Faith and Doubt in Conflict

John 11:45–57 ESV

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

The Unlikely Conspirators: Fear and Faith at the Crossroads

Bible Passage: John 11:45-57

Summary: In this passage, we witness a reaction to the miraculous raising of Lazarus. Many believe in Jesus, while others, driven by fear, conspire to eliminate Him, showing the stark contrast between faith in Jesus and the fear of losing control.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand the tension between faith and fear in their lives. It encourages believers to choose faith in Jesus, especially in challenging circumstances, reminding them that even amidst opposition, they can depend on God's providence and purpose.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that belief in Jesus should lead to life, while fear can lead to destructive choices. It emphasizes the importance of responding to Jesus with faith rather than fear and showcases the power of His miracles as a foundation for trust in Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reveals Jesus as the source of life and the fulfillment of God's plan, prefiguring His own resurrection. The fear of the religious leaders highlights the divine plot unfolding toward the crucifixion, where Christ would ultimately triumph over death.

Big Idea: In a world gripped by fear, Jesus invites us to boldly embrace faith, reminding us that believing in Him brings eternal life.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider diving into the historical context surrounding the Jewish leaders' fear of Jesus' growing influence. Use Logos to explore commentaries on John that discuss the tension between the leaders and Jesus, and examine the sociopolitical factors that influenced their decisions. This could enrich your understanding of the passage's implications for faith in a modern context.

1. Choosing Faith Over Fear

John 11:45-48

You could explore how the miraculous raising of Lazarus resulted in faith among some and fear among others. This division shows the choice we all face: to embrace Jesus' life-giving power or to fall back into fear of losing control. Highlight the Pharisees' concern about consequences and how it parallels our fears today. Encourage turning from fear to faith in Jesus, trusting His plans while acknowledging human tendency toward fear-driven choices.

2. Providence in Prophecy

John 11:49-52

Perhaps delve into Caiaphas' unwitting prophecy, highlighting God's sovereignty even in the midst of opposition. Discuss how God used Caiaphas' fear-driven perspective to orchestrate Christ's sacrifice for humanity. This points to Jesus as central in God's redemptive plan, restoring life from death. Emphasize the importance of trust in God's providence, even when circumstances inspire fear, urging believers to see beyond immediate threats to God's ultimate purposes.

3. Fear's Foil: Faith in Action

John 11:53-57

Maybe reflect on the leaders' decision to kill Jesus, driven by fear and self-preservation. Contrast this with Jesus' willingness to sacrifice Himself for others. Highlight how fear can skew judgment and lead to choices that oppose God's will. Encourage embracing faith over fear, looking to Jesus' example of self-giving love and ultimate victory over death. This passage invites believers to trust fully in Jesus' promise of life, even when fear looms large.

John 11:45–57 ESV

So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

In the book of Daniel, we find the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Facing the fiery furnace for refusing to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, they boldly proclaimed that their God could deliver them. But if not, they would not bow down. Their commitment to God in the face of persecution illustrates a true sacrifice of faith, showing that their allegiance transcended even the threat of death. Such courage inspires us to stand firm in our beliefs today.

During the early days of Christianity, believers faced immense persecution. One prominent figure was Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, who was arrested at the age of 86. When urged to renounce his faith and worship the Roman Emperor, he famously responded, 'Eighty and six years I have served Him, and He never did me any harm. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' Polycarp chose to face the flames rather than betray his Savior, reminding us of the true cost of discipleship.

In the book of Daniel, we find the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Facing the fiery furnace for refusing to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, they boldly proclaimed that their God could deliver them. But if not, they would not bow down. Their commitment to God in the face of persecution illustrates a true sacrifice of faith, showing that their allegiance transcended even the threat of death. Such courage inspires us to stand firm in our beliefs today.

Consider the plight of Christians in the Roman Empire, where many were fed to lions or wrapped in animal skins to be hunted by dogs. A poignant example is the story of Vibia Perpetua, a young mother who, despite her father’s pleas to recant her faith, chose to die rather than forsake Christ. Her diary, written while imprisoned, reflects her unwavering spirit and commitment to Christ, illustrating the profound sacrifice and hope that can emerge even in trials of utmost persecution.

In the midst of severe persecution, the story of the early church in Acts highlights how believers chose communal support over self-preservation. When Peter and John were imprisoned, they prayed for boldness rather than safety. Their sacrifices inspired many to remain steadfast. This reflects a deeper understanding of sacrifice: it’s not just about enduring pain, but embracing the opportunity to grow and serve others, even when facing hostility. Their example teaches us the importance of unity in faith.