Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 11:51

"Now this he said not of himself: but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation;" — John 11:51 (ASV)

He did not understand his own words. He was saying a great deal more than he meant to say – for it was expedient – blessedly expedient – that Jesus should die willingly and of his own accord, giving himself up to death for the sake of his people.