Caiaphas says this to the Sanhedrin as a matter of practicality, however, as the gospel points out he did not say this on his own. God put the words in his mouth as a prophecy. Caiaphas convinces the others to sacrifice Jesus for the good of the Jewish people. The prophecy, on the other hand, means Jesus is being sacrificed for all of God’s children: Jewish and Gentile. We should keep in mind this all encompassing sacrifice when we deal with our family, friends, and neighbors, especially those we find most difficult to love. The Sanhedrin found Jesus difficult to get along with so they killed him. We might not kill someone physically, but our words and actions (or inaction) toward them can kill them spiritually. This is why Jesus’ sacrifice is so important. He dies not just for saints, but for sinners. He gives us an example of putting aside our hurt feelings and doing the right, good, and loving thing, even to our enemies.
Who in our lives is the most difficult to deal with? Have we tried to reconcile with them? If we have and they still rebuke us, then what can we do to love them in spite of their dislike for us and our dislike for them?
O Lord, let us die to ourselves so that your people might live.
Amen.
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