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Book of John - Chapter 18 - Verse 14

18:14
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Meaning

In this verse, Caiaphas, who was the high priest at the time, suggested to the Jewish council that it was expedient for one man to die for the people. This statement is a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make for the salvation of humanity. Caiaphas' words unknowingly prophesied about the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, where He willingly took on the sins of the world to offer redemption to all who believe in Him. This verse highlights the significance of Jesus' death as a fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of mankind. It serves as a reminder of the love and grace that God has shown towards humanity by offering His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Through this act of love, Jesus demonstrated His willingness to lay down His life for the sake of others, ultimately paving the way for eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see the role of Caiaphas, the high priest, in advising the Jews that it was better for one man to die for the whole nation. This raises theological questions about the nature of sacrifice and atonement within the Christian faith. The concept of one man dying for many has direct implications for the belief in Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through Caiaphas' counsel, we can see how this event foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, pointing towards the theological concept of substitutionary atonement where one person takes the place of many. This verse also prompts further word studies on the term 'expedient,' which can be understood as necessary or advantageous. By delving deeper into the theological interpretations and word studies of this verse, we gain a richer understanding of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and its implications for believers.

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