The time approaching in which the Lord Jesus determined to effect our Redemption by the shedding of His Blood, the Devil armed his ministers and sharpened their malice against our Lord, even to make them thirst for His death. The good works of our Lord, and especially the raising of Lazarus, more and more inflamed them against Him, until they were consumed with envy. Not being able to put off their revenge, the chief priests and Pharisees at once held a council, in which, at the prophecy of Caiaphas, they deliberated upon the death of the most innocent Lamb. O wicked council ! O most infamous leaders of the people, most wretched counsellors ! What are you doing, miserable men? What so great fury drives you on? What determination is this you arrive at ? What reason is there for the death of our Lord God ? Is He not in the midst of you, Whom you knew not, knowing all your words, searching your reins and hearts ? But thus it must be as you desire ; the Father hath delivered Him into your hands ; by you He shall be slain, but you shall not profit thereby \ He indeed shall die and rise again, that He may save His people from their sins, and you will perish.
The decision of the council was noised abroad, but the prudent Lord willed to give place to anger, and because all things were not yet done, He departed into the region near the desert, to the city of Ephraim ; and thus the humble Lord flies before the face of His most wicked servants. Contemplate those wicked men, raging against Him in their abominable council. Behold, also, the Lord Jesus retiring with His disciples, like poor and helpless men. What, think you, said the Magdalen at this? And what were the feelings of our Lord’s mother, who might have seen Him thus depart, and have known the cause, that they wanted to kill Him ? You can imagine her and the holy women remaining with Magdalen, and our Lord, before His departure, consoling them by the promise of His quick return.