Definition: Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from John 11:47. It’s a really important verse that sets up a key part of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospels. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was doing a lot of healing and miracles – he was making people well – and he asked the leaders of the Jewish religious community, the Pharisees and priests, to talk about it with him. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then gathered…” : This means Jesus was actively seeking out these people. He wasn’t just casually observing; he was taking initiative. “…the chief priests and the Pharisees” : These were two prominent religious leaders, known for their strict interpretations of Jewish law and tradition. They held a lot of power and influence in the community. “a council…” : They were coming together to discuss something important. “and said, What do we?” : Jesus was posing a question – “What is this?” – to get them to explain what he was doing. It’s like saying, "Tell me more about this." “for this man does many miracles.” - This is the core of the verse. Jesus had been performing incredible healing and miracles - making people well – and now he wanted to understand why it was happening. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several things: Jesus’ Ministry: It's a sign that Jesus is beginning to demonstrate his power and authority as the Messiah, or one who is sent by God. His Authority: By asking for their input, Jesus was asserting his right to do what he was doing - to heal and perform miracles. He wasn't just doing these things; he was demonstrating them. Why is this important? This verse shows that Jesus wasn’t just performing miracles out of good will. He was seeking to understand the reasons behind his actions, which sets a precedent for how he would continue to act in the coming years – and it’s a key part of understanding how Jesus' ministry unfolded. In short: Jesus was asking why he was doing all these amazing things, and the Pharisees and priests responded by asking him what he was accomplishing. It’s a pivotal moment that shows his growing influence and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context in which this verse appears in the Bible?