Most first century Jews wanted to see Israel delivered from Roman occupation but there were different opinions on how this would come about. Many Jewish leaders at the time enjoyed the benefits of Roman patronage, and some were even given their positions by Rome. The last thing they wanted was to disturb the peace and bring the wrath of Rome upon themselves. The bane of their existence was the constant appearance of would-be revolutionary leaders who cried out against Roman occupation. These leaders viewed Jesus as another one of these: yet another zealot leader raising popular support for a rebellion. It is interesting how, even in the light of Jesus’ miracles, the Jewish leaders were only able to view Jesus through the lens of their fears and insecurities. They were totally wrong about Jesus’ agenda but were unable to hear any different to what they feared. Ironically, Jesus was the answer to their fears because he was warning the people against political rebellion and offering an alternative way. Many of the people were listening to him but the leaders themselves had ears to hear only what they feared and so they sought to kill the very answer to their problem. The situation is loaded with tragic irony. Within fifty years the Jews would lose their land and their city to insurgents and then to the Roman retaliation. Most of the children of these very leaders would be killed in that event. If only they would have listened to Jesus! It’s amazing how our insecurities and fears can deafen us to the voice of God.
What fears or insecurities might be deafening you to what God wants to say to you?
Read John 11:45-57
