March 6, 2023

“If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” And one of them, Caiaphas, being the high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” John 11:48-50

Jesus had just raised His good friend Lazarus from the dead. More of the Jews believed in Him because of this miracle. But most of the religious leaders, more concerned for their place (their current position in the world) gathered together to plot against Jesus. Caiaphas did not know it, but his words were prophetic.

Now this [Caiaphas] did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. vv.51-53

When the Spirit of God was finally withdrawn from the Jewish nation (Matthew 23:38), just as from Saul (1 Samuel 16:14), the Jews did not know it. Satan rushed in to fill the void. Under the control of his malevolent desires, they continued to see themselves as the chosen of God. They continued offering animal sacrifices. Daily they invoked divine blessings upon themselves, not acknowledging their blood-guilt of the Son of God—and now actively seeking the deaths of His ministers and apostles.

Soon, an irrevocable decision will be pronounced upon the world, but the world will not know it. This end-time period parallels the seven days between the closing of the door of the ark by the hand of God and the coming of the great flood (Genesis 7:10, Matthew 24:38-39). The people continued on as usual, yet their doom was sealed.

The one who seeks his own way while standing in defiance of God’s word may see himself as “in order,” but here is the fuller picture:

When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it be with this wicked generation. Matthew 12:43-45

“The forms of religion will be continued by people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for God.” The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White (page 615)

“Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.” John 16:2b