The Pharisees and chief priests, who often disagreed, united to discuss what to do about Jesus in the Sanhedrin. They are worried that if they don't take action against him, he will become even more popular and gain universal approval. The Pharisees are concerned that Jesus may be seen as the awaited king and could incite a revolt against Rome. Caiaphas insulted his colleagues before speaking prophetically without realizing it. He wanted to kill Jesus for his agenda but ended up unwittingly predicting God's plan to save people of all nations through Jesus. As a result, the Jewish leaders began actively pursuing the execution of Jesus. In verse 54, it is mentioned that Jesus did not walk around openly among the Jews anymore because he was aware of their private plot against him. The current situation surrounding the debates over whether Jesus will attend the feast and the authorities' demands for information about his whereabouts are similar to the rumors and the failed arrest attempt described earlier.

John 12:2-3 is a heartwarming image of Jesus spending time with his friends. Jesus had recently brought Lazarus back to life, and they were all gathered around a table. Martha, who had witnessed her brother's resurrection, was serving Jesus, while Mary, who had previously fallen at his feet, was now anointing them with expensive ointment as a symbol of her love and devotion. This demonstrates that those who genuinely love Jesus will give up everything for him. However, the beauty of the moment is interrupted when Judas speaks up in verse 4. During a touching moment of Mary expressing her gratitude, respect, and love for Jesus, Judas interrupts with insincere words. He asks why the ointment wasn't sold and the money given to the poor. Judas' concern was not for the poor but for himself. He had been stealing money from the moneybag. John depicts Judas as valuing money over Jesus. Jesus declares that Mary has anointed him in preparation for his burial, indicating his awareness of the future.

When a crowd gathers to see Jesus and Lazarus, the chief priests plan to kill Lazarus too. They fear that Lazarus's life will convince people to believe in Jesus. The Jewish leaders missed an opportunity to embrace Jesus, who can raise the dead, and Lazarus, who Jesus raised. Instead of celebrating Lazarus, they want to kill him. The crowd waving palm branches is a fulfillment of Psalm 118:25-26. These verses depict the welcoming of a conquering king of Israel into the city, where the crowd shouts "hosanna" (meaning "Save us, we pray") and blesses him as he comes in the name of Yahweh. Although the disciples believed that Jesus was the Messiah and the king from David's line, they did not grasp the full extent of what was happening. They were unaware of how Jesus would be "glorified," which referred to his crucifixion. The term used to describe the servant's lifting up and glorification in Isaiah 52:13 is the same as the one used to describe Jesus' glorification. Jesus will be glorified through his crucifixion and resurrection. Without those occurrences, neither his disciples nor anyone else can comprehend the fulfillment of the OT. The crowd who witnessed Lazarus being raised kept talking about Jesus, while the Pharisees felt compelled to take action due to Jesus' increasing popularity. John mentions that the Pharisees were worried that "the world had gone after him."