51 He did not say this of himself, but being the high priest that year he said, as a prophet, that Jesus would be put to death for the nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but for the purpose of uniting in one body the children of God all over the world. 53 And from that day they took thought together how to put him to death.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 11:51-53
Commentary on John 11:47-53
(Read John 11:47-53)
There can hardly be a more clear discovery of the madness that is in man's heart, and of its desperate enmity against God, than what is here recorded. Words of prophecy in the mouth, are not clear evidence of a principle of grace in the heart. The calamity we seek to escape by sin, we take the most effectual course to bring upon our own heads; as those do who think by opposing Christ's kingdom, to advance their own worldly interest. The fear of the wicked shall come upon them. The conversion of souls is the gathering of them to Christ as their ruler and refuge; and he died to effect this. By dying he purchased them to himself, and the gift of the Holy Ghost for them: his love in dying for believers should unite them closely together.