53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?”57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him. Ephraim (v. 54) — also known as Ophrah, near Bethel, east of the Jordan in the hill country.purify (v. 55) — Exodus 12:14-20; 13:1-9. The Jews went to Jerusalem before the Passover to give them time to be purified. Jesus knew of the council's decision to kill Him. The Holy Spirit has recorded, through John, the council's very words. Jesus had been to past Passovers — John 2:13; 6:4, 15