Devotion: Caiaphas
Please take a moment to read John 11:45-50; Matthew 26:57-86; Luke 23:33-34.
When I read the verses, I wasn’t sure what God wanted me to learn. I watched the drama, recalled Pastor Sarah’s sermon, and consulted four religious commentaries online. Most agreed on three primary lessons…
First: Caiaphas’s interpretation of the scriptures was deeply flawed. He believed that it was essential that he perfectly follow the rules the Jewish law. Doing the right thing made him righteous and holier than any other Jew. Thus, he was allowed to see the Ark of the Covenant which was kept from the common Jewish person — hidden by drapes and walls.
Second: This holiness gave Caiaphas and his cohorts their identity — power. He was the one, true protector of God. Jesus threatened Caiaphas’ position. It was essential to destroy Jesus and his miracles.
Third: His last motivation was envy which he hid with his justification that one man should be killed for the benefit of others. Unknowingly, Caiaphas’ flawed interpretations fulfilled God’s plan of saving the world through our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
But I think there is more that God is asking us to reflect on – our interpretations of the law, our motivation to obey, and the dangers of being righteous. For instance, are we like Caiaphas? Do we hide our true motivations behind the law and the power of righteousness when we compare ourselves to others? Are our interpretations of the scriptures sometimes flawed when we condemn those who we believe aren’t following God’s laws?
Some might argue that reading the Bible at home is more righteous than sorting clothes at Barnabas Community. Others could believe that it is sinful to miss church service rather than sit with someone in the hospital. Are we like Caiaphas when we assume that only certain Christians can fully interpret the scriptures? While we all interpret scripture through our own lenses, we are called to do so with humility and openness to the Spirit’s guidance.
No one answer is right. Jesus spoke the Word to anyone who would listen. He worked with the unclean in the streets, sat among the self-righteous in the temples, and prayed for all sinners on the cross. Finally, in Luke 23:33-34, we hear Jesus ask his Father to forgive those like Caiaphas, understanding the flawed motivations and interpretation of humanity. Let us pray daily for repentance and the grace to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Let Us Pray:
Dear God, During Lent, send your Spirit to help us to reflect on our flawed interpretations of God’s Word. Rid us of the temptation to judge and condemn others based on our knowledge of God’s laws. Help us to push sinful righteousness from our minds and our actions. Through our repentance and your gift of forgiveness, we can rejoice in the day-to-day participation in your plans for humankind.
Written by Glenda Clare
Glenda and her husband, Steve, joined Sheridan Lutheran in the spring of 2003 and have been blessed by the pastors and the congregation of friends. Glenda enjoys reading, writing, and caring for her young granddaughter, Rose.