So, only a few weeks before Passover.  We must take care of our little..."problem" before Passover, because this little Carpenter is unpredictable.  And who is "we"?? 
Even in the last few months Pharisees have become sympathizers with the crazy preacher.  Couldn't Herod have dealt with him as he dealt with John the Baptist?  It has become apparent that Joseph of Arimathea has become unreliable at best, a traitor at the worst.  And Nicodemus has definitely changed his alligences, or shows every appearance of siding with the carpenter.  How could they all be so foolish?

But I still have two pawns:  Beriah and Micah.  Beriah will recquire some "skillfull" handling, but Micah will be a very persuasuvem experienced "worker."   Of course neither has the wisdom to lead in this situation, but they can be led.  Yes, they can be led.  In fact, they must be led, because they haven't the moral fortitude to press these issues themselves.  Pawns are often this first taken out of the game.  So long as they don't get the "king."  We must protect our "king."

Game on, Jesus.  I must say, I feeling much more confident today.