John 11:45-57 - The Jewish Leaders Plot To Kill Jesus
45 many therefore of the Jews who came to see Mary, and had seen what Jesus had done, believed on him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done.
47 upon this the chief priests and the Pharisees being assembled in council, said, what shall we do? for this man performs many miracles. 48 if we let him go on at this rate, all will believe on him; and the Romans will come, and destroy both our temple and nation.
49 but one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest at that time, said to them, ye don't know what you are about. 50 you little consider it is our interest, that one man should die for the people, to prevent the destruction of the whole nation. 51 now this he did not say from his own motion: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation: 52 and not for that nation only, but likewise to reassemble the dispersed children of God into one body. 53 from that day therefore, they consulted together to put Jesus to death. 54 For which reason he did not afterwards appear publickly among the Jews; but retir'd into the country near the desart, to a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
55 now the passover of the Jews being nigh: the people of that country went in great numbers to Jerusalem before the passover, in order to purify themselves. 56 when they were in the temple, they enquired for Jesus, and said to one another, do you think he will not be at the feast? 57 now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had publish'd an order, that if any man knew where he was, he should give information in order to have him seized.