54 Jesus, therefore, was no more freely walking among the Jews, but went away thence to the region nigh the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there he tarried with his disciples. 55 And the passover of the Jews was nigh, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, that they might purify themselves; 56 they were seeking, therefore, Jesus, and said one with another, standing in the temple, 'What doth appear to you—that he may not come to the feast?' 57 and both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if any one may know where he is, he may shew 'it', so that they may seize him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 11:54-57
Commentary on John 11:54-57
(Read John 11:54-57)
Before our gospel passover we must renew our repentance. Thus by a voluntary purification, and by religious exercises, many, more devout than their neighbours, spent some time before the passover at Jerusalem. When we expect to meet God, we must solemnly prepare. No devices of man can alter the purposes of God: and while hypocrites amuse themselves with forms and disputes, and worldly men pursue their own plans, Jesus still orders all things for his own glory and the salvation of his people.