STM Chaplains
It is better (John 11:50)
It’s been said that politics is the art of choosing between the “disastrous” and the “unpalatable.” Surely Caiaphas could relate! News about Jesus was spreading. Could he be the Messiah, the one to liberate Israel? What’s more, Passover was drawing near, and thousands of expectant pilgrims were already descending upon the city. It wouldn’t take much for a riot to break out and for Pilate to order his soldiers to “take away both our land and our nation” (John 11:48).
So faced with a potentially “disastrous” outcome, Caiaphas chose an “unpalatable” one instead: “It is better… that one man should die instead of the people” (John 11:50). He would arrest Jesus, deliver him to Pilate, and let the Romans make an example of him. As a political calculation, it made sense. It was either Jesus or the whole nation. Caiphas felt he had no choice but to send this innocent man to his death.
But were these the only two options? Surely there was a third way! Caiaphas had likely heard enough about Jesus to sense that God was working through him. So why not try listening to him to see if he truly was the Messiah? Why not at least consult the Scriptures to see what they say? Maybe Caiaphas thought that giving Jesus the benefit of the doubt was too risky – to Israel, or maybe just to his own career. Whatever Caiaphas thought, his final decision reflected a desire to preserve his own life.
Every day we face choices, both large and small. Should I give up my free time to serve my spouse? Will I look the other way when I see a stranger in need? Can I say no to resentment and seek to forgive? When choices like these arise, let’s ask Jesus for his guidance and wisdom. We never have to feel stuck. Jesus always has a third way – the way of love.
“Lord Jesus, give me your heart – a heart of wisdom and compassion!”
The Word Among Us
2025 Lenten Meditation
