The Plot to Kill Jesus

June 25, 2025 | Read and Think About

• John 11:1-16

• and 11:38-54

The death of Lazarus is not the only "dying" that is dealt with in this chapter. The chapter has several references to impending death. It is a heavy chapter.

The first reference to dying (or punishment by death) was when Jesus announced they would go to Bethany (a stone's throw from Jerusalem) to see about Lazarus. On hearing it, the apostles questioned whether that was wise, remarking that the leaders "were just now seeking to stone you."

This is a literal reference to the events of John 10:31. Jesus had equated Himself with God, and the Jewish leaders had picked up stones for an execution. That moment was not Jesus' time, but the intent of the leaders was there.

Turning back to chapter 11 and the account of Lazarus, death was still on the apostles' minds in verse 16. As they were leaving, Thomas announced to the others, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." As a concept at least, they considered dying as a possible outcome for themselves.

Of course, that didn't happen during the events recorded by John.

But the heading in my Bible over John 11:45 says, "The Plot to Kill Jesus." This is the third impactful reference to death in this chapter, other than the main story of Lazarus. The leaders' plot was the result of them witnessing or finding out about the raising of Lazarus, and what followed that. In chapter 11, John gives 3 reasons why the leaders entered into this plot:

1. Because many of the people who saw the raising of Lazarus now believed in Jesus. (11.45)

   
   

2. Because they realized that Jesus would continue to grow in popularity and power. (11.48)

   
   

3. Because this growth would cause the Romans to sense an impending insurrection, and they would come down hard on the Jews. (11.48)

Caiaphas was the high priest of the leaders, and a main organizer of this plot. In verse 50, Caiaphas made a famous statement, "it is better that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish."

And in an editorial way, John wrote in the next verse that Caiaphas was right, Jesus did die for the people. He died for His people who lived then, those here and now, and everyone in between. He accepted the Father's predetermined plan, willingly.

He died for you. He died for me. He offers eternal salvation; it is up to us to accept it.