Tag: John

Judas Became a Betrayer

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John 13:18-20 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, you may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receives whomsoever I send receives me; and he that receives me receives him that sent me. 

The ‘all’ of verse 18 refers to Judas again (vv. 10-11). Jesus prayed all night for the will of God concerning whom He should choose (Luke 6:12-16) when He chose His disciples. He chose Judas, not as a wicked man, nor that he should become such; but He foresaw that he would not remain true to Him, and would deliver Him into the hands of His enemies and bring ruin upon himself. Jesus even tried to prevent this, but Jesus would not listen.

The 9th Old Testament prophecy in John which is fulfilled. Eating bread with Jesus made the crime of Judas all the more sinful, for in the East it is a custom that eating bread with an enemy makes you friends and rights of hospitality cannot be broken. It seals the bond of mutual friendship, kindness, and protection of each other.

Plenty of facts are mentioned about Judas in the Word: he was an apostle (Matt. 10; Mark 3:13-19); he was filled with the Spirit (Matt. 10:20); he was ordained to teach (Mark 3:13); and ordained to heal (Mark 3:13-14); he was endowed with power (Matt. 10:1-8); a successful teacher and healer (Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:6,10); he baptized others in water (John 4:1-2); and was a possessor of eternal life (John 17:2 with v12); he was a saved man and had his name in the book of life (Acts 1:20 with Ps. 69:25-28; cp. Luke 10:20 with Mark 6:13); he was a familiar friend of Christ (Ps. 41:9) and trusted by Christ (Psalm 41:9). Since Christ knew what was in men (John 2:25) He knew Judas could be trusted like any saved man until he falls. He was not an enemy of Christ, not one that hated Him, but an equal in grace, a guide, and an acquaintance who counselled and fellowshipped with Him (Ps. 55:12-14). Later, he became a thief (John 12:4-6), an adversary (John 6:70), and unclean (John 13:10-11), and “by transgression fell” like all backsliders (Acts 1:25; Mark 14:21)

‘Lifted up his heel’ A reference to an ill-natured horse that sometimes kicks even the person who feeds and cares for him.

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

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John 13:1-17 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he pour water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then come he to Simon Peter: and Peter said unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou know not now; but thou shall know hereafter. Peter said unto him, Thou shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that is washed need not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. 

‘Before the feast of the passover’ refers to the preparation day for the passover, Nisan the 14th-15th, our Tuesday sunset to Wednesday sunset, the day of the crucifixion. Judas plots to betray Jesus (Matt. 26:14-29; Mark 14:10-25; Luke 22:1-38).

‘End’ to the furthest extent, referring not so much to a period of time, but to readiness to do the most humble service in their behalf.

‘The Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God’ note this statement of His divinity, authority, and coming glory, made just before He humbled Himself to take the place of a slave to wash feet.

‘He rises from supper’ He arose from the supper table when the preparation had been completed and began to wash the disciples’ feet. The reason for this was their argument about who would be “the greatest” among them (Luke 22:24). Earlier He had rebuked this kind of spirit by setting a little child in their midst and stating that they had to become as little children and not seek to lord it over each other (Matt. 18:1-10). He had also rebuked this spirit on other occasions (Mat. 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45). Years had gone by now and they had not yet learned their lesson on this point. He was seeking to get rid of this passion for worldly honour and dignity which would have wrecked the foundation of the congregations of believers after His death.

They removed their outer robes whenever they worked or slept. ‘Took a towel, and girded himself’ this was the duty of the lowest slave. Some think He began with Judas, so as to meet him with kindness and show how to act toward enemies.

‘Wash’ the Greek word nipto is used that means to wash part of the body and not bapto which means to dip in, immerse, from which we get our word “baptize.”

In verse 7 Jesus said that they won’t understand what He does until afterwards when He explains His actions to them.

Peter didn’t want Christ to do something below His dignity, such as washing their feet. Christ’s answer was that Peter would have no part of Him if he wouldn’t allow the washing. There was something more than mere washing of feet involved. The reason for such an example was to emphasize the absolute necessity of getting rid of self-exaltation among Christians. One must get rid of the spirit of wanting to lord it over all other Christians or he will not be saved. It will damn the soul (Matt. 18:1-8; 23:8-12; Luke 14:7-11; 18:14; 1Pet. 5:1-8).

Peter evidently understood Jesus to refer to spiritual cleansing, so wanted to be completely washed he offered his hands and his head to be washed.

