John 11:53

Then from that day foorth, they tooke counsell together for to put him to death. John 11:53 (KJV)

This verse comes from the Gospel of John, specifically from the chapter that records the account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It follows the miraculous event where Jesus brings Lazarus back to life after he had been dead for four days.

In the preceding verses many people witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus, including some Jews who believed in Jesus, while others went to report the incident to the religious leaders, specifically the chief priests and the Pharisees.

John 11:47‑48 (KJV) records their response: “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together, and said, What think we? That this man doeth nothing? If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans shall … take away our place and nation.”

The religious leaders were concerned about the growing popularity and influence of Jesus, as his miracles and teachings were attracting a large following. They saw Jesus as a threat to their own authority and feared a potential backlash from the Roman authorities, who might perceive Jesus as a political agitator and respond with force, resulting in a loss of their power and privileges.

In John 11:53 we see the culmination of their deliberations: “Then from that day forth they took counsel together, that they might put him to death.”

This verse reveals their decision to plot Jesus’ arrest and ultimately bring about his crucifixion. They regarded this as the only solution to the perceived threat that Jesus posed to their religious and political authority.

John 11:53 therefore demonstrates the depth of the opposition that Jesus faced from the religious establishment of his time. Despite witnessing undeniable miracles and hearing his powerful teachings, the leaders were driven by self‑interest and a desire to maintain their own status and control.