When the confusion in the Temple ceased by the departure of Jesus, the high priest ascended on high, and having beckoned for silence with his hands he said, "Brethren, do you not see that he has deceived the whole world with his diabolical art? Now, how did he vanish, if he were not a magician? Assuredly, if he were a holy one and a prophet, he would not blaspheme against God and against Moses his servant, and against the Messiah, who is the hope of Israel. What should I say? He has blasphemed all our priesthood. Wherefore, I say to you, if he is not removed from the world, Israel will be polluted, and our God will give us to the nations. Behold now, how by reason of him this holy Temple has been polluted."

In such wise, the high priest spoke that many forsook Jesus. Wherefore, the secret persecution converted into an open one, insomuch that the high priest went in person to Herod, and to the Roman governor, accusing Jesus that he desired to make himself king of Israel, and of this they had false witnesses.

Then the governor and Herod joined for the death of Jesus, and the governor said to the high priest, "Whenever you know where the malefactor is, send to us, for we will give you soldiers."

This was done to fulfil the prophecy of David who had foretold of Jesus, prophet of Israel, saying, "The princes and kings of the earth are united against the holy one of Israel, because he announces the salvation of the world."

Jesus, being in the house of Nicodemus; beyond the brook Cedron, comforted his disciples, saying, "The hour that I must depart from the world is near. Console yourselves and do not be sad, seeing that where I go, I shall not feel any tribulation.

Do not forget the words, which God has spoken to you by my mouth. Be my witnesses against everyone who corrupts the witness that I have witnessed with my gospel against the world, and against the lovers of the world."

Then lifting up his hands, he prayed, saying, "Lord our God, God of Abraham, God of Ishmael and Isaac, God of our fathers, have mercy upon them who you have given me, and save them from the world.

Lord God, the merciful, who shows mercy to the thousand generations who fear you, have mercy upon them who believe my words that you have given me.

Lord God, who by your providence provides all necessary things for your people Israel, be mindful of all the tribes of the earth, which you have promised to bless by your Messenger. Have mercy on the world and send speedily your Messenger, that Satan, your enemy, may lose his empire."

Having said this, Jesus repeated three times, "So be it, Lord, great and merciful!" His disciples answered, weeping, "So be it."