God promised national restoration for the Israelites after their long exile. God would gather the people and make them one nation living together in one land with a descendant of David as their king. The people would no longer worship idols, but would follow the ordinances of God. God promised to make a covenant of peace with the people, and to bless them and multiply them. The sanctuary would be present with them forever, and they would be God's people. Do I see myself as a person who has been reconciled to the Lord? Moreover, do I look towards the Lord who guards us as a shepherd guards his flock?

Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead. When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard of this, they were concerned that many would begin to follow Jesus, and the Romans would deprive the Jews of their land and their nation. Caiaphas, the high priest, suggested that it would be better for one man to die for the people rather than to have the entire nation destroyed - thus the plot to kill Jesus. From that day forward, Jesus was unable to walk about freely, but went into the wilderness with his disciples. The Passover was near, so we know that the passion of Christ was quickly approaching. Do I believe that Jesus died for all of us, and therefore I can trust Him as my Lord and Saviour?