John 11:53 (NLT) is a most remarkable statement. It reads,
“So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.”
As you’ll hear in this PODCAST, I’ll tell you exactly to what John referred with the phrase, “From that time on…” Again, this is most remarkable.
But before we get to that, consider this: It is, in my humble estimation, the Single.Most.Misunderstood parable in the entire New Testament. No exaggeration.
The parable to which I refer is most commonly entitled, “The Rich Man and Lazarus,” and it is found in Luke 16.
Now, you might be wondering, What does this parable in Luke 16 have to do with John 11 wherein the religious leaders “from that time on… began to plot Jesus’ death?”
Honestly, it has everything to do with John 11.
So much so, that if you don’t understand this parable — the meaning of it, and just as importantly, the timing of it — you won’t understand John 11. You won’t understand the motivations of those who began to plot Jesus’ death.
In terms of how hard a person’s heart can become, this is nothing short of breathtaking. Breathtaking.
Now, I’ve got to tell you here at the outset, I am so excited about this discussion for a number of reasons.
- First, we are going to learn together how properly to interpret a parable, along with what never to do when trying to understand a parable.
- Second, we are going to see in real time the lengths to which Jesus went to reach out to these murderous religious leaders, all an expression of His love undying love for them.
- Third, we are going to lay the foundation for all that is to follow, both the why and the how of the coming events that inexorably lead to the crucifixion of Jesus.
To once-more-quote that telling phrase from John 11, “From that time on…” Jesus days are numbered. And that now of days will now rapidly grow smaller.
The curtain is now coming down fast and furious on Jesus’ life.
This here in John 11 truly is a watershed moment.
What I need you to understand is this: In the chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry, the plot to kill Jesus in John 11 is linked directly to the parable Luke 16.
Let me read to you the parable, and then we will talk about.
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God bless you richly as you listen.
Dewey Bertolini 