear can blind us to the things that matter – like love, service, and acceptance. Each of us has the choice to embrace fear or faith. Through Jesus, we learn that a faithful heart opens us up to love over fear, an important message we often need to remind ourselves of when navigating life’s uncertainties.
As we evaluate our reactions and choices, we must consider whether we are inviting God’s truth into our lives or allowing fear to dictate our actions. This lesson encourages us to remain vigilant against fear and stay focused on loving others. Jesus performed miracles not just for signs and wonders but to display the heart of God – one of compassion, forgiveness, and restoration.
Ultimately, John 11:47 challenges us to reflect on our understanding of faith and truth. Are we willing to accept and celebrate the miracles of God even when it disrupts our comfort zones? Are we ready to respond to Jesus’ leading with open hearts rather than fear-based decisions? These questions serve as an invitation to deepen our faith and guide our actions in love and unity. We should strive to emulate the humility of Jesus as we pursue truth, committed to embracing God’s transformational power in our lives.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 11:47 and the context surrounding it, we are reminded that fear can lead even the most religious individuals to miss out on God’s incredible work. The story of the chief priests and Pharisees serves as a warning but also as an invitation to open our hearts to God’s miraculous actions. Fear should never drive our beliefs or dictate our relationships; instead, we should embrace faith and trust in God’s plans for us.
In our own lives, let’s strive for greater understanding, compassion, and love. God’s purpose for us transcends fear and authority and pushes us to unite in faith over division. Every miracle we witness should remind us of our calling to be vessels of Christ’s love and hope in this world. May we always seek to recognize and revel in God’s working, as it’s through Him that our fears can transform into purpose, leading us into His calling. Spend some time in prayer, asking for courage to overcome fear as you explore more about God’s remarkable presence in our lives.
If you’re interested, take a moment to check out some related topics that can deepen your understanding. We can explore John 7:10, see more about how we can overcome our fears in Numbers 13:13, and reflect on God’s greater plan through John 7:12. Each step can lead us closer to the heart of Jesus, strengthening our faith and expanding our understanding of His teachings.