Jews bathed twice to prepare themselves for the passover, and, no doubt, the disciples had done this as well. He that has so bathed needs only to wash his feet of the dust on them from walking between the bath and the supper.

‘You are clean, but not all’ All the disciples were clean from sin except Judas who had permitted satan to use him again. Studying God’s Word washes the mind (renew) and then we can think and act according to the Word.

‘Master and Lord’ this double title was not given except to the most accredited teachers.

‘If I then … have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ Jesus explained that if He can condescend to do this for them, then they should be willing to do the lowest service for each other and prefer the least in honour to themselves (Php. 2:1-7). The act of washing feet is given to inspire self-denying acts of kindness to all in need. Literal washing of feet was not practised among Christians as an ordinance until the fourth century. No reference is made of it in any New Testament book, thus not commanded for us to uphold, this was a mere illustration were Christ wanted to teach humility to His followers.

Jesus Came to Save the World

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John 12:44-50 Jesus cried and said, He that believe on me, believe not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that sees me sees him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believe on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. 

With His last discourse to the people, Jesus spoke in a loud voice saying that he that believes on Him, believe not on Him, but on the Father (John 7:27; 11:43). Faith in Christ does not end here but passes on to recognize the Father (John 5:23; 7:14-19; 10:30; 13:20).

Three things all must do: HEAR in order to believe Christ’s words (Rom. 10:14, 17); then he must BELIEVE in order to keep them and he must KEEP them in order to be saved (Mat. 10:22; Rom. 6:22; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11; 1Pet. 1:9, 13; Rev. 2:26). Hear = read the words of the Bible so your mind can register and store the words; Belief = to know that God’s word will come to pass: to trust in and rely on every promise, command and judgment; Keep = to live in 100% obedience to every commandment we are giving with regards to Christ’s example set for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘I judge him not’ Christ’s first coming was not to judge, but to conquer death; His second coming will be a judgment through His Word in the last day – the 26th New Testament prophecy in John, unfulfilled.

Jesus never spoke of His own secular interest and personal gain as the teachers in His days did, and in our times and days as well.

The Father’s commandment of life everlasting was given to Jesus to speak: that is the main theme of the gospel of Christ, signed and sealed in His blood and by His life that He gave to us. It must be the main focus of every believer’s living testimony!

This is John’s last mention of Christ’s public ministry – where He answered the people on mostly accusations against Him.

The Unbelief of People

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John 12:37-43 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 

‘They believed not on him’ For them to believe was the purpose of the miracles then, and it still is today. Yet, so many still don’t ever become doers of the Word and also serve Christ for earthly benefits and gain (1Cor. 15:19).

The 7th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John: ‘Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?’

The “arm of the Lord” expresses His miraculous power (Psa. 98:1; Isa. 52:10; 53:1; 59:16; 63:5; Acts 4:30; 11:21; 13:11).

The 8th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Isa. 6:9-10) “He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart and be converted, and I should heal them.”

‘Converted, and I should heal them’ Two things promised believers here: conversion, a change of direction, a new walk with God (Psa. 19:7; 51:13; Isa. 6:10; 60:5; Matt. 13:15; 18:3; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19; 15:3; 28:27; Jas. 5:19-20) and physical healing, a change of health, a new health in God (Exo. 15:26; Psa. 91:1-16; 103:3; Isa. 6:10; 53:1-12; Matt. 8:17; John 10:10; Rom. 8:11; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16).

To accept the literal fulfilment of only half of this prophecy is wrong. The way Jesus demonstrated healing and conversion together is proof that both are still for all men (Matt. 8:17; 9:5, 35; 10:1-8; 12:28; 13:15; John 10:10; Acts 10:38). Shall we say that it is easier to forgive than heal? That it was only God’s will that He does this for men for a limited time? That God does not care to bless His children this way today? That He loved them for only a few years? That the work of Christ on the cross has lost its power? That the promises, provision, and benefits started with the gospel were only temporary? Or, shall we return to God and the original gospel benefits, trust Him in all our well-being?

‘His glory’ Jesus here applies Isaiah 6:1-13 to Himself, proving His deity and pre-existence. ‘Many believed on him’ only two are named (John 19:38-39).

Many still love the praise of men more than the praise of God. They permit fear of disgrace, love of the praise of men, riches, and temporal advantages to make them cowards and too weak in faith to bear the reproach of Christ (Heb. 11:26; 13:13; 1Pet. 4:14).

