So the Pharisees said to one another, ”See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
John’s gospel includes many interesting tidbits. This verse is one of them.
The Pharisees, who have been plotting against Jesus say, “…this is getting us nowhere.” What is the “this” that they are referring to?
Verse 53 in chapter 11 tells us that they were plotting to take Jesus’ life. Then in verse 57, we learn that they had given orders. Anyone with information on Jesus’ whereabouts should report it. Then they could arrest him.
It seems clear from the context here that what was getting them nowhere was their plan to arrest Jesus. Waiting on someone to betray him wasn’t working out.
If their goal was to quietly take Jesus out of circulation, they were failing miserably.
Even in this moment of apparent success, Jesus is surrounded by people who do not appreciate him for who he is. The Pharisees want him dead. The people want a king. Not the spiritual king that Jesus is, but a powerful earthly king who can feed them, heal them, and put Israel back on the map again.
Let’s Discuss: Jesus was going it alone, even now. The crowds would turn on him, the Pharisees would crucify him, and his own disciples would abandon him. Yet faithful to his Father’s will, he enters Jerusalem where he knows he will die. How do we respond when God asks us to do something that is not on our “Want To Do” list?
Jesus said it well” Not my will but Yours be done. That is the response I should have – it is just hard to get there. Bending my will to be the same as the Lord’s will seems to be the greatest challenge of each day.
Thanks Rich! That “bending” part is hard! I struggle with that, too.
I find it is very hard to take it all at once, but both easier and better to follow where God leads one step at a time. Looking at the whole is overwhelming and I often end up worrying needlessly. Instead, it is better to take one step of obedience at a time and let God worry about the final destination.
Thanks Nathan! I agree 100%. The only problem I have is agreeing with God 100%. It is that “leap of faith” thing. I want to know what the plan is. God says, “Trust me.”