John 11:52-56

⁵² and not for the nation only, but that also the children of God, who have been scattered abroad, he may gather together into one. ⁵³ From that day, therefore, they took counsel together that they may kill him; ⁵⁴ Jesus, therefore, was no more freely walking among the Jews, but went away thence to the region nigh the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there he tarried with his disciples. ⁵⁵ And the passover of the Jews was nigh, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, that they might purify themselves; ⁵⁶ they were seeking, therefore, Jesus, and said one with another, standing in the temple, 'What doth appear to you—that he may not come to the feast?'

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 11:52-56

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.

Commentary on John 11:54-57

(Read John 11:54-57)

Before our gospel passover we must renew our repentance. Thus by a voluntary purification, and by religious exercises, many, more devout than their neighbours, spent some time before the passover at Jerusalem. When we expect to meet God, we must solemnly prepare. No devices of man can alter the purposes of God: and while hypocrites amuse themselves with forms and disputes, and worldly men pursue their own plans, Jesus still orders all things for his own glory and the salvation of his people.