But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.
Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
Comment: Two things are seen here. 1. Jesus leaves Bethany and goes into isolation in Ephraim. The Pharisees are looking for Jesus and the next big chance appears to be at the passover which is about a week away. 2. ‘It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish‘ was the advice of the High Priest who meant lets put Jesus to death. But in God’s economy it referred to Jesus’ death as the substitute for sinners. I wonder if with his knowledge of the scriptures that second thought might have crossed Caiaphas’ mind?
Prayer: May I see clearly and chose wisely throughout life, please Father.
As I read it! 