What is the meaning of Matthew 21:46? Although they wanted to arrest Him • The chief priests and Pharisees have just heard Jesus’ parables (Matthew 21:33-45) and realize He is speaking against them, exposing their hypocrisy and rejection of God’s messengers. • Their desire to seize Him mirrors earlier hostility (John 7:30; Mark 3:6) and points forward to their eventual plot to kill Him (Matthew 26:3-4). • Yet every failed attempt underscores God’s sovereign timetable; until the appointed Passover, no scheme can succeed (John 8:20). they were afraid of the crowds • Public opinion restrains the leaders. Similar hesitation appears in Matthew 21:26 and 14:5, showing how God can use even fickle crowds to protect His purposes. • Fear, not reverence, drives the leaders—a contrast to the courage Jesus shows in proclaiming truth (Luke 4:29-30). • Their political calculations reveal hearts enslaved to man-pleasing rather than to the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42-43). because the people regarded Him as a prophet • The crowds see Jesus in the line of Elijah, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist (Matthew 16:14; 21:11). While their understanding is incomplete, it is accurate enough to recognize divine authority in His words and works (Luke 24:19). • Calling Him a prophet affirms His role as God’s spokesman (Deuteronomy 18:18), yet the chapter’s flow presses us to see He is more than a prophet—He is the Son and rightful heir in the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:37). • This popular recognition intensifies the leaders’ envy (Mark 15:10) and sets the stage for the coming clash during Passion Week. summary Matthew 21:46 captures a tense moment: religious leaders eager to silence Jesus are checked by God’s providential use of public opinion. Their fear exposes misplaced priorities, while the crowd’s acknowledgment of Jesus as a prophet highlights His authoritative ministry and foreshadows His ultimate revelation as Messiah and Son of God. |
    |