John 11:57

Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given commandment, that, if any man knew where he was, he should show it, that they might take him.

The hierarchy had at last tipped their hand to all the people. Long ago, they had decided to kill Christ but entertained the design secretly; but now they issued what amounted to an order of arrest. It was, however, a very unpopular decision, as attested by: (1) the events of the next chapter wherein a great company made a feast in Jesus' honor, and (2) the revelation that the Sanhedrin, for fear of public opposition, decided to delay killing Jesus until after the Passover (Matthew 26:1-3), and (3) their decision to assassinate Jesus privately rather than risk a public execution. In the latter two decisions they were providentially overruled.

The most remarkable progression is evidenced throughout this Gospel. The event of the resurrection of Lazarus was conceived as early as the events in chapter five (John 5:20), with the subsequent steps leading logically and irrevocably to the climax of Jesus' sign here, the raising of Lazarus being the event, more than any other, that hardened the purpose of the Sanhedrin. Their pronouncement of a death sentence against him without a hearing or a trial, the resulting order for his apprehension, the approach of the Passover when the event of his crucifixion would occur, the withdrawal of Jesus to Ephraim to await the coming of his "hour," the refusal of the people to cooperate with their evil leaders, and so, on and on these events all fit into the progression.