Lifted Up

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John 12:27-36 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abide for ever: and how says thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walk in darkness know not whither he goes. While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 

The devil tried to kill Christ before He could get to the cross, but God heard Jesus’ prayer and saved Him from death (Heb. 5:7; Luke 22:43-44). If satan could have succeeded in killing Christ anytime from infancy to the cross he could have defeated God’s plan of redemption. Christ had to get to the cross where He spoiled satanic powers and triumphed over them (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24). His soul was troubled because of the cup of death on the cross where He carried our sin on Him.

‘I have both glorified it’ referring to Christ glorifying God in satan’s defeat; (Matt. 4:1-11) ‘will glorify it again’ referring to satan’s final defeat at the cross (Col. 2:14-17).

The people heard the voice from Heaven as a sound, like those who heard Christ’s voice to Paul as a sound, not hearing the distinction of the words the voice uttered (Acts 9:7 with 22:9).

‘For your sakes’ – for the sake of the Gentiles that had been brought to Jesus to confirm their faith in Christ.

‘Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’ The 25th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled through His crucifixion.

‘Judgment’ is the Greek word crisis. This refers to the judgment of the world upon the cross. Yes, salvation came for those accepting Christ and living as commanded in obedience, (1 Pet. 2:21-23) but judgment for those who seek their own glory or that of other people.

‘The prince of this world’ the Greek word archon; applied to Satan as ruler of the world-system (John 14:30; 16:11); ruler of demons (Matt. 12:24; Mark 3:22); and ruler of the air (Eph. 2:2).

‘Lifted up’ from this we conclude that Jesus being “lifted up” refers more to the heavenly exaltation through crucifixion than merely to the cross itself (John 3:14; 8:28).

‘Draw all men unto me’ It is because of His exaltation that He can draw all men to Him by the Holy Spirit and miraculous works through believers in confirming the gospel (John 7:37-39; 14:12; Acts 2:33; Heb. 2:3-4).

‘Yet a little while is the light with you.’ The Messiah does abide forever, but like the sun He is not always visible. He told them to believe in Him [trust on Him] while they can and be children [followers] of light and that darkness was to come when they longed for Him and couldn’t find Him (Luke 17:22; John 7:34; Matt. 21:43).

Corn of Wheat

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John 12:20-26 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and tell Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bring forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hate his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 

‘Certain Greeks’ these were Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion (1Kin. 8:41-42; Matt. 23:1-39). They came to worship in the outer court of the Gentiles. They would not be allowed to eat of the feast unless they were proselytes (Ex. 12:48).

Philip, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). His call took place in chapter 1:43-50); he was the brother of Nathaniel and is mentioned three other times (6:5-7; 12:20-22; 14:8-13).

Andrew, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). He was a fisherman and the brother to Peter (Mat. 4:18; John 1:41-44). He was a disciple of John (1:40) at first and is mentioned three other times (Mark 13:3-4; John 6:8; 12:20-22).

The 24th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: The hour is come for Jesus’ sufferings and the glory that will come when the middle wall of partition is broken down between the Jews and Gentiles so they can be united in one body (Mat. 27:51; 1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-14; Eph. 2:12-18; 3:6; Gal. 3:28).

Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat: His death to a grain sown and decomposed in the ground; His resurrection to the blade that springs up out of the dead grain; and His manifestation and glorification to the abundant fruit of the many grains produced to sustain life. He should have died to be glorified and fruitful. He could not establish a glorious body of believers unless He was glorified (7:37-39; Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:1-23).

The many elements of mystery surround the death and resurrection of any seed. We believe a dead grain multiplies itself and we are nourished by its multiplication, but we cannot understand how it is done. We cannot tell how one grain becomes multiplied into many – how the earth, air, water, and sunshine cooperate together to create new life. We believe it, not because we understand it, but because it produces results. If we cannot explain and fully understand these earthly things why do we have to understand the infinite purposes and works of God in redeeming men through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ before we believe?

Hosanna

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John 12:9-19 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. 

The people wanted to see Lazarus and it shows the common curiosity of men in all ages to see famous people. The chief priests however have decided to kill – the Greek word apokteino which implies a violent death, not by judicial execution. What a crime! How far will religious people go to commit sin to protect their own interests? These people withdrew from the faction of the chief priests to those who were not willing to kill Jesus or Lazarus.

The 4th day before the passover, the 11th of Nisan (April), our Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset. The day of the second triumphal entry (Mark 11:1-7; Luke 19:29-35). Jesus left Bethany and was met by multitudes from Jerusalem (Mark 11:8-10; Luke 19:36-40). He wept over the city (Luke 19:41-44), entered the temple, looked around and returned to Bethany to spend the night (Luke 11:11).

