The Leaders Were Afraid of Jesus!

John 11:47-48 “Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. ⁴⁸ 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.”

Fear

It is human nature to be afraid to follow Jesus the Messiah, because it might cost us something. The Pharisees may have been in a position of power, but only as long as the Romans allowed it. The Jewish people were an occupied government under Roman authority. I believe the Pharisees were, in essence, acting like collaborators who were participating in the oppression of the Jewish people. Yet, they didn’t see themselves as collaborators, but as Jewish Leaders doing what was best for their nation. What do you believe? What can we learn from their reactions and the outcome? Never underestimate the power of God. Do not let your fear lead you to oppose the will of God. Don’t let your expectations keep you from rejoicing as the Lord God does a magnificent work right in front of you.

Nicodemus

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin High Council, visited Jesus secretly. His need to know the truth outweighed his fear. He even spoke up for Jesus at one point in a Council Meeting, but the rulers were not interested in looking into the possibility that Jesus might be who he claimed to be. The fear of the Romans was driving the actions of the Jewish leaders. Their expectations of what the Messiah of God would be like didn’t resemble the miracle healer, Jesus.

John 7:50-53 “Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) ⁵¹ Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? ⁵² They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. ⁵³ And every man went unto his own house.

Expectations

The Jewish people were not expecting the Messiah of God to be like Jesus. Jesus was raised and lived in Galilee, but He was not born there. The Pharisees did not attempt to investigate the claims of Jesus being the promised Messiah. The popular opinion was that He would be a mighty warrior like King David and save the Jewish people from their Roman oppressors. They expected the Lion of Judah, but instead they received the Lamb of God. A man who healed, who looked upon sinners with mercy. Instead of stoning sinners, He called people to turn away from their sin. The popularity of Jesus, His teachings, and His mercy scared the Pharisees. If the Jewish people tried to put a crown of any kind on Jesus, the Roman Emperor would have been offended.

Pontius Pilate

The Roman official, Pontius Pilate, executed Jesus out of fear of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. The Jewish leaders warned him that releasing Jesus meant he was not a friend of Caesar. Jesus was claiming to be the Son of God, and Pilate’s wife’s dream about Jesus frightened him. Yet, it was the fear that the Emperor would be angry with him for not stopping a perceived King from gaining in popularity that led him to execute Jesus. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent of any crime and was not worthy of death. Human fear from both Jew and Gentile leaders led to the death of the innocent Jesus.

The World

Jesus came to pay the price for everyone’s sins through His willing sacrifice as the Lamb of God. The Holy Father allowed this injustice against Jesus because He could use it for a greater good: our salvation through His mercy and grace. Anyone can receive His Mercy and Grace. Jesus does not condemn you but loves you so much that He gave His life to save you. Jesus came to save both Jews and Gentiles.

John 3:16-17 ” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Pray in Your Own Words

Holy Father, save me from any fear and expectations that keep me from receiving Your blessings through Your Son, Jesus. Nurture me with Your truth and Holy Spirit. Jesus, thank You for my salvation and peace. Strengthen me and give me the tenacity that I need to follow You in wisdom, truth, and love all the days of my life. Be glorified in me and through me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.