Matthew 26:1–5 discusses the plot to kill Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in the scripture.
Sometimes the enemy’s plot becomes the platform for God’s glory.
Matthew 26:1–5 (NASB 2020)
1 When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.” 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the courtyard of the high priest, who was named Caiaphas; 4 and they plotted together to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- His disciples, preparing them for the unfolding events of His crucifixion, which included the religious leaders’ scheme.
- The reader, offering insight into the divine foreknowledge of what was about to happen
Meanwhile, the religious leaders were speaking to each other, conspiring in the shadows about the plot to capture Jesus.
What Happened?
- Jesus foretells His crucifixion, tied precisely to the Passover
- The religious leaders gather to plan His arrest and death as they conspire to end His life.
- They want to avoid public backlash, fearing the people’s reaction
The Mood: Heavy, Inevitable, Calculated
- Jesus speaks with calm certainty about what’s coming
- The leaders act with scheming calculation, driven by their goal to kill Him.
- A clash between divine destiny and human plotting
The Principle: God Is in Control Even When Evil Advances
- Nothing surprises God—not even betrayal plotting against Jesus.
- Jesus knew what would happen, and walked into it willingly
- God’s plans are fulfilled even through resistance
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples likely felt confused, afraid, or troubled by knowing about the plot.
- Religious leaders felt emboldened in their plot, unaware they were fulfilling prophecy
- The people—though not involved yet—would soon be caught in the middle
What This Means for Us in 2025
We still live in a world where injustice plots in darkness. Yet Jesus’ calm announcement reminds us:
- God sees all and knows all
- Evil never has the final say
- Even the darkest moments are under divine supervision
Stand strong. Don’t be shaken when you see scheming around you—God is already ahead of it.
Action Steps for Today
- Trust God’s sovereignty even when things seem out of control
- Stay grounded in the Word—Jesus told us what to expect, even plots against Him.
- Avoid bitterness and revenge when you feel wronged
- Pray for discernment about what’s going on behind the scenes
- Believe that opposition can still serve a purpose
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, You knew the cross was ahead and still walked forward in obedience. Help me to walk boldly into Your will, even when it involves pain or misunderstanding. Let me trust Your timing and remain faithful through every trial. I know the victory is already Yours. Amen.
The plot to kill Jesus didn’t stop His mission. It fulfilled it.
