How does Matthew 26:5 reflect human fear over divine purpose? Setting the Scene • Matthew 26:3-5 records the chief priests, elders, and scribes gathering in Caiaphas’ courtyard to plot Jesus’ death. • Matthew 26:5: “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” • Their caution comes immediately after Jesus has just foretold His crucifixion (Matthew 26:2). Human scheming and divine certainty stand side by side. Human Fear on Display • Political calculation: The leaders fear public backlash more than God’s verdict. Popular enthusiasm for Jesus (Matthew 21:10-11) threatens their authority. • Self-preservation: Instead of repenting, they maneuver to maintain influence (John 11:48). • Surface reverence for the feast: They cloak murder in pious concern for Passover decorum, revealing hypocrisy (Mark 7:6-8). • Limited vision: They assume they can choose the timing, ignoring Jesus’ repeated predictions that His “hour” is fixed by the Father (John 12:23, 27). Divine Purpose Unstoppable • God’s timetable overrules human agendas. Despite the leaders’ intent to delay, Jesus is arrested and crucified precisely during the feast (Matthew 26:47-50; 27:15). • Prophecy fulfilled: Passover typology demanded the Lamb be slain at that appointed time (Exodus 12:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7). • Sovereign orchestration: “This Man was handed over to you by God’s set plan and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). Their fear unwittingly advances the very purpose they resist (Isaiah 46:10). Contrasting Motives • Leaders: avoid riot → guard position → postpone action. • God: provide atonement → reveal perfect Lamb → accomplish salvation. • Result: Heaven’s plan overrides earthly panic. Lessons for Today • Fear of people can blind us to God’s larger work (Proverbs 29:25). • Human attempts to control circumstances cannot thwart the Lord’s decrees (Psalm 33:10-11). • What seems like chaos or delay may actually be the exact moment God has ordained (Romans 8:28). |
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