Better for One to Die

Text: John 11:45-57

Reflection and Question: Jesus has just done this absolutely most amazing thing of raising Lazarus from the dead and, of course, many who had seen this miracle believed in Him. And the religious leaders panicked. Strangely, their solution parallels the theological center of historical Christianity: that one shall die in order to save all the rest. In this, Caiaphas and God seem to be of one mind. In the Protestant church today we call this Substitutionary Atonement, in which Jesus’ death stands in for the punishment we all deserve for our sins, thereby saving us. Is it better to have one man die for the people? Why?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Savior, we pause in thanks for the signs of the power and love You share with God, whom You called Father. Most of all, we thank You for Your willingness to die so that we may live. Through Your holy name we pray. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).