Topical Encyclopedia Envy, a destructive and sinful emotion, is prominently displayed in the New Testament narrative concerning the religious leaders' attitude towards Jesus Christ. The priests, along with other religious authorities, exhibited envy towards Jesus, which ultimately played a significant role in the events leading to His crucifixion.The Gospels provide insight into the motivations of the religious leaders, particularly the chief priests, who were envious of Jesus' growing influence and popularity among the people. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is explicitly stated that Pilate recognized their envy as a driving force behind their actions: "For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him" (Matthew 27:18). This acknowledgment by Pilate underscores the depth of the priests' jealousy and their willingness to conspire against an innocent man to protect their own positions and authority. The priests' envy was fueled by several factors. Jesus' teachings often challenged the established religious norms and exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. His ability to perform miracles and His authoritative teaching drew large crowds, diminishing the influence of the priests and scribes. In the Gospel of John, the chief priests and Pharisees express their concern: "If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation" (John 11:48). This statement reveals their fear of losing power and control, which was exacerbated by their envy of Jesus' impact. The envy of the priests is further illustrated in their reaction to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As the people praised Jesus, the Pharisees lamented, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!" (John 12:19). Their envy blinded them to the truth of Jesus' identity and mission, leading them to plot His death. In the Gospel of Mark, the chief priests' envy is again highlighted during the trial of Jesus. They sought false testimony against Him to justify their actions: "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any" (Mark 14:55). Their envy drove them to abandon justice and righteousness in pursuit of their own selfish desires. The priests' envy of Jesus serves as a cautionary example of how unchecked jealousy can lead to grave sin and moral corruption. It illustrates the destructive power of envy, which can blind individuals to truth and righteousness, leading them to commit acts that are contrary to God's will. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. Nave's Topical Index Mark 15:10 John 11:47 Library Jesus, Pilate and Herod. And Pilate Said unto the Chief Priests and the Multitude... Jesus Led Back from the Court of Herod to that of Pilate. The Trial Before Pilate Resumed. Jesus and his Secret Friends. Crucified, Dead and Buried Jesus Condemned to be Crucified. The Sentence which Condemned the Judges Litany of the Church 473. Jesus, with Thy Church Abide Of the Passion of Jesus Christ; that it was Foretold. Resources What are capital sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about jealousy? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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