Matthew 26:5 – “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse reveals the religious leaders’ fear of public backlash as they plot to arrest and kill Jesus. They acknowledge the risk of carrying out their plan during the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims. Many people admired Jesus for His teachings and miracles, so an open move against Him could provoke unrest. This verse highlights the leaders’ hypocrisy: while they were concerned about maintaining order, they were secretly planning an unjust and wicked act. Their concern for appearances and fear of public opinion show how their priorities were misplaced.
Historical Context
The Passover was one of the most significant Jewish festivals, commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Jerusalem would have been filled with Jews from all over the region, creating a heightened atmosphere of religious fervor and national pride. This made the city especially volatile under Roman rule, as any disturbance could lead to harsh consequences.
The religious leaders were likely worried about their own standing with both the people and the Roman authorities. A riot could jeopardize their relationship with Rome and their control over the people. Their caution in timing the arrest shows the delicate balance of power and the fear of losing their influence.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the tension between human schemes and God’s sovereign plan. While the leaders wanted to avoid arresting Jesus during the festival, their plans were ultimately overridden by God’s timing. Jesus’ death had to occur during Passover to fulfill the symbolic connection between Him and the sacrificial lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). This demonstrates that God’s purposes prevail, even when human motives are sinful or misguided.
The verse also highlights the blindness of the religious leaders. Instead of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, they allowed their fear and self-interest to drive their actions. This serves as a warning against letting personal agendas blind us to God’s truth.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “not during the festival” creates dramatic irony for readers familiar with the Gospel story. Despite their intention to avoid arresting Jesus during Passover, the leaders’ plans align perfectly with God’s timeline. This irony emphasizes the contrast between human plans and divine sovereignty.
Matthew’s narrative builds tension by showing the leaders’ fear of the people, a recurring theme in the Gospel. Their concern for public opinion contrasts sharply with Jesus’ courage and willingness to face suffering and death for the sake of humanity.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
- John 12:19: The Pharisees express concern over Jesus’ growing popularity among the people.
- Luke 22:1-2: A parallel account showing the leaders’ fear of arresting Jesus openly.
- Exodus 12:3-7: The instructions for the Passover lamb, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb.
- Acts 4:27-28: The early church acknowledges that Jesus’ death happened according to God’s plan, despite human opposition.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, even by human schemes or fears. It challenges Christians to trust in God’s timing, especially when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. The verse also prompts self-reflection: are we more concerned with public opinion and appearances than with aligning ourselves with God’s will?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse underscores God’s love in orchestrating the events leading to Jesus’ death. Despite the leaders’ sinful motives, God used their actions to accomplish His purpose of redemption. Jesus’ death during Passover highlights His role as the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice delivers humanity from sin and death. God’s love is evident in His unwavering commitment to fulfill His plan of salvation, even through the flawed actions of people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus’ mission as the Savior who fulfills the symbolism of the Passover lamb. The leaders’ plot to avoid the festival contrasts with God’s plan for Jesus to die at the exact time when the Passover lambs were sacrificed. This connection emphasizes Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (John 1:29). His willingness to face death reflects His obedience to the Father’s will and His love for humanity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s timing, even when life feels uncertain or chaotic?
- In what ways can fear of public opinion or rejection prevent us from fully following God’s will?
- How does the connection between Passover and Jesus’ death deepen your understanding of His sacrifice?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your plans align with God’s purposes, rather than being driven by fear or self-interest?