The attempt to kill Jesus is a significant event in the New Testament, reflecting the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities of His time. This event is rooted in the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry, where His teachings and actions increasingly challenged the established religious order, leading to multiple plots against His life.

Context and Background

The Gospels record several instances where the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus. These attempts were primarily motivated by their perception of Jesus as a threat to their authority and the established religious system. Jesus' teachings often contradicted the Pharisees and Sadducees, exposing their hypocrisy and legalism. His growing popularity among the people further fueled their animosity.

Key Events

1. Early Attempts in Nazareth: One of the earliest recorded attempts on Jesus' life occurred in His hometown of Nazareth. After reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and proclaiming its fulfillment, the people were initially impressed but soon turned hostile. Luke 4:28-29 states, "On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff."

2. The Plot by the Pharisees and Herodians: As Jesus' ministry progressed, the Pharisees and Herodians conspired to kill Him. Mark 3:6 notes, "At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." This alliance between the Pharisees and Herodians, who were typically at odds, underscores the perceived threat Jesus posed to both religious and political establishments.

3. The Raising of Lazarus: The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead intensified the resolve of the religious leaders to kill Jesus. John 11:53 records, "So from that day on they plotted to kill Him." The chief priests and Pharisees convened a council, fearing that Jesus' growing influence would attract Roman intervention and jeopardize their positions.

4. The Triumphal Entry and Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and His subsequent cleansing of the temple further escalated tensions. The chief priests and scribes sought to destroy Him, as described in Mark 11:18 : "When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they began looking for a way to kill Him. For they feared Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching."

5. The Betrayal by Judas: The final plot to kill Jesus involved Judas Iscariot, one of His own disciples. Judas' betrayal was pivotal in the religious leaders' plan to arrest Jesus discreetly. Matthew 26:14-16 states, "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus."

Theological Significance

The attempts to kill Jesus highlight the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart of the religious leaders. Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, they refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah. These events also fulfill Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering and rejection of the Messiah, as seen in passages like Isaiah 53.

The attempts on Jesus' life ultimately culminate in His crucifixion, which, according to Christian belief, was part of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Jesus' willingness to face persecution and death underscores His obedience to the Father's will and His sacrificial love for mankind.