We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 11:45-57.
The main concern is that Jesus was getting too popular. The chief priests and Pharisees (Jn. 11:47) came to three conclusions. You can almost read their minds.
"When Jesus increases, that is not good for me personally. People will stop coming to me. I won't be as important anymore. I might not be needed."
"When Jesus increases, that is not good for the religious system. All the attention will now go to Jesus. There will be less need for the religious trappings, since everyone's going directly to Him. The offerings might go down. My salary will decrease. I won't be able to control people any longer."
"When Jesus increases, that is not good for the nation. He will disrupt the socioeconomic system. Lives will be changed. Some professions could be eliminated. There could be terrible consequences! Jesus is a revolutionary! He must be kept separate from the state."
The argument of the Sanhedrin (chief priests and Pharisees) is nothing new. Today's secularists have the same troubling concern: "When Jesus gets too popular, it's not good for us."
Here are four questions to consider.
1. When Jesus increases (wins), does anyone really lose?
2. What should be the role of Christianity?
3. Is Jesus good or bad for our nation? Explain.
4. How do people act as if Jesus is not good for them, for religion and for the country? Give specific examples.
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