Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 2-061

Better that One Man Die ... or

PROPHETS AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS RARELY MIX

From 'Sunrise Sunset' (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher's book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

It is better... that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish. John 11:50.

This is the ultimate irony in John's Gospel. From within the Sanhedrin, (the Jewish 'parliament', comprising both Pharisees and Sadducees) Caiaphas the high priest speaks more than he knew. They later got rid of Jesus (so they thought) but the Romans wiped out their nation as well, in AD 70. Read: John 11:45-57.

The raising of Lazarus finally did it: the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Jesus. If the masses followed Jesus the fragile political arrangement with Rome would come apart. He may be from God, but he was a threat to stability; there were national and religious institutions to protect. So those who heard about Lazarus now had to declare themselves - either for Jesus or against him. Jesus' enemies hoped his death would put an end to his influence. Because Lazarus lives, Jesus dies; but now because Jesus died and lives, we live, forever.

Meditate: Throughout history the prophet, the 'stirrer', threatens the status quo.

Institutions, said sociologist Robert Merton, are all inherently degenerative. Think about the national, civic or religious institutions which give you security. The Pharisees honestly wanted to uphold their doctrines and interpretations of the law; the chief priests - mainly Sadducees - had to maintain their positions of national and religious power. If you were in their position, how would you feel if an 'outsider' threatened your existence?

Thank you O Lord, for all you have done for me... Amen.

Shalom! Rowland Croucher <> Director, John Mark Ministries: counseling and consulting services for pastors, ex-pastors, church leaders and managers. http://jmm.aaa.net.au (5400+ articles) http://priscillasfriends.org/ (Pastors' wives)