They Plotted

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

John 11:53

…saying, Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!

Acts 5:28

The Jewish religionists were superlative hypocrites. They had all the trappings of spirituality and morality but none of the reality. They made long prayers, upheld elaborate religious traditions, and wrapped themselves in the ostentatious robes of self-righteousness. At the same time, they loved the praise of man, perverted the truth, and were prepared to murder to maintain their status and control. Christ was everything they were not. His simple beauty of character, goodness, and influence on the people was more than they could bear. After He raised Lazarus from the dead they determined He had to go. The first portion of our text tells us what they did. The rest of John tells us the events that preceded their success in engineering the death of Christ. John also relates the account of His crucifixion and His resurrection from the dead. Luke tells us in the book of Acts about what happened after Christ rose from the dead and ascended. The Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, and they began to be witnesses of Christ in Jerusalem. Thousands were hearing their message. The religionists were justifiably alarmed. The second portion of our text tells us why they were afraid. Their evil was about to be exposed. The gospel has the effect of holding people accountable. It cannot be otherwise. All things done in darkness, eventually come to light.

O God of truth and justice,
we rejoice that all You do is good and right.
We praise You that You will continue
to do judgment and justice.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning