Matthew 21:46

Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.

Study Bible

Although they wanted to arrest Him
This phrase highlights the intent and desire of the religious leaders to seize Jesus. The Greek word for "wanted" (ἐζήτουν, ezētoun) implies a strong desire or effort. The religious leaders were actively seeking a way to arrest Jesus because His teachings and actions were challenging their authority and exposing their hypocrisy. Historically, this reflects the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, who saw Him as a threat to their power and influence. Their desire to arrest Him was not just a legal action but a spiritual battle against the truth He represented.

they were afraid of the crowds
The fear of the crowds indicates the leaders' awareness of Jesus' popularity among the people. The Greek word for "afraid" (ἐφοβήθησαν, ephobēthēsan) suggests a deep-seated fear or reverence. This fear was not just about physical harm but also about losing their social and religious standing. The crowds, who had witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard His teachings, held Him in high regard. This public support for Jesus acted as a protective barrier against the leaders' malicious intentions. Historically, this fear reflects the volatile political and social climate of the time, where public opinion could sway the actions of leaders.

because the people regarded Him as a prophet
The term "regarded" (εἶχον, eichon) in Greek conveys the idea of holding or considering someone in a particular way. The people saw Jesus as a prophet, a title that carried significant weight in Jewish culture. Prophets were seen as messengers of God, and to regard someone as a prophet was to acknowledge their divine authority and insight. This perception of Jesus as a prophet was rooted in His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The historical context here is crucial, as the Jewish people were longing for a prophetic voice to guide them, and many saw Jesus as fulfilling that role. This widespread belief among the people made it difficult for the religious leaders to act against Him without risking public outrage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure in the passage, whose teachings and actions have stirred both admiration and opposition.

2. The Chief Priests and Pharisees
Religious leaders who felt threatened by Jesus' growing influence and sought to arrest Him.

3. The Crowds
The general populace who followed Jesus and regarded Him as a prophet, thus acting as a protective barrier against the leaders' intentions.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, a significant location for Jewish religious life and the setting for much of Jesus' ministry during this period.

5. The Temple
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the broader context of Jesus' teachings and confrontations with the religious leaders.

Teaching Points

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
The religious leaders feared the crowd more than they feared God, highlighting the danger of valuing human opinion over divine truth.

The Power of Public Perception
The crowd's perception of Jesus as a prophet protected Him temporarily, showing how public opinion can influence events.

Prophetic Recognition
Recognizing Jesus as a prophet is significant, but it is crucial to understand His full identity as the Son of God.

Courage in Faith
Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, even when facing opposition, trusting in God's protection and purpose.

The Role of the Community
The community of believers can provide support and protection for one another, emphasizing the importance of unity in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of the crowd by the religious leaders in Matthew 21:46 reflect their priorities, and what can we learn about our own priorities from this?

2. In what ways does the crowd's perception of Jesus as a prophet influence the events in this passage, and how does this compare to other instances in the Gospels where public opinion plays a role?

3. How can we apply the lesson of fearing God over man in our daily lives, especially when facing societal pressures or opposition?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of community support in our faith journey, and how can we actively contribute to our faith community?

5. How does the recognition of Jesus as a prophet in this passage connect to His broader identity and mission, and how can this understanding deepen our relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 21:11
Earlier in the chapter, the crowds identify Jesus as a prophet from Nazareth, reinforcing their perception of Him.

John 7:40-44
Similar tension is described where the crowd is divided over Jesus' identity, and the leaders are hesitant to act because of the people's support.

Mark 11:18
The chief priests and scribes also fear Jesus because of His influence over the people, showing a consistent theme across the Gospels.

Acts 5:26
The apostles face a similar situation where the authorities are afraid to act against them because of the people's support.