What does John 11:57 mean?

Explanation

John 11:57 refers to a command given by the Jewish religious leaders, the chief priests and the Pharisees, during the time when Jesus was becoming increasingly influential and controversial.

They were seeking to arrest Jesus, so they issued an order to the people that anyone who knew of Jesus' whereabouts should report it.

This verse comes right after the plot to kill Jesus is mentioned, indicating the seriousness of the leaders’ intentions.

The chief priests and Pharisees were alarmed by Jesus' growing popularity following the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, fearing it would lead to Roman backlash and disrupt their authority.

This verse highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious elite and the secretive nature of Jesus' movements as a result of the threat to his life.

Historical Context

The historical context of John 11:57 lies in the period of Jesus' ministry in Judea in the first century AD.

The Romans occupied the land, and the Jewish religious leadership was under considerable pressure to maintain order and prevent any uprising that could threaten Roman rule.

The chief priests, mainly Sadducees, controlled the temple and its activities, and the Pharisees were a sect known for strict adherence to the law of Moses.

Both groups saw Jesus as a threat to their power and the precarious stability they had with the Roman authorities.

The raising of Lazarus, as described earlier in John 11, created a significant number of followers for Jesus and provoked the leaders to take drastic measures to silence Him.

Theological Insights

From a theological stance, John 11:57 signifies the unfolding of salvation history.

The determination of the chief priests and Pharisees to capture Jesus unfolds God's redemptive plan through His crucifixion and resurrection.

From the perspective of Christian theology, this verse hints at the impending sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity, a concept central to the Christian faith.

Some theologians may view this as the human resistance to divine intervention, while others focus on the sovereignty of God in allowing these events to occur as part of the divine plan.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 11:57 can be diverse. Modern believers might relate this to the cost of discipleship, understanding that following Christ might lead to opposition or require facing adversities.

Additionally, the verse can inspire believers to have courage in the face of persecution and to trust in God’s ultimate plan, even when facing threats. It also cautions against the temptation to preserve institutional authority or personal comfort at the expense of truth and integrity.

Cross-References

• John 11:53 - "Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."
• Matthew 26:4 - "And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him."
• Mark 14:1 - "After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death."
• Luke 19:47 - "And he taught daily in the temple.

But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key word is "φανερόν" (phaneron), translated as "shew" or "report" in English.

It implies revelation or disclosure of information.

The use of the term "ἐκεῖνος" (ekeinos) for "he” or "him" directly refers to Jesus, emphasizing His significance as the target of the chief priests' order.

The word “πιάσωσιν” (piasōsin) is from the Greek root “πιάζω” (piazō), meaning “to take,” indicating the intention to seize or arrest Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, religious and political authorities often persecuted individuals seen as a threat to their power, much like the case with Jesus in Judea.

In Egyptian mythology, for instance, the god Seth plotted against his brother Osiris to secure his throne.

Comparisons can be made with figures like Socrates, who faced opposition from the Athenian state for his philosophical teachings.

Such stories illustrate a broader theme of the conflict between transformative figures and established authorities in human history.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not directly intersect with the narrative of this verse, as it deals with historic religious accounts rather than empirical evidence.

However, social sciences such as psychology and sociology might offer insights into group dynamics and the fear responses observed in the chief priests and Pharisees, who sought to arrest Jesus out of concern for their societal position and stability under Roman rule.

Commentaries

Many Biblical scholars and theologians have commented on John 11:57.

For example, Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the religious leadership’s malice and their concern with preserving their position.

William Barclay highlights the escalating fear among the Jewish leaders that Jesus’ activities would lead to Roman intervention.

Craig S.

Keener, in his commentary on the Gospel of John, discusses the political and social justifications behind the chief priests and Pharisees’ actions.

These and other commentaries explore the implications of this verse for understanding the narrative of Jesus' passion and the broader themes of power, authority, and God's unfolding plan in the New Testament.