The Life Of Jesus Christ In Its Historical Connexion

The sensation created by the raising of Lazarus had, as we have seen, quickened the resolution to which the more hasty portion of the Sanhedrim had long been inclined, to put Jesus out of the way. The time and mode of its execution depended upon the fact and the manner of his entering the city; and men of all classes waited anxiously to see whether he would dare openly to face his enemies. Before his arrival, the Sanhedrim ordered that any one who should ascertain his place of abode should inform them of it, that measures might be taken for his arrest. [660]

The triumphant Messianic entry of Christ, amid the shouts of the enthusiastic multitude, was an unexpected blow to the hierarchical party. "See," said they in anger, "how ye prevail nothing! behold, the world is gone after him!" [661] They now determined to make use of craft. We cannot decide, from the brief intimations of the Evangelists, whether they first intended to make use of the Sicarii, [662] who at that time were employed frequently by the unprincipled heads of parties; or whether it was their plan from the beginning to get him into their power by stratagem, and then have him condemned under the forms of law. This last would be more in consonance with their usual hypocrisy. Doubtless the pleas and accusations to be employed were all ready, abundant material had been gathered from Christ's labours both in Galilee and Jerusalem. Still, they must have welcomed ally new developements which might serve to justify his condemnation on the ground of Jewish law, or to present him to the Roman authorities us a culprit. [663]