John 11:56

56 They sought therefore for Jesus; and they discoursed one with another, standing in the temple: What think you that he is not come to the festival day?

John 11:56 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:56

Then sought they for Jesus
That is, the country people; some on one account, and some on another; some out of curiosity to see his person, others to see his miracles, and others to hear his doctrine; and some, it may be, to take him, and deliver him up to the sanhedrim, who had issued out a proclamation to that purpose, and doubtless offered a reward:

and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple;
whither they came to purify themselves, according to the law of the sanctuary:

what think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
it was a matter of dispute with them, whether Christ would come or not, to the feast; some might be of opinion that he would not, at least they very much questioned it, since the sanhedrim had published such an order for the discovery of him; and since upon it he was gone from Bethany, farther into the country; though others might be differently minded, and believe he would come, since all the males of Israel were obliged to appear at that feast, and it was his duty; and they could not persuade themselves that he would neglect his duty, for fear of the Jews.

John 11:56 In-Context

54 Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews: but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem. And there he abode with his disciples.

55 And the pasch of the Jews was at hand: and many from the country went up to Jerusalem, before the pasch, to purify themselves.

56 They sought therefore for Jesus; and they discoursed one with another, standing in the temple: What think you that he is not come to the festival day?

57 (11-56) And the chief priests and Pharisees had given a commandment that, if any man knew where he was, he should tell, that they might apprehend him.