The battleground had become clear. His quarrel with the priests since the cleansing of the Temple, together with his dispute with the legalists and since he healed on a Sabbath has now reached a climax with Lazarus’ raising.
Mpaka hapo “eneo la mapigano” likawa wazi: Kuhojiana kwake na makuhani tangu kusafisha Hekalu - pamoja na kushindana na wanasheria kuanzia uponyaji wake siku ya Sabato - sasa ikafikia kilele kwa kumfufua Lazaro. Hivyo, viongozi wa watu wakaamua kumwua mfadhili wao mara moja.