He made John take a step back and reconsider.

step back v. 2. To withdraw from something, especially to consider it from a wider perspective:  Let's step back from the project for a moment and admire all that we have accomplished. Rather than arguing about every detail, they should step back and determine what is really important.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

He made John take a step back and reconsider.

step back v. 2. To withdraw from something, especially to consider it from a wider perspective: 
Let's step back from the project for a moment and admire all that we have accomplished.
Rather than arguing about every detail, they should step back and determine what is really important.

• The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.