Devotion - Wednesday, February 26

John 11 contains the pronouncement by Caiaphas that is would be better for "one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish."  This was a very sound political decision (emphasis mine).  Caiaphas knew that unless Jesus was stopped it was likely that the Roman authorities would take note and would come down hard on all of Jerusalem.

He is correct in his thinking.  Rome does come down hard. Jesus dies at the hands of the Roman authorities.

He is handed over to the civil authorities by the religious leaders.  In an attempt to retain what diminishing power they have, these religious leaders decide that Jesus must be sacrificed.

It was a good, practical decision.  If you are looking to retain your own (perhaps diminishing) place.

It is a very difficult thing to look at the world through the eyes of One who cares more for others than for oneself.  It is a miracle, when the concerns of neighbor are placed on a higher shelf than our own concerns.  This is what Jesus did; this is what Caiaphas and the leaders of the Council would not tolerate.  

What is your stance - with regard to such things?  Does your political positioning seek what is the most advantageous for yourself, or do you consider the options which are more likely to benefit the poor and helpless?

Good, practical decisions are not always solid, faithful ones.