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Caiaphas was right without realizing it. It is better for one to die than for all to die–when the One is Jesus.

BibleGateway: John 11:46-57

ESV Text: John 11:46-57


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 5:12 and ends at about 6:55

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46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 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. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 143, st. 1-5:
O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken

— Organ Audio

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1. O dearest Jesus, what law hast thou broken 
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken? 
Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession, – 
What dark transgression? 

2. They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge
Thee; 
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee; 
They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee; 
They crucify Thee. 

3. Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish? 
It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish; 
Yea, all the wrath, the woe, Thou dost inherit, 
This I do merit. 

4. What punishment so strange is suffered yonder! 
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander; 
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him, 
Who would not know Him. 

5. The sinless Son of God must die in sadness; 
The sinful child of man may live in gladness; 
Man forfeited his life and is acquitted, – 
God is committed.