Some of those who observed the miracle hurried to the Pharisees to pass on information about Jesus’ activities. They were still unbelievers, and the Lord’s judgment on them is hinted at in the parable of the ‘Rich Man’, to whom Abraham responded, "If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will also refuse someone who has risen from the dead" (Luke 16:31). God’s Spirit cannot change stony hearts that refuse to trust in Jesus, even if the mightiest wonders are shown to them.
The Pharisees had great influence in the High Council of religious affairs. So much that the high priests gave in to their insistence. Seventy members were summoned to discuss the matter. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, welcomed the convening of the Council. The members were undecided and confused, since Jesus had not committed a specific sin for arrest. However there was a Christian revival among the masses before the Passover, when tens of thousands of pilgrims pour into the capital. In the debates that followed, the Council members name Jesus as mere man, not even a man of God or a prophet. Despite this denial, they were unable to dismiss his startling miracles.
During the proceedings, fear overshadowed the atmosphere in the Council, lest the imperial power should note this matter and intervene. The gathering of multitudes round a man who worked miracles in the manner of Messiah, points to the risk of a rebellion. At that, the Romans would bar the temple, God’s dwelling-place. Then the services of the Temple would terminate along with the sacrifices, prayers and blessings.