The priests and elders had had unmistakable evidence of Christ's power. In His cleansing of the temple they had seen Heaven's authority flashing from His face. They could not resist the power by which He spoke. Again in His wonderful deeds of healing He had answered their question. He had given evidence of His authority which could not be controverted. But it was not evidence that was wanted. The priests and elders were anxious for Jesus to proclaim Himself the Messiah that they might misapply His words and stir up the people against Him. They wished to destroy His influence and to put Him to death.

Præsterne og de ældste havde haft umiskendelige beviser på Kristi magt. Da han rensede templet, havde de set den guddommelige myndighed lyse i hans ansigt. De kunne ikke modstå den kraft, som han talte med. Han havde også besvaret deres spørgsmål med sine forunderlige helbredelser Han havde givet dem beviser på sin magt og myndighed, som ikke kunne modsiges. Men det var ikke beviser de ønskede. Præsterne og de ældste længtes efter at Jesus skulle forkynde, at han var Messias, for at de kunne fordreje hans ord og vække folket til modstand imod ham. De ønskede at ødelægge den indflydelse, som han udøvede, og slå ham ihjel.