<p>Summary:</p><p>The chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin, worried that Jesus' growing following would provoke the Romans to take away their nation and temple. Caiaphas, the high priest, declared that it was better for one man (Jesus) to die than for the whole nation to perish, unknowingly prophesying Jesus' sacrificial death. From that point, they plotted to kill Him. Jesus withdrew to Ephraim with His disciples. As the Passover approached, people in Jerusalem speculated about whether He would attend, while the religious leaders ordered His arrest if He was found.</p><p> </p><p>Teaching:</p><p>“So they were looking for Jesus, and saying to one another as they stood in the temple area, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it, so that they might arrest Him.”</p><p> </p><p>After the Sanhedrin decided to put Jesus to death, they began to carry out their plan. They ordered that anyone who saw Jesus should report him. As pilgrims arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover, the most significant Jewish festival, news of Jesus’ impending arrest caused a stir among the people. </p><p> </p><p>Jesus was in Ephraim not because he feared the Jewish religious leaders who sought to kill him, but because his goal was not to engage in conflict with them—it was to take up the cross. He was waiting for the decisive moment when God's purpose would be fully accomplished. </p><p> </p><p>As followers of Jesus, our purpose in life is to glorify God and fulfill His will.</p><p> </p><p><i>Excerpt from the sermon by Deacon 김상호, Apr 3, 2025.</i></p><p><i>John 11:47-57</i></p><p><i>(D-146)</i></p>
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