So they gave vent to their various opinions. The Temple authorities rubbed their hands in satisfaction. "He is not clever enough to be dangerous. He will hardly come within the arm of the law after what He has said."
"But the people will judge Him," said one of the oldest among them, "the people themselves. Mark that! I promise you they will."
"No, indeed. He is not a man of fair words," said one of the overseers. "He does not flatter the mob, and my contempt for the Nazarene is less than it was yesterday. If He falls in the eyes of the people, He rises in mine."
"The man makes me think that He will soon give Himself up. Did you hear His allusion to Golgotha?"
"Bless my soul, a famous prophet has got to be right in something," mocked one of the high priests. "I think we ought to confer with the authorities so as to prevent any disturbance to-morrow at the festival. You understand me?"
"That's worth consideration with all this concourse of people."
"I think he has poured enough water on the fire," said the high priest. "No one would stir a finger if we took Him."
"Let's wait till the festival is over. You can never be sure of the mob."
"What! After laying traps for Him all over the country, are we to let Him insult us here in the Temple itself? No, I don't fear the mob any more. The law is more hazardous."