Matthew 26:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

With such ill designs they came to the chief Priest, seeking a sanction whence a prohibition should have issued. There were at that time several Chief Priests, while the Law allowed but of one, whence it was manifest that the dissolution of the Jewish state was having its beginning. For Moses had commanded that there should be one Chief Priest, whose office should be filled up at death; but in process of time it grew to be annual. All those then who had been Chief Priests1, are here called Chief Priests.

Despite the law's stipulation that there should only be one bishop for life, the Jews, in violation of this command, appointed multiple bishops and changed them annually. Those responsible for punishing the murderers approached the current bishop for a council. However, the Evangelist refers to those who had completed their term of one year as bishops. In their plot to commit a heinous crime, they showed no fear of God, but rather of the people. They feared that if they executed Christ during the festival, the populace would rise against them, or that their actions might prevent the people from participating in the lawful sacrifices, thereby diminishing their own gains from those offerings.

As the Passover approached, those responsible for preparing the sacrifices, cleansing the temple, washing the floors, scrubbing the vessels, and sanctifying them in accordance with the established rituals sought to ensure their worthiness to partake of the paschal lamb. However, they gathered to discuss how they might bring about the death of the Lord. Their discussions, while revealing their intention, were tempered by a fear of public backlash, for they were cautious that He might escape their grasp with the assistance of the people.

They expressed their concerns, saying, "Let this not occur during a festival." Since people had gathered from many places for the Passover celebration, there was a likelihood that numerous followers of Jesus would be present. Moreover, by openly committing this act, they had to reckon with the fury of those who despised them, not only because they murdered an innocent man but also because they did so during a time when it was customary to release even those condemned to death. Thus, their fear was not of God, but rather of the judgment of men. Although they had made their decision, they could not contain their feelings. Once they identified the betrayer, they seized the moment, driven by an overwhelming envy; they were no longer able to discern their own good.

Not true Priests and elders, but Priests and elders of what seemed the people of God, but was indeed the people of Gomorrah; these, not knowing God’s High Priest, laid a plot against Him, not recognising the firstborn of the whole creation, (Col. 1:15.) yea, even against Him that was elder than them all, did they take counsel.

This precaution of the Chief Priests arose not from reverence for the festival, but from care for the success of their plot; they feared an insurrection at that season, not because of the guilt the populace might thereby incur, but because they might rescue Christ.

They are condemned both because they were gathered together, and because they were the Chief Priests; for the more the numbers, and the higher the rank and station of those who band together for any villany, the greater the enormity of what they do, and the heavier the punishment stored up for them. To shew the Lord’s innocence and openness, the Evangelist adds, that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

In St. John's narrative, following the resurrection of Lazarus, the Sanhedrin resolved to put an end to Jesus' life. They issued commands to locate and apprehend the Nazarene Teacher; however, the Lord, choosing to avoid danger until the appointed time, concealed Himself. This occurred a week prior to the Passover (John 11:53, 55, 57; John 12:11). The council convened to strategize the execution of its decision against Jesus. Their first decision was to operate in secrecy, and secondly, they resolved that His execution should not happen during the Passover Feast (Mark 14:2). Why did the Sanhedrin choose such an approach? They wished to prevent any disturbances among the populace, for they were aware that many revered Him (Luke 22:2).

Yet they deliberated: not solely during the festival, not out of concern that a horrific act might tarnish the significance of the feast, but rather from fear of inciting disorder among the crowd. The Sanhedrin understood that they were involved in a corrupt and divinely ordained matter, and thus they were apprehensive, especially considering that over two million pilgrims had gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. It was clear that these individuals "would not remain silent bystanders to violence against the Raised Lazarus, nor would they willingly surrender Him to the small contingent of guards at the Sanhedrin's disposal" (Innocent, Archbishop of Kherson).

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus concluded His prophetic teachings regarding the final days of Jerusalem and the world with a foretelling of His upcoming sufferings during the approaching Passover, which was just two days away. As these prophecies were delivered on Tuesday evening (see Luke 21:37-38), this announcement of His afflictions was made to His disciples that same evening. The assembly of the Sanhedrin could not have occurred until the following morning, which would be Wednesday. However, since Tuesday evening was already understood to mark the start of Wednesday based on the historical method of timekeeping, it is noted that 'then the chief priests were assembled,' and so on.

The religious leaders understood that even if the crowds did not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, they still viewed Him as a remarkable prophet and an extraordinary miracle worker. Consequently, it would be exceedingly unwise and perilous to arrest and execute Him while Jerusalem was filled with people gathered for the Passover celebration. The public might advocate for Him; with even a small provocation from His followers, this support could ignite a disturbance, which the Roman forces would have to suppress, leading to the very calamities that the Sanhedrin dreaded.

While the righteous were in slumber, the wicked were conspiring malevolently. On Wednesday evening, the Sanhedrin convened at the residence of Caiaphas, the chief priest, engaging in heated discussions regarding the Galilean, whom they perceived as a threat. Their attempts to apprehend Him in the temple or incite the populace against Him, as well as to arouse the suspicion of the Roman authorities, ultimately failed, thwarted by the devotion of His followers and His own wisdom, which dismantled their most devious schemes. It is likely that some argued for allowing Him to continue His work until His true mission and teachings were revealed. However, the opposing faction prevailed; a decision was made in council to eliminate Him—if not overtly, then through deceit and treachery. The question remained: how would this be achieved? As they continued their deliberations, news reached them that one of Jesus of Nazareth's closest disciples and successors wished to make a significant announcement.

The intent to capture Jesus through deception arose from the fear of the crowd's reaction, especially following His glorious entrance into Jerusalem where He was hailed as a remarkable prophet and the promised Messiah. As the feast approached, the number of attendees swelled, with accounts suggesting that as many as two million pilgrims gathered in the city. The religious leaders plotting against Jesus were concerned that the public would not advocate for Him, thereby diminishing their chances of inciting a disturbance, which was typically seen during such gatherings. Consequently, in their deliberations, they resolved to seize the Savior stealthily, away from the masses, and after the festivities concluded.

The occurrences of the final days once again reminded the Lord's fierce adversaries of the despised Prophet from Galilee. Not long before, they had resolved to eliminate Him and instructed that anyone aware of His location should inform them for further action (John 11:53, 57). When the divine plan for the redemption of humanity was about to unfold and the appointed hour had arrived (7:6, 30), the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (1:29, 36), willingly surrendered Himself into the hands of sinners (Matt. 26:45). Triumphantly, as the spiritual King of the everlasting kingdom, He entered Jerusalem, arrived at the temple as its Lord, performed wonders, preached to the crowds, and condemned, for the last time, the corrupt practices of the scribes and Pharisees.