It was nearing the time of the passover, and many came to Jerusalem from various parts of the country to purify themselves according to the ceremonial custom of the Jews. There was much talk and speculation among these people concerning Jesus, and they wondered if he would not be present at the feast. “Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him.” {2SP 371.2}

Påskefesten var nær, og mange kom til Jerusalem fra forskellige dele af landet for at rense sig efter jødernes ceremonielle skikke. Der var (372) megen tale blandt folket om Jesus, og de undredes over, om han ikke ville komme op til Jerusalem til højtiden. "Men ypperstepræsterne og farisæerne havde givet befaling om, at hvis nogen fik at vide, hvor han opholdt sig, skulle han melde det, for at de kunne gribe ham." (Joh 11,57)