Intent on Evil

The priests and Pharisees of Jesus’ time were intent on evil. Their goal was ending the ministry of Jesus. They didn’t care that He was, in fact, the Messiah. Or that He preached God’s Word and wrought marvelous changes in people’s hearts. They didn't care that He healed the sick. Jesus cut into their territory, and they wanted Him out. And God didn’t stop them.

When the Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus, the officers returned without Him saying, No man ever spoke like this Man. (Jn. 7:46 NKJV) The Pharisees weren’t interested. They held Jesus and the people who followed Him in contempt. Are you also deceived? they asked the officers. (Jn. 7:47-49) When Nicodemus, one of their own who presumably did know the law, tried to defend Jesus, he was rebuked.(Jn. 7:50,51)

We wouldn’t have let it happen, but God let evil follow its course. Jesus was crucified on Calvary and a sorrowful Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea bury the body. (Jn. 19:38,39) The Pharisees—still committed to protecting their interests—paid guards to watch the tomb.

Originally published March 13, 1992.