Caiaphas’ wickedness was exposed when he told fellow rulers: “You do not reason out that it is to your benefit for one man to die in behalf of the people and not for the whole nation to be destroyed.” The account continues: “This, though, he did not say of his own originality; but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was destined to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that the children of God who are scattered about he might also gather together in one. Therefore from that day on they took counsel to kill [Jesus].”​—John 11:49-53.

Caiaphas was not aware of the full significance of his words. By virtue of his office as high priest, he did prophesy.b Jesus’ death would be beneficial​—but not for the Jews only. His ransom sacrifice would provide the means to release all mankind from bondage to sin and death.