What does Luke 22:2 mean?

At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the Pharisees and Herodians sought to destroy Jesus in Galilee (Mark 3:6). When Jesus' influence reached Jerusalem, more leaders, including priests, scribes, and Sadducees, joined the fight. Luke mentions their efforts after the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:47–48). John indicates the tipping point came when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:45–54). In fact, Lazarus's resurrection was such a powerful display of Jesus' power and had such an effect on the people that the chief priests sought to kill Lazarus, as well (John 12:9–11).

Because of Jesus' popularity, His enemies are forced to consider their strategy. Their fear of the common people proves they aren't really in control. They can't be directly associated with Jesus' death. Their goal is to get the Romans to do the dirty work.

Luke mentions the "chief priests and the scribes." Matthew includes the "elders of the people" (Matthew 26:3). The elders are typically non-religious businessmen. They may have owned some of the booths that Jesus cleared from the temple Court (Luke 19:45–46). "Chief priest" as used in the New Testament is not a God-ordained position. The "high priest" is the single priest supervising the temple for that year. Chief priests are typically former high priests or relatives of the high priest who have political influence. At this time, Caiaphas is the high priest but Annas, his father-in-law, holds the power. Besides Caiaphas, five of Annas's sons become high priest after him. When chief priests, scribes, and elders are mentioned together, the reference is to part, if not all, of the Sanhedrin—the religious ruling council of the Jews.