Dominion Over Death: God the Son is our Propitiation

The raising of Lazarus should have been the undeniable proof of Jesus’ power. He had just demonstrated His dominion over death, showing that He was indeed the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). Yet instead of leading to universal belief, this miracle sealed Jesus’ fate.

John 11:53 says, “Then from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.” The religious leaders feared that if Jesus continued performing signs, people would believe in Him, and they would lose their power. They were more concerned with their position than with the truth.

ronically, the high priest Caiaphas unknowingly prophesied the very purpose of Christ’s mission. “It is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:50). He meant it politically—hoping to prevent conflict with the Romans—but God meant it eternally. Jesus would indeed die for the people, not to preserve their earthly nation, but to save them from sin and gather God’s children into one family (John 11:51-52).

This moment reveals a sobering truth: people respond to Jesus in only two ways. Some humble themselves and believe (John 11:45), while others harden their hearts and reject Him (John 11:46). Faith requires trust, not just in the signs, but in Christ Himself.

Jesus’ journey to the cross was not an accident or a tragedy—it was God’s plan of redemption unfolding. He is our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The question is, how will you respond to the truth? Will you entrust yourself to Jesus, or will you, like the religious leaders, resist Him?

The cross was always the plan. The only question is, will you believe?