John 11:56
Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
As the Passover approached many had gone up to Jerusalem to purify themselves, and people gathered in the city in eager expectation of Him. They stood seeking Jesus in the temple amid widespread speculation about His presence. Standing in the temple they asked one another whether He would come to the feast in Jerusalem or stay away from it.
Their discussion took place under a command from the chief priests and Pharisees that anyone who knew where He was should report it so they could seize Him. The Jewish leaders, priests and rulers joined in asking anxiously, fearing He might stay away after repeatedly escaping their murderous plans to kill Him. They thought He might know or had discovered what they intended and understood their murderous designs.
Their question reveals their growing alarm and unrest and their determination to remove Him. His staying away would deny them the opportunity to seize Him and carry out their plans. Despite that danger, six days before the Passover Jesus still came to Bethany to Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead. There a supper was made for Him with Martha serving and Lazarus sitting at the table with Him.