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.
Caiaphas, the high priest, had previously miraculously prophesized such truthful words regarding the redemption of mankind through the death of Jesus yet all the while he remained unaware that his words were being directed by the Holy Spirit. Christ would die not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles – devout men of every nation who feared God and worshipped Him.
“There are those who fear Him throughout all generations; to all these He had an eye in the atonement He made. As He prayed, so He died, for all who should believe in Him.” Matthew Henry
Caiaphas thought he was only speaking of putting Christ to death yet an overruling Power compelled him to say things of a far deeper meaning than he was conscious of. His words proved true in a way that he never intended, wished or expected. He was merely used as an instrument in God’s mighty hand. I am reminded of the following truth in Scripture:
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Prov 21:1 (NIV)
What Caiaphas foretold was fulfilled albeit in a way totally unlike what he had ever imagined. Marvelously, Jesus did die - not only for the benefit of the Jewish nation but also for God’s scattered children to make them all as one. The prophet Isaiah prophesized regarding the Suffering Servant in the book that bears his name:
5 This is what God the LORD says-- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:5-7 (NIV)
6 he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6 (NIV)
Indeed, at the time of Jesus’ purification – according to the Law of Moses - when He was yet a small baby, we see this glorious prophecy spoken over our Lord. Simeon a devout and righteous man who was awaiting the salvation of Israel and of whom Scripture states the Holy Spirit was upon stated the following when he held our Lord Jesus in his arms:
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:28-32 (NIV)
“Amazing love, how can it be that You my God should die for me?” Indeed, a Light for the Gentiles and glory for His people Israel. Yet still, the unredeemed remain blind captives – staunchly choosing to wallow, imprisoned in the darkness of their self-wills. Refusing freedom and both abundant and eternal life, they embrace bondage and death; choosing rather to stumble in the darkness when they could live in the light.
“The inescapable spiritual need each of us has is the need to sign the death certificate of our sin nature. I must take my emotional opinions and intellectual beliefs and be willing to turn them into a moral verdict against the nature of sin; that is, against any claim I have to my right to myself...Once I reach this moral decision and act on it, all that Christ accomplished for me on the Cross is accomplished. My unrestrained commitment of myself to God gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to grant to me the holiness of Jesus Christ.” Oswald Chambers
Lastly, we see the ease in which these evil men encourage one another in evil practices as Scripture tells us from then on they sought the life of the Savior. What once they thought impracticable they now consider possible. What they had once wished but could not find a plausible reason for they now deem justifiable. Caiaphas’ stern and bold outspoken proposal carried the Council with him. From that day forward it was a settled thing among the Jewish leaders – Jesus was to be put to death.