(The Lord speaking is red text)
Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
From that day on, they made plans to have him put to death.
So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.
So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.
Then{G3767} from{G575} that{G1565} day{G2250} forth they took counsel together{G4823} for to{G2443} put{G615} him{G846} to death{G615}.
John 11:53 is a verse that captures a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, reflecting the rising tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders. The verse reads, "Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death." This statement follows the resurrection of Lazarus, a miracle performed by Jesus that not only demonstrated His divine authority over life and death but also significantly increased His popularity among the people.
The historical context of this verse is set in the latter part of Jesus' ministry. Jesus' teachings and miracles had been challenging the traditional Jewish authorities, particularly the Sadducees and Pharisees, who felt their power and influence over the people were being undermined. The raising of Lazarus, which occurred in the presence of many witnesses, was a turning point that galvanized the opposition of these leaders. They feared that Jesus' growing influence could lead to a rebellion against Roman occupation, which would bring severe repercussions upon the Jewish nation.
The themes present in this verse include conflict, conspiracy, and the rejection of divine authority. The religious leaders' decision to plot Jesus' death illustrates the depth of their rejection of His message and their inability to recognize His divine mission. It also foreshadows the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the human tendency to resist change and eliminate perceived threats to established power structures. This verse is a somber reminder of the potential consequences of challenging entrenched systems and the tragic outcomes when leaders choose political expediency over truth and justice.
In summary, John 11:53 encapsulates the climax of hostility towards Jesus by the Jewish leaders, who, threatened by His miracles and teachings, conspire to end His life. This decision is emblematic of the broader struggle between the new way of life Jesus offered and the traditional religious systems of the time, ultimately leading to His sacrifice on the cross—a central event in Christian theology that is seen as the ultimate act of love and redemption for humanity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)