SATURDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF LENT- YEAR-B

I Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28: I shall make them into one nation.

Gospel: John 11: 45-57: To gather together in unity the scattered children of God.

Jesus and the Religious leaders: Unbelief and Opposition, Jn 11:47-57

This passage gives an excellent lesson on unbelief and opposition to Jesus Christ, a lesson that needs to be studied by every person.

1.     The Sanhedrin met to discuss Jesus (v.47)

2.     The causes of unbelief and opposition (v.47-48)

a.     The fear of losing one’s recognition, esteem and following

b.    The fear of losing one’s position, influence and authority

3.     The conclusion of unbelief and opposition (v.49-53)

a.     Suggested by the religious leaders himself

b.    The conclusion: To sacrifice Jesus for the people

c.      The mystery of the conclusion

1)    He was predicting that Jesus was to die for the Jews

2)    He was predicting that Jesus was to die for the world

3)    The decision was made: Reject Jesus-do away with Him

4.     The response of Jesus to unbelief and opposition (v.54)

a.     He withdrew from the rejecters

b.    He concentrated on His disciples

5.     Providence of God in moving events despite unbelief and opposition (v.55-57)

a.     God controlled the time: The Passover

b.    God stirred the people’s interest: Caused them to seek for Jesus

c.      God controlled man’s devilish plots: Kept the people from helping and contributing to the evil

Thought: It is a man’s selfishness that causes him to cling both to himself and to his possessions. Man wants to control all he is and has, to do his own things as he wills and desires and to have no interference in his life desires, or little as possible.

God takes the rejection and opposition of men and uses it to stir in His Son and to stir salvation in others.