John 11:45-57 - The Jewish Leaders Plot To Kill Jesus

45 Therefore many of the Jews, that came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed on Him. 46 But some of them went to the pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

47 Therefore the chief priests and the pharisees held a council and said, What are we doing? for this man worketh many miracles. 48 If we suffer Him to go on thus, all the people will believe on Him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our place and nation.

49 But Caiaphas who was one of them, being high-priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all; 50 nor do ye consider, that it is better for us that one man should die for the people, than that the whole nation should perish. 51 This however he spake not of himself, but being high-priest at that time he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation: 52 and not for the Jewish nation only, but that he might also gather together the children of God that are dispersed. 53 From that day therefore they consulted together to put Him to death. 54 Wherefore Jesus appeared no longer publicly among the Jews; but went away from thence into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

55 Now the passover of the Jews was near; and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country, before the passover, to purify themselves. 56 So they sought for Jesus, and said to one another in the temple, What think ye? that He will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the pharisees had given order, that if any one knew where He was, he should inform them, that they might take Him.