‘Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that come in the name of the Lord’ this is the 5th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled (Psa. 118:25-26). Hosanna is Aramaic for God save or help. ‘Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King come, sitting on an ass’s colt.’ The 6th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Zec. 9:9).

‘When Jesus was glorified’ after Jesus was crucified his disciples understood many things He taught them for the first time.

‘Bare record’ These eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Lazarus gave public testimony to the fact and caused many to believe in Jesus.

The Pharisees were frantic when they saw the multitudes leaving them and following Jesus. Something had to be done, but caution must be exercised lest the people turn on them and destroy them.

Mary Anoints Jesus

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John 12:1-8 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always you have with you; but me ye have not always. 

‘Six days before the passover’ On the 9th day of Nisan (our April) – our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset. He came to Jericho and spent Thursday night at the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). He delivered the parable of the pounds and proceeded to Jerusalem (Luke 19:11-28). He sent two disciples for the ass and her colt, making His first entry into Jerusalem and returning to Bethany in the evening of Friday (Mat. 21:1-17).

This was the first of three suppers of the last week: the first one was six days before the passover in the house of Lazarus. Jesus slept here Friday night and spent the last sabbath in rest and at sunset when the sabbath ended the supper was served. Mary anointed the Lord on this occasion. The second one took place two days before the passover in the house of Simon the leper, also in Bethany (Mar. 14:1-9). At this supper an unknown woman anointed Jesus. Then there was the last supper (John 13:1-20; Mat. 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14).

Judas Iscariot complained about the use of the expensive ointment, for at this stage he was in a backslidden stage and was accumulating wealth and wanted to steal the ointment for profit, not to sell and give to the poor, for he was past caring for others. Jesus told him to leave her alone for she was anointing Him for His death as He made another reference to His death which the disciples failed to see.

The Jew’s Passover

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John 11:54-57 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think you, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him. 

From the day the Sanhedrin made its final decision to destroy Jesus (11:53), He no longer walked openly among the Jews. The raising of Lazarus was the last of three great miracles that brought this to a climax: There was the healing of the impotent man on the sabbath (John 5:1-16); the healing of the blind man on the sabbath (John 9:16, 22, 34); and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:46-54).

Ephraim was a city about 32 kilometres north of Jerusalem near Bethel. Jesus stayed here about two months until the passover.

‘Jew’s passover’ It started out to be ‘the Lord’s Passover’ (Ex. 12:11, 27; Lev. 23:5; Num. 28:16), but now it had degenerated to be ‘the Jews’ Passover’ (John 2:13; 6:4; 11:55). The feasts of the Lord (Lev. 23:2) had now become the feasts of the Jews (John 5:1; 6:4; 7:2; 11:56; 19:42). Even the commandments were nullified by the traditions of men (Matt. 15:1-9; 16:6-12).

‘Purify themselves’ in preparation of the passover they went through Levitical ceremonial cleansing from touching the dead and other unclean things (Num. 9:6-10).

The Jews sought for Jesus at the temple and wandered amongst themselves whether He would come to the feast. But the chief priests and Pharisees made a commandment, that, if anyone knew where Jesus was, they should reveal Him so that He can be arrested.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

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John 11:45-53 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man does many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, You know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spoke he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 

 ‘Some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.’ Many believed, but some, perhaps the temple spies, went to report to the rulers. They admitted the miracles, but their hearts were hardened to resist all claims of Jesus on their lives.

They thought that if they did not get rid of Jesus, all men will believe in Him and make Him king. They feared that the Romans will come against the Jews to destroy the nation and take the temple from them. [Which came to past – Job 3:25] In the law the priests were in office for life, but here it was an annual term; the Romans and Herod chose whom they pleased for this office. According to Josephus (Antiquities 18:4:3), Joseph was his name and Caiaphas his surname.

‘Expedient for us, that one man should die for the people’ Caiaphas prophesied that it was in their interest that Jesus should die in the place of the whole nation. God seemingly used the ungodly high priest as He used Balaam in Num. 22:38.

‘One’ referring to the Jews of the dispersion, this will be fulfilled at the second coming (Matt. 24:31; Isa. 11:11-12; Eze. 37:1-28). ‘Together for to put him to death’ At other times they had plotted His death, but the council had been divided. God used the divisions to give time for the teaching, example, and miracles of Jesus to do their work.