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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
5
But they said: Not on the festival day, lest perhaps there should be a tumult among the people.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"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."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Do you not notice the remarkable chaos within the Jewish leadership? They approach the high priest to engage in unlawful acts, expecting to receive consent when they should anticipate opposition. And how many high priests existed? According to the Law, there was to be one; however, there were many. This indicates a clear decline in the Jewish affairs of the time. As I previously mentioned, Moses decreed that there should be a singular high priest, and upon the death of that priest, another would take his place; the lifespan of the former was determined by the duration of exile for those who had committed unintentional manslaughter. So why were there many high priests? Because, during later times, they were appointed annually. This is demonstrated by the Evangelist when he refers to Zacharias as ‘a priest of Abijah's line’ (Luke 1:5). Thus, it refers to those who were once high priests.\\n\\nWhat was the content of their discussions? Was it about seizing Jesus covertly or about assassinating Him? Both matters were intertwined. They feared the crowd, which is why they delayed until after the feast; nonetheless, they declared, 'Not during the feast.' The devil sought to prevent Christ's suffering during Passover, fearing that such an event would become widely known, as well as worrying that the people would become incensed. Note that they did not fear the fury of God, nor did they consider that the festival could exacerbate their malevolence; instead, they were preoccupied with the potential threats posed by men.\\n\\nYet, consumed by rage, they altered their plans once more. Initially stating, 'Not on the feast day,’ once they discovered the traitor, they did not wait for the appropriate moment and proceeded to commit murder on the festival day. Why did they seize Him then? Because their anger boiled over, as previously noted, and they anticipated finding Him at that time, acting as if they were in a state of blindness. Indeed, Christ utilized their wickedness to fulfill His mission; however, they remain culpable and deserving of countless torments for acting on their own volition. Moreover, at a moment when they should have granted mercy to all, even to those guilty, they executed the Righteous One, who had shown them countless kindnesses and who, for their sake, had left the Gentiles until the appointed time."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"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. By arranging to kill Him during a festival, they manifested the depths of their wrath against Him. It was necessary for the holy Lamb to be sacrificed on the same day that the lawful lambs were offered (for the Savior repeatedly turned their malicious intentions into God’s purpose), ensuring that the shadow found its true realization. We should also recognize that they frequently desired to capture Him, yet they could not, for He was not ready to be taken. When He finally allowed Himself to be seized, they did so against their own inclinations, fearing the implications of the feast, as noted by Mark (Mark 14:2). Luke (Luke 22:1, 2) briefly mentioned this before focusing on Judas. Meanwhile, John (John 13:1ff.) chose to omit this narrative since it had already been recounted by others, as he had access to their writings having lived a long life, as noted in the introduction to his book. He continued his account by describing the washing of the disciples' feet, which others had left unmentioned."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"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. Additionally, they worried that the death of Christ would gain notoriety and honor if it occurred on a feast day, and they aimed to erase His memory. Thus, they conspired before the feast, resolving to put Him to death afterwards. Yet, in a demonstration of divine sovereignty, Christ allowed Himself to be captured on the eve of Passover, ensuring that the true Passover would be realized alongside the traditional one. It is also significant to note how they corrupted themselves through this act of murder. They refrained from killing Him on the feast day, yet upon discovering the traitor, they swiftly executed Him to fulfill their own desires, completely disregarding the sentiments of the people."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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. Aware that Jesus often retreated for the night to locations like Bethany or the garden of Gethsemane, they believed they could capture Him in secret. However, they underestimated the divine plan, and their scheme did not unfold as expected, instead occurring in a manner that aligned with God’s purpose. The adversary aimed to prevent Christ’s crucifixion during the Passover, fearing that such suffering could be publicly recognized and incite a riot. Their apprehension stemmed not from the judgment of God or the potential for their heinous act to be magnified during the feast, but rather from the threat posed by the people. Yet, in their wrath, they once again altered their course of action. Initially stating \\"not at the feast,\\" once they identified the traitor, they abandoned their caution and proceeded with their heinous act during the very feast they had sought to avoid."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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). A clear conscience fears nothing, while the wicked flee even when unpursued (Psalm 13:5; cf. Proverbs 28:1). Although the Sanhedrin was intimidated by the faith of the people in Jesus, ultimately, this anxiety proved to be unfounded. A pure heart behaves transparently; it practices wise caution without shunning interaction with others out of fear and does not resort to deceitful tactics. Recognizing that their actions were not in alignment with a pure conscience, the Sanhedrin felt compelled to rely on manipulation and subterfuge. Consequently, they devised a plan for their course of action. Were their intentions carried out? How could those wielding substantial authority fail to execute what they believed was necessary? Yet, events unfolded differently. How was this possible? Because, prior to any decisions being finalized, the One sent by the Heavenly Father proclaimed, ‘The Passover is in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’ This illustrates how the designs of men are thwarted when they do not align with God's will. Oftentimes, individuals unknowingly act against their own interests, compelled by God’s ordained plan, even when they had previously wished to avoid such outcomes."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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). \\"They were perhaps anxious that Christ's death would attain notoriety and glorification if they executed Him during the feast; they sought to obliterate His memory as well\\" (Blessed Theophylact). \\"Seething with rage,\\" observes St. Chrysostom, \\"they performed their actions as those blinded… At the very moment when it would have been fitting to grant freedom to all, even to the guilty, they condemned the Righteous One, Who had bestowed countless blessings upon them, and Who had refrained from punishing the Gentiles for their sake until that time. Yet what a display of humanity! To such wicked, obstinate, and unrighteous individuals, He continuously offers salvation, sending the apostles to their demise to rescue them, and through the apostles implores them: 'in the name of Christ we ask: be reconciled to God' (2 Cor. 5:20)...\\""},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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. Thus, the leaders of the Jewish community deliberated among themselves and resolved to act with cunning against Jesus, intending to carry out their scheme only after the Passover festivities had concluded, when the visitors from various regions would have returned home."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"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. He disclosed the future fate of the city, the Jewish people, and the entire world. The arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem amidst a throng of worshippers gathered at the temple for the festival stirred His adversaries into action. The chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people, influenced by the hypocrisy and malice of their leaders, assembled in the courtyard of Joseph Caiaphas, the high priest, who at that time held his position by the decree of the Roman governor Valerius Gratus, replacing his father-in-law Annas. The shrewd leader of the Sanhedrin had previously suggested the necessity of sacrificing Jesus Christ for the collective good, a sentiment that the council members had agreed upon (John 11:47-53). At this meeting, an even less favorable decision was anticipated: it was resolved to seize Jesus through deception and put Him to death, yet they insisted, \\"Not during the festival, so that there may not be an uproar among the people.\\" As noted by the holy Evangelist Luke (22:2), they were apprehensive of the public, fearing that the populace might rise up for their only Benefactor, potentially igniting one of the riots that were not uncommon in Judea, which, once quelled by Roman force, often led to bloodshed. The final ceremonial Passover was nearing; all circumstances, arranged marvelously by Providence, aligned so that our true Passover—Christ—would be sacrificed for us (1 Cor. 5:7). ‘His foes wished to wait until after the celebration, but this was not granted to them: the Lord, in orchestrating His own suffering, chose to be crucified on the very day of the feast, for He Himself is the true Pascha’ (Blessed Theophylact)."}]}
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