John 11:46-57

46But some of them went back to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

47So the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council [of the leaders in Israel], and said, “What are we doing? For this man performs many signs (attesting miracles).

48If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our [holy] place (the temple) and our nation.”

49But one of them, Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year [the year of Christ’s crucifixion], said to them, “You know nothing at all!

50Nor do you understand that it is expedient and politically advantageous for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”

51Now he did not say this [simply] on his own initiative; but being the high priest that year, he [was unknowingly used by God and] prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation,

52and not only for the nation, but also for the purpose of gathering together into one body the children of God who have been scattered abroad.

53So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.

54For that reason Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but left there and went to the district that borders on the uninhabited wilderness, to a town called Ephraim; and He stayed there with the disciples.

55Now the Passover of the Jews was approaching, and many from the country went up to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves [ceremonially, so that they would be able to participate in the feast].

56So they were looking for Jesus as they stood in the temple [area], and saying among themselves, “What do you think? Will He not come to the feast at all?”

57Now the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it so that they might arrest Him.