Thus they proposed to destroy Jesus. But so long as Lazarus lived, the priests and rabbis knew that they were not secure. The very existence of a man who had been four days in the grave, and who had been restored by a word from Jesus, would sooner or later cause a reaction. The people would be avenged on their leaders for taking the life of One who could perform such a miracle. The Sanhedrin therefore decided that Lazarus also must die. To such lengths do envy and prejudice lead their slaves. The hatred and unbelief of the Jewish leaders had increased until they would even take the life of one whom infinite power had rescued from the grave.

Sådan var deres planer om at tilintetgøre Jesus. Men så længe Lazarus levede, vidste præsterne og rabbinerne, at de ikke kunne være trygge: Blot det, at der levede en mand, som havde ligget fire dage i graven, og som var blevet oprejst ved et ord fra Jesus, ville før eller siden forårsage en reaktion. Folket ville hævne sig på deres øvrighed, fordi de havde taget et menneskes liv, der kunne gøre et sådant under. Derfor besluttede Sanhedrin, at også Lazarus måtte dø. Så vidt kan skinsyge og fordomme føre deres slaver. De jødiske myndigheders had og vantro var blevet forøget, så de nu endog ville berøve ham livet, som Almagtens kraft havde reddet fra graven.