Caiaphas had made an unconscious prophecy in (John 11:49-50) that Jesus would die for the people. Morris notes that “Here was no idealist ready to see that justice was done, but a cynical politician who had already spoken in favor of Jesus’ death.” The verdict was in before Jesus ever came to trial.

John 11:49-50  Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all!  You do not realise that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”