Today we will talk about why did the pharisees want to kill jesus. This is a question that many Christians ponder, and its roots go deep into the heart of religious, social, and political life in ancient Israel. To understand this topic, we must look at the Pharisees, their beliefs, and how Jesus’ teachings and actions challenged their authority and traditions. So, join me as we embark on this journey through Scripture, exploring the motivations behind the Pharisees’ desire to eliminate Jesus, and let’s meditate on God’s Word together.
Why Did the Pharisees Want to Kill Jesus
The Rise of the Pharisees
The Pharisees emerged during the second century B.C. as a prominent religious group in Judaism. The name “Pharisee” comes from the Hebrew word “parush,” which means “separated” or “distinguished.” This term reflects their commitment to strict observance of the Law and their interpretative traditions. They aimed to keep themselves and the people of Israel holy and separate from Gentile influences (Matthew 23:3; Mark 7:5). In Greek, the term is “Pharisaioi,” referring to those who rigorously adhered to their interpretation of the Jewish laws.
Historically, the Pharisees played a significant role in Israel’s religious life, particularly during the Second Temple period. They were not just religious leaders; they also held considerable social and political influence. As protectors of the Mosaic Law, they were seen as guardians of Jewish identity, especially under foreign dominion. The Pharisees were respected by the people for their dedication to teaching – they believed that every person needed to follow the Law’s intricate details to please God (Acts 26:5; Philippians 3:5).
However, their strict adherence often led to a form of legalism and self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14). Jesus, too, was raised in this environment and was well acquainted with their beliefs and practices. His teachings often confronted their ideologies, exposing the gaps between their outward appearances and the true spirit of the Law (Matthew 5:20). As Jesus gained popularity, the Pharisees felt threatened by the authority of His teaching and miracles, which challenged the stability of their control.
One primary reason the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus was His apparent disregard for their traditions. They viewed themselves as the final authority on Biblical interpretation, and Jesus’ teachings often mocked their legalistic views. For example, when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees criticized Him for breaking their laws (John 5:16). Jesus responded by teaching that it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:12), proving that mercy overrules legalities. This clash marked the beginning of their animosity against Him.
The Pharisees were also disturbed by the way Jesus engaged with sinners, tax collectors, and outcasts (Matthew 9:10-13). Their rigid social structures classified who was “in” or “out” based on their adherence to the Law. Jesus’ acceptance of those marginalized by society stood in direct opposition to the Pharisees’ beliefs, challenging their authority and the exclusivity they had claimed as God’s chosen. In this light, they viewed Jesus as a threat, someone who not only disregarded their rules but also threatened to disrupt the delicate balance of their social order.
The Threat to Their Authority
As Jesus continued to teach widely, His growing influence brought about increasing anxiety among the Pharisees. They recognized that His messages resonated with the people, who were drawn away from traditional teachings towards His radical notions of love, grace, and forgiveness. In John 7:12, we see the crowd expressing mixed feelings about Jesus; some believed He was the Messiah, while others doubted Him. The ability of Jesus to sway public opinion was a clear danger to the Pharisees’ power.
In response to these burgeoning tensions, the Pharisees gathered to plot against Jesus. They believed that eliminating Him was the only solution to protect their authority. In John 11:47-48, after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the high priests and Pharisees called a meeting to discuss how to deal with Jesus. They recognized that if He continued performing miracles, everyone would believe in Him, and their power would dwindle, potentially leading to Roman intervention. The fear of losing their positions of authority drove them to conspiracy and plotting.
The sanctity of the Temple also played a vital role in their animosity. With Jesus’ proclamation about destroying the Temple and raising it in three days, the Pharisees viewed Him as a direct threat to their religious institution (John 2:19-20). They couldn’t grasp that Jesus referred to His body as the new Temple, indicating a shift from the old covenant to the new covenant through His sacrificial death. The idea of a Messiah who would be rejected rather than embraced was not acceptable to their expectations and understanding.
As tension mounted, the actions of betrayals and plots by those around Jesus led the Pharisees closer to their ultimate goal. They managed to manipulate public opinion against Him, subtly sowing doubt and fear. In the Gospels, we find recurring passages of how they tried to trap Him in His words (Matthew 22:15-22). Their constant scrutiny of His teachings and actions only heightened their desire to eliminate Him, sealing their intentions with treachery.
The Role of Jealousy and Fear
Jealousy fueled the concerns of the Pharisees. When surrounded by the victorious aura of Jesus, the fear of being outshined contributed significantly to their hatred. This sentiment is echoed in Matthew 27:18, “For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.” The popularity of Jesus created not only a shift in attention but also a complete upheaval of their secure religious structure. The influx of people seeking spiritual nourishment made it clear that they were being overshadowed.
This jealousy was coupled with fear. The Pharisees recognized that Jesus had a different understanding of the Kingdom of God, one that did not conform to their expectations. This realization was a threat to their very way of life. Their fear of losing their respect and livelihood translated into desperate actions (Mark 15:10). Consequently, they became focused on silencing Him instead of understanding His revelations.
As leaders, the Pharisees were expected to guide the people towards God, yet they felt threatened by Jesus’ radical interpretation of grace and love, which contrasted drastically with their rigid, rules-based approach. Jesus’ radical notions of love for one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44) and the offer of grace to all who seek forgiveness contradicted everything they believed. Their reliance on legalism created an environment that could not encompass His revolutionary ideas.
The Ultimate Betrayal
With their plans in motion, the Pharisees sought ways to capture Jesus. The betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, provided them with the opportunity they longed for. In Luke 22:3-6, we see that Judas agreed to betray Jesus for money. The Pharisees used this betrayal to advance their agenda, leading to Jesus’ capture and subsequent execution.
This moment marked the culmination of their plotting. The Pharisees orchestrated a trial that was riddled with injustice, aiming to paint Jesus as a criminal rather than the Messiah. They utilized false witnesses in Mark 14:56-57 to accuse Jesus, desperately trying to validate their intentions. Framing Jesus as a threat, they secured the cooperation of the Roman authorities, eager to maintain their power over the Jewish populace.
Ultimately, the Pharisees’ desire to kill Jesus stemmed from their thirst for control, their fear of losing authority, and their inability to recognize the true nature of God’s mission through Jesus. Their fear of change and jealousy over losing their audience pushed them into actions with eternal consequences.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on the reasons the Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus, it is essential to recognize that their actions were driven by a combination of fear, jealousy, and the desire to maintain control over the Jewish people’s faith. It’s a heavy reminder of how easily human emotions can lead to poor actions, often ignoring the truth in front of us.
Jesus embodied the love and grace of God that the Pharisees sought to protect themselves against. Their inability to adapt to His message resulted in tragic decisions that would echo through history. We can learn much from their example. It’s important to remember that no one is beyond redemption, and we should strive to embody the love, grace, and understanding that Jesus exemplified.
As we contemplate this, let us also reflect on our own lives. Are there areas where we might cling too tightly to our ways, fearing change? Are we interpreting Scripture in a way that excludes others? May this story of the Pharisees encourage us to seek love and understanding above all, fostering a community rooted in Christ’s teachings.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4