Today we will talk about why did they want to kill Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Understanding the motivations behind the desire to eliminate Jesus can shed light on the significance of His life and mission. In the Gospels, we see various reasons behind this hostility, including the challenge to religious authority, the threats to political stability, and the radical nature of His teachings. Embrace this journey with us as we explore scripture and the events leading to the crucifixion, allowing ourselves to reflect on the meaning wrapped in these significant historical moments.
Why did they want to kill Jesus
Religious Leaders’ Jealousy and Fear
The animosity directed towards Jesus by the religious leaders can largely be traced back to jealousy and fear. The Jewish leaders of the time, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, felt threatened by Jesus’ growing popularity among the crowds. His teachings and miracles challenged their authority and interpretation of the law. The Greek word used for ‘jealousy’ in this context is “zelos,” which can mean not only jealousy but also fervent desire. As Jesus performed miracles and drew followers, they felt that their influence was waning. This resentment is noted in Mark 15:10 where it states, “For he (Pilate) knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.” Additionally, in John 11:47-48, the high priests said, “What are we to do, for this man performs many signs? If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” This fear of losing control and standing in society fueled their desire to eliminate Him.
This fear and jealousy also stem from a misunderstanding of the Messiah’s role. The Jewish leaders were looking for a political leader who would liberate them from Roman rule, but Jesus was introducing a different kind of kingdom—one of love, humility, and spiritual redemption. His message was revolutionary and transformative, challenging the status quo and provoking leaders to protect their power. Throughout Matthew 21:15-16, we see this tension manifesting when the children praised Jesus in the Temple, leading the religious authorities to confront Him. Their desire to kill Him grew stronger as Jesus’ actions continually undermined their positions.
Challenges to Their Authority
Another significant reason for the plot against Jesus was His direct challenges to the religious authority of the Jewish leaders. Jesus often confronted their teachings and practices, exposing their hypocrisy. With phrases such as “You have heard that it was said…” followed by revelations of a deeper, more profound understanding of the law, He shook the very foundations of their authority (Matthew 5:21-48). The Greek word “hypokrites,” meaning actor or pretender, often describes the religious leaders of the time, indicating that their public personas did not reflect their true motives.
In Matthew 23, Jesus publicly called out the Pharisees for their self-righteousness and legalism, declaring, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13). By doing this, He not only exposed the flaws in their behavior but also placed Himself in a position of authority and moral superiority over them, further solidifying their intention to eliminate Him as a threat. This public challenge escalated to the point where they felt that Jesus posed an existential threat to the religious order, prompting them to seek His death as a means of preserving their influence and authority.
Political Ramifications and Fear of Roman Retribution
The religious leaders were also afraid of the political consequences that Jesus’ movement could provoke. Their concern stemmed from the power dynamics between the Jewish authorities and the Roman occupiers. The phrase “the Romans will come” reflects this fear as it illustrates their anxiety over maintaining peace with Rome (John 11:48). Any uprising or challenge to the status quo, especially one as radical as Jesus’, posed the risk of attracting Roman intervention, which could lead to severe repercussions for the Jewish leadership.
Historically, we see that the interdependency between religious and political power was delicate. Any perceived threat could endanger their positions and the fragile peace that existed. To avoid a clampdown by the Romans, the Jewish authorities decided that eliminating Jesus was a necessary step. John 19:12 highlights this fear further, “From then on, Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend.’” The coalition between the religious and political entities ultimately aimed to control the narrative and quash the influence of Jesus to protect their interests.
His Radical Teachings and Claims
Jesus’ teachings were unlike anything people had heard; they transformed societal norms and challenged traditional understandings of faith and God’s kingdom. Throughout the Gospels, He preached love for enemies, the importance of mercy and grace, and the rejection of legalism. The concept of unconditional love, epitomized by scriptures like Matthew 5:44, was a radical departure from the norms upheld by the religious authorities. This radical shift in the message was alarming to many and further pushed the leaders to feel that they had no other option but to suppress His influence.
In addition, Jesus claimed authority that was viewed as blasphemous. His statements such as, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) directly implied His divinity, which the Jewish leaders openly rejected. By equating Himself with God, He crossed a line that caused many to view Him as a heretic, thereby solidifying their resolve to eliminate Him. Throughout the Gospels, the opposition intensified after each declaration of His identity. The culmination of His teachings demanded a response; for the religious leaders, that response was to defend their authority and societal structures by attempting to silence Him.
Fulfillment of Prophecy and God’s Plan
While the motivations of the religious and political leaders played a significant role, it is crucial to recognize the divine aspect of these events. Jesus’ crucifixion was a part of God’s overarching plan for humanity, foretold through the prophets in the Old Testament. Verses like Isaiah 53:5 predict the suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many. This plan included the actions of those wanting to kill Jesus, as even their opposition served a greater purpose in bringing about redemption for mankind.
In Acts 2:23, Peter explains this by saying, “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” Here, we see the coexistence of human intentions and divine sovereignty. Although the religious leaders were driven by jealousy, fear, and self-preservation, their plot to kill Jesus was instrumental in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan, illuminating God’s ability to bring good out of even the most challenging circumstances.
In summary, the intentions behind the desire to kill Jesus were multifaceted, encompassing jealousy, challenges to authority, fears of political repercussions, radical teachings, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Each aspect interplayed significantly with the narrative of salvation history. The legacy of Jesus’ sacrifice enriches our understanding as it intertwines human motives with divine purpose, illustrating God’s infinite wisdom and love.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the motivations that led to the desire to kill Jesus, we come to understand how complex and deeply rooted they were. Jealousy, fear of losing control, challenges to authority, and the radical teachings of Jesus all contributed to this tragic outcome. However, we must also recognize the divine plan interwoven within this scenario. Through it all, God was working to reveal His love and grace to humanity.
Jesus’ life and sacrifice demonstrate the lengths He went to for our redemption, reminding us of the power of love over hatred and hope over despair. Understanding these motivations not only gives us insight into the events of history but also enriches our faith and walk with Christ today.
Let us continue to explore the depths of these truths, allowing them to inspire us and transform our hearts as we seek to grow in our relationship with God and each other.
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