We see that the religious leaders, to keep Rome out of their business, intend to kill Jesus. It’s better in their minds for Jesus, just one man, to die than for Rome to come and destroy everything. One man dies so that many can be saved. John tells us that the high priest did not know he was telling the truth. One man was going to die, and that death would save many just not in the way that he was thinking. God had other plans. What he intended for evil, God intended and did use for good. 

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Good morning! It’s wonderful to be with you as we continue our journey through the book of John. Today, we’ll be wrapping up John chapter 11, focusing on verses 45 through 57.

In this passage, we see something remarkable happening. Caiaphas, the high priest, makes a statement that, on the surface, seems like a mere political move. He says, “It’s better for one man to die than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” He was worried that Jesus, with His growing influence, would incite a rebellion, and that the Romans would respond by destroying their nation. Caiaphas’ solution was to eliminate Jesus to save the people.

Yet, unbeknownst to Caiaphas, he was actually prophesying the truth in a way he didn’t even realize. He was speaking of a greater reality—Jesus’ death would indeed save the people, not just from the Romans, but from sin and death itself. Jesus’ sacrifice would bring salvation not only to the nation of Israel but to all of God’s children scattered across the world. What Caiaphas intended for evil, God was working for good.

This reminds me of Joseph’s story in Genesis. Remember how his brothers sold him into slavery, intending to harm him? Yet, in the end, Joseph tells them, “What you meant for evil, God intended for good.” God used Joseph’s suffering to save his family and many others from famine. In the same way, Caiaphas’ plot to kill Jesus was part of God’s larger plan to save the world.

It’s amazing how God works even through the darkest moments, transforming what is meant for harm into something good. This is true in our lives today. Sometimes we face betrayal, pain, or suffering, and it seems like everything is falling apart. But just as God used the evil intentions of Joseph’s brothers and Caiaphas’ plot to bring about His good purposes, He can do the same in our lives.

Maybe you’re in a place right now where you feel hurt, overlooked, or even betrayed. Perhaps things aren’t going the way you planned, and you feel like everything is against you. But remember, God is always working behind the scenes, weaving together a greater story. What may feel like an obstacle could be the very thing God uses to bring about His plan for good.

I recently recorded a podcast with my team, where we talked about suffering. None of us enjoy suffering, but we often find that suffering can lead to sanctification. God can use our pain and struggles to draw us closer to Him and shape us into the people He’s calling us to be. When we cling to Jesus in those hard moments, we discover that He’s all we truly need.

Caiaphas and the religious leaders thought they were stopping Jesus, but in reality, God was using their actions to bring about the greatest good—salvation for all. Just like the song says, “He turns graves into gardens.” That’s what God does—He brings life and beauty out of our most difficult and painful experiences.

So today, no matter what you’re facing, trust that God can bring something good out of even the darkest times. When others intend harm, God can turn it around for good. He’s always working, even when we can’t see it.

Thanks for joining me today as we continue through the book of John. Tomorrow, we’ll begin John chapter 12 as we move closer to finishing the Gospel. After that, we’ll dive back into the Old Testament. If there’s a particular section of the Old Testament you’d like us to explore, feel free to let me know.

Have a blessed day, and I’ll see you tomorrow!