John 11:54-57 – Living truthfully

As a result of what Caiaphas had said, the council was now on a lookout for Jesus. He had concluded that Jesus must die. His point was: in their best interest, Jesus must go. Hence Jesus could no longer continue to operate as openly as He could among the Jews. So He left to Ephraim, a city in a country near the wilderness. We are told that there He stayed with His disciples. Interestingly, Ephraim means fruitlessness. This name was given to the tribes of Israel who were in apostasy. It was a prophetic message of their rebellion and ruin. Coming to this city now tells us of God’s grace.  Christ, in His grace, is in the business of restoring our ruined life, and save His people from fruitlessness due to rebellion. He had come that we might have life and have it more abundantly.   

Though His imminent death was near, it was not the moment as yet. At least now, He could enjoy a little quietness with His disciples. Meanwhile we are told that the Jews came religiously to Jerusalem in preparation for the Passover. How incongruent could they be? They carefully observed the outward forms of religiosity but took little care to handle their own heart and purity. They took pain to try to observe what’s given in the Law, but would soon be quick to shed the innocent blood of Christ. From their actions, there is a lesson to note. Like what Samuel said to Saul, we must remember that “Obedience is always better than sacrifice.” Outward forms mean nothing if we fail to live truthfully and obediently for God.  

In verses 56-57, we see the people, who were after Jesus, having a discussion. They were discussing whether Christ would turn up for the feast. Meanwhile the chief priests and the Pharisees had announced that anyone who knew the where about of Jesus must report Him so that he could be seized. Here’s a wrong reason for seeking Jesus. So let’s be found searching for Jesus for the right reason – to know Him so as to follow Him nearly and to love Him dearly. Jeremiah 29:13-14 tell us, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you….”

Being religious is one thing, but being true to our calling as believers is yet another. Psalm 32 reminds us that blessedness is when our transgression is forgiven and sin covered. It is when the Lord imputes no iniquity on us and cannot find any guile in our spirit. Christ has brought us wholeness so that we can honestly and sincerely be true to Him, to self and others. Let’s just live truthfully for His glory!