John 11:51-52

John 11:51-52

[51] And  spake he  not  of  himself:  but  high priest  that  year,  he prophesied  that  Jesus  should  die  for that  nation;  [52] And  not  for that  nation  only,  but  that  also  he should gather together  in  one  the children  of God  that were scattered abroad. 

What does John 11:51-52 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

John interpreted Caiaphas" words for his readers. He viewed Caiaphas" statement as a prophecy. He spoke God"s will as the high priest even though he did not realize he was doing so. Caiaphas" motive was, of course, completely contrary to God"s will, but God overruled to accomplish His will through the high priest"s selfish advice.
Caiaphas unconsciously prophesied that Jesus would die as a substitute for the Israelite nation (cf. Isaiah 53:8). The outcome of His death would be the uniting of God"s children scattered abroad, non-members of Israel as well as Jews, into one body, namely, the church (cf. John 4:42; John 10:16; Ephesians 2:14-18; Ephesians 3:6; 1 Peter 2:9). Ultimately it would unite Jewish and Gentile believers in the messianic kingdom (cf. Isaiah 43:5; Ezekiel 34:12).