It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.
JOHN 11:50
CRIME AND CORRUPTION
1 Woe to the bloody city, all lies, full of plunder, whose looting never stops! 2 The crack of the whip, the rumbling sounds of wheels; horses a-gallop, chariots bounding, 3 cavalry charging, the flame of the sword, the flash of the spear, the many slain, the heaping corpses, the endless bodies to stumble upon! 6 I will cast filth upon you, disgrace you and put you to shame; 7 till everyone who sees you runs from you, saying, “Nineveh is destroyed; who can pity her? Where can one find any to console her?” -- Nahum 3:1-3, 6-7
SACRIFICE OF ONE FOR THE GOOD OF THE MANY
As a leader of the nation, do you conspire with other political leaders who think only of themselves? Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of the nation and its people?
Jesus died for the nation and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.
47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. 48 If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, 50 nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” 51 He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. 53 So from that day on they planned to kill him. 54 So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. 56 They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?” -- John 11:47-56
Here I am; I came to you as a shepherd. You know I would be happy to give my life for you. -- St. Josaphat of Polotsk
Lord, you are my Master and I am just a mere public servant. Cleanse me from the sin of pride, selfishness, and greed. Create in me a heart of humility and compassion that I may serve your people for the praise and glory of your Name. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Pericope:
John 11:47-56
Nahum 3:1-3, 6-7
Published:
March 30, 2012 3:39PM
December 18, 2012 6:39 AM
