John 11:47-57 - Being Gathered

47

Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.

48

If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.

49

And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all,

50

nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.

51

Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

52

and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

53

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

54

Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

55

And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

56

Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think – that He will not come to the feast?”

57

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

Gathered by the Lord, as fruit is gathered by this child
photo by Danielle Roberts, used under the creative commons license.
check out more photos at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/numuseum/

   I thank You, Lord, that the prophecy of the High Priest, though he worked against You, actually came to pass. You have gathered for Yourself a people from all the lands. Surely, it is not just Israel You call Your own but those who were scattered abroad. In fact, You have made Your Church, the new Israel and they are those Whom You call Your own.  Grant, I pray Thee, that I may be numbered with them in the Kingdom of God.  Have mercy upon me and all who call upon Your Name.  Amen.