Reflection: John 11:45-56

John 11:45-56 – Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent

As Holy Week unfolds, the tension and drama in the Gospels of Holy Week continues to mount. Today some of the Jews excitedly approach the Pharisees and tell them that Jesus had raised a man (Lazarus) from the dead. Rather than being amazed at this news, it appears that this news was the last straw for the Pharisees. They had had enough of Jesus. They needed to do something about this man, Jesus, who was creating havoc in their lives.

The chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. These religious officials were extremely concerned about Jesus and his growing influence with the people. They were angry but also fearful. The Sanhedrin realized that they were losing some of their power with the people. This could not go on. Jesus not only was a threat to their power and control, but they also were worried that the Romans might come and take their land and be in control of their nation.

The chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin, the ruling body of the Temple. When they gathered, many of them spoke of their fear of Jesus. Daily, he was growing in popularity. More and more people were following him. The Sanhedrin realized that if they did not take immediate action, they would lose their power and influence with the people.

In the course of this discussion, Caiaphas, who was the high priest, voiced what many of them were thinking: Jesus had to die! There was no alternative: he was too much of a threat to their power. Caiaphas justified this course of action by saying that it was better for one man to die rather than have the nation torn apart. Thus the stage was set. The decision had been made. They began to plan how to kill Jesus.

Jesus was aware that the Pharisees were plotting against him and he stayed in the shadows of Jerusalem until he decided to go to Ephraim with his disciples. He stayed there until it was time for the Passover. Many of the people who traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover feast looked for Jesus. They had heard about him and they wanted to see him for themselves. They also hoped they would hear him preach. However, Jesus was nowhere to be seen.

Today’s Gospel sets the stage for Palm Sunday. We know what will happen in the next seven days. We have experienced Holy Week multiple times. Yet, even though we know how the drama unfolds, it still is gripping, compelling and painful. Yes, resurrection will come but the prelude to resurrection is horrific!

In the days ahead, we have a choice: to walk with Jesus through this week or to go on about our lives as if all is normal. Jesus gave his life for us! Will we take the time and walk with Jesus through this holiest of weeks? Or will we spend most of our time buying Easter candy, coloring Easter eggs, or traveling to visit family, and ignore the man who by his death gave us the promise of eternal life?

I invite you to enter into this holiest of weeks. Ponder the daily readings. Ponder the story. Ponder the love Jesus has for us. Walk with Jesus. Bring your own “passion” experience to Jesus! If we do this, who knows: we also may have a resurrection experience!

Jesus is waiting for us. He walks with us in our darkest hours. Will we walk with him?