John 11:55–57

In the last consequent of this miracle, is recorded, what was the diligence of the Rulers, to have their conclusions executed at the ensuing feast of the Passeover. The order of the purpose seems to be this; The Rulers had given a charge to the people, especially the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to spy out if they could finde where Christ were, that so they might take him, ver. 57. In obedience to which, when the people are flocking together for preparation to the feast, ver. 55. they begin to enquire for him, and to reason among themselves, doubting whether he would come or not, ver 56. Or it comes all to one purpose, to conceive the matter thus; That the Rulers and their Emissaries seeking him, and not finding him themselves, they give a charge to all the people, that they should give notice, when ever they knew where he were. Whence learn, 1. Whatever shelter Christ or his followers finde, for a time, in the use of lawful means; Yet in troublous dayes, they are to submit if it do not continue long, but that at last they must be brought on the stage; Therefore it is marked that the Jewes Passeover was nigh at hand, to intimate that Christ got not leave to lurk long in that place he retired unto. 2. As for this going up to purifie themselves before the Passeover, albeit the Jewes in these times were very superstitious; Yet it is not clear that this was a practice of their own devising; For, we finde that ordinary preparation was requisite for sacrifices, 1 Sam. 16.5. and particularly for the passeover, especially in purging leaven out of their houses, to which the Apostle alludes, 1 Cor. 5.7, 8. See also Num. 9.6. &c. 2 Chron. 30.18, 19. And it appears these who went up, did it because of some special pollution, because of which they behoved to offer sacrifices (as appears from the law, Lev. 4. and 5. and 6. Chapters, and Chap. 14. and 15. ver. 1.— 16.) which could be offered only at the Temple in Jerusalem: and therefore it is said many, not all, went up. And it teacheth, That as preparation is required for all the solemne service of God, so in special for participation of the Lords table; and more particularly, when men are lying under some notable pollution. 3 The godly can be no more earnest for Christ and his company, then the wicked are to have his blood; for, as the godly at such a solemnity would be ready to seek him, as thinking a feast, a poore feast, if he were not there; and as their affection to have him would readily be solicitous, and doubtful whether he will come or not; So it is with these bloodthirsty men; They sought for Jesus, and, not finding him, spake among themselves, what think ye, &c? 4. Whatever successe God permit eager and bloodthirsty persecuters to get; Yet they shall not want their own anxieties and vexations, in getting their will; for, say they, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? The root of which expression, was, their anxietie and doubtfulnesse if he would come at all. And albeit he did come, and they got him crucified, yet the Lord will plague them with this vexation for a time. 5. Persecutors are unwilling to have their anxieties known, but they will labour to palliate them with fairest shewes; Yea, and even to make use of a cloak of pietie, to carry on their wicked purposes; for, so much also doth this speech import. They are anxious that he will not come that they may take him; But they vent it in tearmes of spite against him, who pretending to so much piety, yet will not come to that solemne feast. They will traduce him if he come not, and yet all their end in desiring him, is, that they may shed his blood. 6. When Rulers are corrupt, they do much mischiefe, and set a people on work against Christ; As here we see in their commandement. 7. Christs followers must resolve not only on open enemies and opposition, in crying times, but on secret spies and inquisitours, to ensnare and betray them; for, here they are set on work to finde him out and delate him, that they might take him. 8. Men, sinning against conscience in a course, are very eager and violent lest it should miscarry, and they can never be sure enough of their plots; for, this, among others, was one cause of their vigilancy. They sinned maliciously against light, and they cannot do too much to prevent a disappointment. So, when Judas turnes a traitour, he fears nothing so much as that he should vent his malice, and yet Christ should escape, and therefore be chargeth the souldiers to hold him fast, Matth. 26.48. and to lead him away safely, Mark. 14 44.