You Can’t Stop God’s Plan

Jeff Lane
Jul 27, 2025
4 min read

Imagine you’re walking alone at night in a big city. A group of rough-looking men step out of a building ahead of you, and you instinctively hesitate. Just then, another group emerges behind you—clean-cut, carrying Bibles. You breathe a sigh of relief… and walk toward the second group.

But what if the men with the Bibles were actually more dangerous?

That’s exactly what we see in John 11:45-56: the most dangerous people in Jesus’ day weren’t the rebellious or unchurched—they were the respected, religious elite. They knew the Scriptures. They prayed. They looked holy. But they were the ones who plotted to kill the Son of God.

This reminds us that evil isn’t always obvious. It can be dressed in religion and cloaked in good intentions. But here's the big truth we need to remember:

Evil people will make evil plans, but they cannot stop the plan of God.

Let’s walk through this powerful passage and discover how this truth gives us confidence, even in the midst of opposition.

1. People Often Sinfully Seek Security

Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead—an astounding miracle! Many believed. But incredibly, some did not. Instead, they ran to the Pharisees to report what Jesus had done.

This tells us something important: even when people witness truth with their eyes and hear it with their ears, they can still harden their hearts. Why? Because truth threatens the status quo.

The religious leaders were worried. They feared that too many people would follow Jesus, Rome would step in, and their fragile peace and power would be lost (v. 48). Their concern wasn’t theological—it was political. Their motives weren’t righteous—they were self-preserving.

Their desire to protect comfort, power, and normalcy blinded them to the presence of the Messiah. And the same can happen to us. We crave security. We build lives of insurance, backup plans, and risk avoidance. But Jesus doesn’t call us to comfort—He calls us to faithfulness.

If you’re not careful, your desire for control can lead you away from Christ rather than toward Him.

2. People Often Don’t Know God Has a Bigger Plan

Caiaphas, the high priest, makes a chilling statement: “It is better for you that one man should die for the people…” (v. 50). In his mind, executing Jesus would preserve the nation. What he didn’t realize is that he was accidentally prophesying the Gospel.

“He did not say this of his own accord… he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation…” (v. 51)

God used Caiaphas’ wicked plan to accomplish His redemptive plan.

This is a powerful reminder that God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are not contradictions—they are held together in Scripture. People are responsible for their sin, but God is never out of control.

This isn’t new. Back in Genesis, Joseph said to his brothers—after they sold him into slavery and caused years of suffering—“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). And it's true here too. The cross was the ultimate injustice—but it was also the fulfillment of God's loving plan to save sinners.

No matter what others plot, God’s plan prevails. That means we can trust Him, even when life feels unfair or unjust.

3. People Often Involve Others in Their Evil Schemes

After plotting to kill Jesus, the religious leaders began involving others. They gave orders: “If anyone knows where Jesus is, report it.” Later, Judas would become part of the plan. And eventually, the crowd itself would cry, “Crucify Him!”

Evil spreads. It gathers others. It manipulates the fearful. And if we’re not anchored in truth, we can get swept up in it.

A drifting boat goes wherever the wind takes it—unless it’s anchored. In a world filled with voices and agendas, we need to make Jesus and His Word our anchor. Otherwise, we’re vulnerable to the winds of culture and the manipulation of sinful leaders.

What are you anchored to? Your opinions? The crowd? Or the unchanging truth of Christ?

So, What Do We Do?

1. Trust God's Sovereignty

Yes, evil is real. Yes, injustice happens. But God’s purposes are never thwarted. When others scheme, God is still writing a better story. He did it at the cross. He’s doing it in your life, too.

Romans 8:28 says, “For those who love God all things work together for good…” Even painful things. Even betrayal. Even rejection.

2. Walk With Integrity

In 2 Timothy 2:24–26, Paul urges us to be kind, patient, and gentle—even when others are not. The world needs Christians who walk in truth without being quarrelsome. People will betray. They will manipulate. Some may even be “captured by the devil to do his will.” But we are called to stay grounded in Christ and reflect His character.

Walking with integrity may not be easy, but it’s the way Jesus walked—right through the face of evil.

3. Embrace the Gospel: Jesus in My Place

Look again at verse 51. Jesus would “die for the nation.” He would die for His people. That word “for” means on behalf of or in the place of. This is the Gospel in its simplest form:

Jesus in my place.

He lived the perfect life you could not live. He died the death you deserve. Evil men plotted to get rid of Him, but they couldn’t stop the love of God from being poured out through His Son.

Final Thought: Evil Never Wins

Evil people made evil plans. They thought they were ending a movement. Instead, they sparked the salvation of the world.

So, friend—when it feels like the darkness is winning, when people plot, lie, or betray, when justice seems delayed—don’t lose heart. The cross reminds us that even the darkest plan can be turned into the brightest victory.