What is the meaning of Luke 22:2?

and the chief priests and scribes

Luke writes, “And the chief priests and scribes…”.

• These were the highest religious authorities in Jerusalem, entrusted with teaching and temple oversight (cf. Luke 19:47).

• Earlier, Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy (Luke 11:39-52), stirring resentment that now reaches its climax.

• Their participation fulfills the warning of Psalm 2:2, “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed.”

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were looking for a way

“…were looking for a way…”.

• The verb pictures a continuous, calculated search—persistent plotting rather than a momentary outburst (Mark 14:1-2).

• This echoes earlier attempts: “But they were furious and began plotting what to do with Jesus” (Luke 6:11).

• Such scheming contrasts with the transparency God desires (Proverbs 12:5) and reveals hearts already hardened (John 12:37-40).

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to put Jesus to death

“…to put Him to death…”.

• Their goal is not correction but elimination. They move beyond disagreement into murderous intent, aligning with John 5:18 and 11:53.

• Ironically, their plot advances God’s redemptive plan foretold in Isaiah 53:10-12 and embraced by Jesus in Luke 18:31-33.

• Peter later declares, “You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead” (Acts 3:15), underscoring divine sovereignty over their wicked choice.

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for they feared the people

“…for they feared the people.”.

• Public favor toward Jesus (Luke 21:38) restrains them; their concern is popularity, not truth (John 12:42-43).

• Fear of man drives compromise (Proverbs 29:25). They wait for a secret opportunity—finally supplied by Judas (Luke 22:6).

• This fear highlights the contrast between religious image-keeping and sincere devotion exemplified by the crowd’s earlier praise (Luke 19:37-40).

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summary

Luke 22:2 exposes leaders who, despite spiritual titles, secretly scheme to kill the Messiah. Their relentless search, murderous intent, and people-pleasing fear show hearts far from God, yet their rebellion cannot thwart His plan; instead, it propels Jesus toward the cross, accomplishing the salvation Scripture promised.