I was wondering if anyone had time to give their input on John 11:46-52. I am not entirely sure how to interpret the passage. Any input and cross references would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.

John 11:46-52 “But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.”

What Caiaphas, the high priest said was true, but not how he meant it. In saying “it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not,” He meant that if they don’t kill Christ the Roman government will destroy the Nation of Israel for rebellion, for following another King other than Caesar. So he was justifying murdering the Lord Jesus. However the Holy Spirit used him to declare the spiritual truth of Isaiah 53 that the Messiah would die for his people. It is John by the Holy Spirit who is saying: “this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.”

Then John adds “And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” The children of God who are scattered are the Jews who have been scattered all over the world since the Babylonian captivity. Jesus Christ died for them also.  Then at his second coming he will gather them back to the land – Matthew 24. Hope that helps.