By G.V. Wigram

      John 11: 49-52.

      "Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, we know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of [or from] himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should [lit. was going to] die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that [lit. in order that] also he should [lit. might] gather together in [lit. into] one the children of God that were scattered abroad."

      The first of these two predictions found a fulfilment (Acts 2); but still awaits its fullest. (Rom. 11: 26-32.)

      The second is, that Jesus was going to die in order that He might gather together into one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Surely in "gathered together into one" there is unity. And the children of the heavenly family -- of His Father and our Father, His God and our God (John 20: 17), were not known as such till He was risen; after that they knew Abba, and the Firstborn among many brethren, and the Spirit of adoption and the unity of the brotherhood in their own family. (1 John.) Again, Jesus, the good One, prophesied the same. (John 12: 24, 32.)

      Reader, will your ignorance make void God's promise? or the truth of the realization of the unity which faith gives to me and to the rest of the children?

      from Memorials of the ministry of G. V. Wigram.
      Vol. 2, Part 1, Ecclesiastical.
      Fifth Edition