Remember these are only notes so don't expect good grammar or even good UK spelling!

Caiaphas makes the true sacrificial offering and also prophecies that it will save Israel and the world.

What precipitated events that lead to Death of Christ?

          Many - Expand.

          But especially the raising of Lazarus.

          The power of Christ frightened the religious establishment.

Another place Lazarus mentioned - different Lazarus.

          Story told by Jesus.

          Rich man and Lazarus. TELL STORY INCLUDING ABRAHAM'S REPLY TO REQUEST.

Does the resurrection of Laz convince the people?

John 11:45

45      Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. (NIV)

BUT:

John 11:4748

47      Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs.

48      If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

(NIV)

Others hardened their hearts. Angry.

God uses both belief and hardness of heart to accomplish His purpose.

Anger.

John 11:48

48      If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." (NIV)

Fear of losing Temple and Nation and Power.

          Fear is power in world today. Bosnia.

So decision Jesus must die - be sacrificed for sake of people:

John 11:4953

49      Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all!

50      You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."

51      He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation,

52      and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

53      So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

What was the High Priest's function?

          Once per year ...

Now H. P. is sacrificing Jesus.

          Anger and fear was his motive.

                   YET ....

          He meant it for harm but God meant it for good.

Remember Joseph and brothers.

Only the eye of faith could see the hand of God.

          Much wickedness in world - but it is not stopping God's purposes.

          Does not mean that it is not wickedness.

To save us from sin without turning us into puppets - use our sin as the means of redemption.

          Does not excuse it. He did not make us do it.

                   He is wounded by our misdeeds.

          But in His love and mercy He can turn it for good.

          You and I - done wrong? God has turned it for good.

          We don't say `Oh it was all right what I did.

                   We just thank God for His mercy.

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Now someone who did believe in Jesus. She too unconsciously bears witness to Christ in a deeper way than she new.

John 12:1-8.

Help the poor. Legal requirement. Why waste money when we need the money to fulfill the judicial provision for the poor?

We help the poor through our taxes.

Is that love?

Love acts in a more spontaneous way.

V. Expensive perfume. Waste? The poor you always have with you.

Anointed my body for burial.

          Strange? Not dead.

          Good Friday - no time.

          Therefore Sunday morning.

Too late. He had risen.

Therefore this woman has anointed my body for burial.

          Unknowingly bearing witness to resurrection.

How wonderful are the ways of God.

We too must bear witness to the resurrection.

          We have to be wise and responsible - YES.

          But our ultimate treasure is beyond the grave.

Therefore seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

This will also save us from a great deal of fear.

          If we really believe that Christ died for us and beyond death is resurrection n- knowing that security and status is beyond this world .

          then we need not fear.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Believe in God, believe also in me.