In the New Testament, the Jewish leaders and the crowd play significant roles in the narrative of Jesus Christ's ministry, crucifixion, and the early church. These groups are often depicted in the Gospels and Acts, providing a backdrop to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus.

Jewish Leaders:

The Jewish leaders during the time of Jesus were primarily composed of the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and members of the Sanhedrin. Each group had distinct roles and theological perspectives, yet they often united in opposition to Jesus.

1. Pharisees: Known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, the Pharisees frequently clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and issues of ritual purity. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy and legalism, as seen in Matthew 23:27-28 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity."

2. Sadducees: This group, primarily composed of the priestly and aristocratic class, denied the resurrection and held only the Torah as authoritative. They were often at odds with the Pharisees but joined them in opposing Jesus, particularly due to His teachings on the resurrection and His challenge to their authority.

3. Scribes: Experts in the Law, the scribes were often aligned with the Pharisees. They played a role in questioning Jesus and attempting to trap Him in His words, as seen in Mark 12:28-34.

4. Sanhedrin: The ruling council of Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin, was instrumental in the trial and condemnation of Jesus. They accused Him of blasphemy and sought His death, as recorded in Mark 14:55-64.

The Crowd:

The crowd, or the general populace, is depicted in various ways throughout the Gospels. They are often seen as fickle, swayed by the leaders, yet also drawn to Jesus' teachings and miracles.

1. Support and Curiosity: Initially, many in the crowd followed Jesus, drawn by His miracles and authoritative teaching. In Mark 1:28 , it is noted, "And the news about Jesus spread quickly through the whole region of Galilee."

2. Fickleness: Despite their initial enthusiasm, the crowd's allegiance was unstable. This is starkly illustrated during Jesus' trial before Pilate. The same crowd that welcomed Him with "Hosanna" (Mark 11:9) later cried out, "Crucify Him!" (Mark 15:13).

3. Influence of Leaders: The crowd was often influenced by the Jewish leaders, who sought to maintain their power and control. In Matthew 27:20 , it is recorded, "But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death."

4. Witnesses to the Resurrection: After Jesus' resurrection, many from the crowd became witnesses to the apostles' preaching. In Acts 2:41 , it is noted that "about three thousand souls were added" to the believers after Peter's sermon at Pentecost.

The interactions between Jesus, the Jewish leaders, and the crowd highlight the tension between divine authority and human tradition, as well as the fulfillment of prophecy through the rejection and ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah. These dynamics are crucial for understanding the context of Jesus' ministry and the early church's growth.