Reading for March 7th

 Read John 11.45-57. 11.45-57: Consequences. In verse 45: On seeing and believing, see 12.9-11 and compare 2.23. John 11.40 reverses the order. In verses 46-48: Informers (compare 5.15) reintroduce the Pharisees (last mentioned in 9.40). Together with the chief priests they constitute the council (Sanhedrin), the highest Jewish authority. The fears of Roman reprisal came to pass in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. In verses 49-52: Though subject to the approval of the Roman governor, Caiaphas was high priest from 18 to 36 CE (compare 18.13). As the head of the Sanderin, the high priest was a political and religious leader. To gather into one (compare 10.16; 12.32; 17.21, 22) might refer to Diaspora Jews, or to people from all nations. In verse 53: The decision now taken was more formal that those of 5.18; 7.1, 19-20, 25; 8.37, 40, 59; 10.31-39. In verse 54: Ephraim might be the town near Bethel mention in 2 Sam 13.23; 1 Macc 11.34. In verses 55-57: Passover of the Jews (compare 2.13; 6.4; 13.1; 18.28). Celebrating the passover involved purification. Jesus' popularity with the pilgrims to the festival, who sought Jesus (compare 7.11), is contrasted with the malicious intent of the rulers and Pharisees who sought informers and plotted to arrest Jesus. This prepares the way for the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (12.12-19). Comments or Questions..