John 11:45-57

Be Still: Lord, as I come to sit at your feet today, open the eyes of my heart to your Word. Illuminate it for me. Amen

Read: John 11 v 45-57

So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness… (vv. 53-54

Encounter: Monopoly -- a game that divides! My mum refused to play it with us as children because of the fall-out from the quest for Mayfair or Park Lane. Despite her warnings, I expected to win every game! And when I didn’t, I would stomp off to my room to ease my wounded pride. Or prepare for my next victory…

Here we find ourselves in the middle of a divisive power game – tension is high and tactics are dirty - there's fever-pitch anxiety from the Romans and Jewish leaders that Jesus is fomenting rebellion. The Sanhedrin set the game play: to secure Jesus’ death – without which, Caiaphas warns, the whole nation could perish. But Jesus knew the endgame: Jesus knew that his victory would be through self-giving love, not war. 

What does Jesus do? He retreats. This is a pattern that we see throughout Jesus’ ministry – nine times in the gospels. When the heat is high, he retreats to be alone with his Abba, God. He prepares in prayer for his next move -- to fulfil the prophesy in v52 to gather God’s scattered children and bring them together to make them one. 

Apply: What in your life do you need to prepare for by retreating to be with Father God? Jesus prioritised prayer in these times, digging deep into the love of God. Maybe you are going through a transition or a change in your life -- new job, home, expanding family, beginning something new, or letting go of a habit or practice that keeps you distant from God. Retreat for a short while now to lean into God’s promise that his goodness and mercy goes with you. Plot some time in your diary to go deeper in prayer, in retreat, as you prepare.

Devote: Thank you Jesus that you showed us how to prepare for God’s purposes in our lives. Help me to trust your good plans for my life and to make space for you to lead me. Show me where I listen to other voices before yours. Let me hear your direction today.