Topical Encyclopedia The theme of craftiness in the efforts to kill Jesus is a significant aspect of the Gospel narratives, highlighting the opposition He faced from religious leaders. This craftiness is characterized by deceit, manipulation, and strategic plotting, as these leaders sought to maintain their authority and suppress what they perceived as a threat to their power and religious traditions.Pharisees and Sadducees' Plotting The Pharisees and Sadducees, two prominent Jewish sects, often found themselves at odds with Jesus due to His teachings and actions, which challenged their interpretations of the Law and exposed their hypocrisy. In Matthew 12:14, after Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, the Pharisees "went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus." This plotting was not a spontaneous reaction but a calculated decision to eliminate someone they saw as a disruptor. Use of Deception and Traps The religious leaders frequently employed deception and attempted to trap Jesus with His own words. In Matthew 22:15, the Pharisees "went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words." They questioned Him about paying taxes to Caesar, hoping to catch Him in a statement that could be used against Him, either by the Roman authorities or by the Jewish populace. Jesus, however, skillfully evaded their trap with His response, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Matthew 22:21). Collusion with Judas Iscariot The craftiness of the religious leaders extended to their collusion with Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciples. In Luke 22:3-6, Satan entered Judas, and he conferred with the chief priests and officers about how he might betray Jesus to them. They agreed to give him money, and Judas consented, seeking an opportunity to betray Jesus in the absence of the crowd. This act of betrayal was a pivotal moment in the plot to kill Jesus, demonstrating the lengths to which the leaders would go to achieve their goal. Manipulation of Legal Proceedings The trial of Jesus further exemplifies the craftiness of His opponents. In Mark 14:55-59, the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they could not find any. Many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. Despite the lack of credible evidence, they manipulated the proceedings to achieve a predetermined outcome. They eventually condemned Jesus for blasphemy based on His affirmation of being the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 14:61-64). Political Maneuvering with Pilate The religious leaders also engaged in political maneuvering with the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. In John 18:28-31, they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, but they did not enter to avoid ceremonial defilement before the Passover. They pressured Pilate to sentence Jesus to death, claiming, "If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar" (John 19:12). Their insistence and manipulation of political fears ultimately led to Pilate's reluctant decision to crucify Jesus. Summary The craftiness in seeking to kill Jesus is a testament to the deep-seated opposition He faced from the religious establishment. Through deceit, manipulation, and strategic plotting, these leaders sought to preserve their authority and eliminate the threat posed by Jesus' revolutionary teachings and divine authority. The Gospel accounts reveal the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through these events. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:1 Library Arian Statements. B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 Psalm L. The Barren Fig-Tree; Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: part i part ii Resources What does the Bible say about Christian behavior? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is apostasy and how can I recognize it? | GotQuestions.org Why is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.org Craftiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Craftiness in Management of Laban's Flocks and Herds Craftiness in Seeking to Kill Jesus Craftiness: Gibeonites, in Deceiving Joshua and the Israelites Into a Treaty Craftiness: Jacob, in Purchase of Esau's Birthright Craftiness: Jews, in Seeking to Entangle the Master Craftiness: Obtaining Isaac's Blessing Craftiness: Sanballat, in Trying to Deceive Nehemiah Into a Conference Craftiness: Satan, in the Temptation of Eve Related Terms Manifestation (11 Occurrences) |
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