“Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, ‘It’s better that one man should die for the people.’”
John 18:14 (NLT)
In John 18, Jesus is seized, bound, and led away. He does not resist. He does not argue. He submits fully to the Father’s will. The soldiers take Him first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at the time. And John pauses the story to remind us of something chilling—and revealing.
Caiaphas was the one who had already declared that it was better for one man to die for the people. His intention was not salvation. It was preservation. He wanted to protect the nation, the religious system, and his authority. His plan was rooted in fear and control. And yet, hidden inside his words was God’s redemptive purpose.
Caiaphas meant harm. God meant salvation.
This echoes Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 after years of betrayal and suffering:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
Caiaphas did not move forward so the world could be saved—but the world was saved through what he set in motion. God did not author the evil, but He authored the outcome. What was meant to destroy Jesus became the very means by which eternal life was given to all.
This is the same God who works all things together for good. The God of Joseph. The God who redeemed Paul’s suffering. The God who raised Jesus from the grave. And He is still doing it today.
I wonder what plans have been formed to harm you that God intends to redeem. I wonder what betrayal, opposition, or loss He is quietly weaving into something far greater than you can see. Do you believe He can do it in your life?
He can. I’ve seen it.
Trust Him today.