'Jn 11:45-57

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117. Jews plot to kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)

As a result of his miraculous works, Jesus was becoming more famous every day. The Sanhedrin feared that the nation might accept him as the leader of a messianic uprising against Rome, which would lead to Rome’s intervention. The outcome could be the loss of the Jews’ religious privileges and even the destruction of their temple (John 11:45-48).

Caiaphas, who was high priest and president of the Sanhedrin, suggested they get rid of Jesus and so remove the possibility of Rome’s intervention. Jesus should die so that the nation might be saved. These words had a meaning that Caiaphas never intended, as if they were a prophecy of the outcome of Jesus’ death; for his death saves not only the Jewish people, but people of every nation who believe in him (John 11:49-52).

While the Jewish leaders plotted his death, Jesus took his disciples to a quiet place away from the crowd (John 11:53-54).

Back in Jerusalem people from the country began to arrive in preparation for the coming Passover Festival. Many were uneasy as they thought about what might happen if Jesus came to the city for the festival (John 11:55-57).