Bible Verse

“Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. ‘What are we accomplishing?’ they asked. ‘Here is this man performing many signs.'” – John 11:47 (NIV)

Reflection

John 11:47 presents us with a moment of tension and decision among the religious leaders of that time. It captures a scene where the chief priests and Pharisees are confronted with the miraculous signs Jesus performed. Their question, “What are we accomplishing?” reflects a deep-seated anxiety that challenges us to consider how we respond to divinely inspired disruption in our lives.

This scripture invites us into a reflection on the power and purpose of Jesus’ works during His ministry. The “many signs” refer not only to miraculous acts but also to profound expressions of God’s love and power. These signs were meant to both reveal Jesus as the Son of God and to encourage a transformational shift toward faith and trust in God. They compel us to consider where we see God’s hand at work in our own lives today.

The Pharisees and chief priests were faced with choices: to recognize Jesus’ divine authority or to reject it out of fear and pride. Similarly, each day presents us with opportunities to choose faith over fear and openness over resistance. In our own journeys, how often do we resist change, clinging to what is known and safe rather than embracing the new thing God might be doing? The scene in the Sanhedrin encourages us to remain open, to see beyond our immediate circumstances, and to trust that God’s work in our lives is always geared towards our ultimate growth and spiritual well-being.

Moreover, this scripture challenges us to consider our ambitions and achievements. The question “What are we accomplishing?” can echo in our hearts as an invitation to realign our goals with God’s purposes. Are we striving for temporary gains or investing in eternal outcomes that contribute to the kingdom of God? This reflection calls us to evaluate our actions through the lens of God’s love and grace, ensuring that our pursuits are driven by a desire to witness, serve, and grow in Christ.

In a world often marked by division and fear of the unfamiliar, John 11:47 offers a message of hope and a call to faithfulness. It reminds us that God’s love and power are ever-present, capable of transforming skepticism into belief, fear into courage, and division into unity. When we allow God to work through us, we become co-creators of His kingdom, shaping a community bonded by love, not fear.

Closing Thought

As we ponder the actions and reactions of those who witnessed Jesus’ miracles, let us be reminded to remain open to God’s transformative work in our lives. May we continually seek to align our actions with His purpose, embracing faith over fear, and allowing His love and grace to guide our journey.