and the chief priests and scribesThe chief priests and scribes were influential religious leaders in Jewish society. The chief priests included the high priest and those who had previously held the position, while the scribes were experts in the Law of Moses. These groups were part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Their involvement in seeking Jesus' death highlights the religious establishment's opposition to Him, as they saw Him as a threat to their authority and traditions. This opposition is consistent with earlier confrontations, such as in
Luke 20:19, where they sought to arrest Him.
were looking for a way to put Jesus to death
Their intent to kill Jesus was not a sudden decision but a culmination of growing hostility. This reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such asIsaiah 53:3, which speaks of the Messiah being despised and rejected. The religious leaders' desire to kill Jesus was driven by their perception of Him as a blasphemer and a disruptor of their power. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual crucifixion, a central event in Christian theology, where Jesus' death is seen as the atoning sacrifice for sin.
for they feared the people
The leaders' fear of the people indicates Jesus' popularity among the masses. Many saw Him as a prophet and were drawn to His teachings and miracles. This fear is a recurring theme, as seen inLuke 20:6, where the leaders are cautious in their actions due to the people's support for Jesus. Their fear underscores the tension between maintaining their authority and the risk of public unrest. This dynamic is crucial in understanding the political and social pressures that influenced the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Chief PriestsThese were the leading priests in the Jewish religious hierarchy, responsible for temple rituals and maintaining religious order. They held significant influence and authority within the Jewish community.
2.
ScribesExperts in the Jewish Law, the scribes were responsible for teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. They were often aligned with the Pharisees and held considerable sway over public opinion.
3.
JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. His teachings and actions often challenged the established religious order, leading to tension with the religious leaders.
4.
The PeopleReferring to the general populace of Jerusalem and surrounding areas, who were often captivated by Jesus' teachings and miracles. Their support for Jesus was a concern for the religious leaders.
5.
Plot to Kill JesusThis event marks the beginning of the religious leaders' active conspiracy to arrest and execute Jesus, driven by fear of losing their authority and influence over the people.
Teaching Points
Fear of Man vs. Fear of GodThe religious leaders were more concerned with maintaining their power and influence than seeking God's will. Believers should prioritize God's approval over human approval.
The Danger of Religious HypocrisyThe chief priests and scribes, despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This serves as a warning against allowing religious tradition to blind us to God's truth.
The Sovereignty of God in AdversityDespite the plot against Him, Jesus' path to the cross was part of God's redemptive plan. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing opposition or persecution.
The Power of Public OpinionThe leaders' fear of the people shows the influence of public opinion. Christians should be discerning and not swayed by popular opinion when it contradicts biblical truth.
The Cost of DiscipleshipJesus' impending suffering and death remind believers of the cost of following Him. True discipleship may involve sacrifice and opposition.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 22:2?
2.How does Luke 22:2 illustrate the religious leaders' fear of public opinion?
3.What role does fear play in the leaders' decision-making in Luke 22:2?
4.How can we avoid letting fear of others influence our decisions today?
5.Compare the leaders' fear in Luke 22:2 with Proverbs 29:25. What insights emerge?
6.How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, not public pressure?
7.Why did the chief priests and scribes seek to kill Jesus in Luke 22:2?
8.How does Luke 22:2 reflect the tension between religious authority and Jesus' teachings?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Luke 22:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 22?
11.Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?
12.Why do the Gospel accounts of Jesus' trial contradict Jewish and Roman legal procedures?
13.What events define the 33 AD journey to the cross?
14.What led to Jesus's crucifixion?What Does Luke 22:2 Mean
and the chief priests and scribesLuke writes, “And the chief priests and scribes…”.
• These were the highest religious authorities in Jerusalem, entrusted with teaching and temple oversight (cf.Luke 19:47).
• Earlier, Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy (Luke 11:39-52), stirring resentment that now reaches its climax.
• Their participation fulfills the warning ofPsalm 2:2, “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed.”
were looking for a way“…were looking for a way…”.
• The verb pictures a continuous, calculated search—persistent plotting rather than a momentary outburst (Mark 14:1-2).
• This echoes earlier attempts: “But they were furious and began plotting what to do with Jesus” (Luke 6:11).
• Such scheming contrasts with the transparency God desires (Proverbs 12:5) and reveals hearts already hardened (John 12:37-40).
to put Jesus to death“…to put Him to death…”.
• Their goal is not correction but elimination. They move beyond disagreement into murderous intent, aligning withJohn 5:18 and 11:53.
• Ironically, their plot advances God’s redemptive plan foretold inIsaiah 53:10-12 and embraced by Jesus inLuke 18:31-33.
• Peter later declares, “You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead” (Acts 3:15), underscoring divine sovereignty over their wicked choice.
for they feared the people“…for they feared the people.”.
• Public favor toward Jesus (Luke 21:38) restrains them; their concern is popularity, not truth (John 12:42-43).
• Fear of man drives compromise (Proverbs 29:25). They wait for a secret opportunity—finally supplied by Judas (Luke 22:6).
• This fear highlights the contrast between religious image-keeping and sincere devotion exemplified by the crowd’s earlier praise (Luke 19:37-40).
summaryLuke 22:2 exposes leaders who, despite spiritual titles, secretly scheme to kill the Messiah. Their relentless search, murderous intent, and people-pleasing fear show hearts far from God, yet their rebellion cannot thwart His plan; instead, it propels Jesus toward the cross, accomplishing the salvation Scripture promised.
Verse 2. -
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might killhim;for they feared the people. The determination, long maturing, had, during the last few days of public teaching, been come to on the part of the Sanhedrin. They had determined to put the dangerous public Teacher to death. The bitter hatred on the part of the Jewish rulers had been gradually growing in intensity during the two years and a half of the public ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The raising of Lazarus seems to have finally decided the governing body with as little delay as possible to compass the Reformer's death. The temporary withdrawal of the Lord after the great miracle deferred their purpose for a season; after, however, a retirement for a few weeks, Jesus appeared again, shortly before the Passover, and taught publicly in the temple, at a season when Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims arriving for the great feast. Never had his teaching excited such interest, never had it stirred up such burning opposition as at this juncture. This decided the Jewish rulers to carry out their design on the life of the Galilaean Teacher with as little delay as possible. The only thing that perplexed them was
how this could safely be accomplished, owing to the favor in which he was held by the people, especially by the crowds of pilgrims from the provinces then in Jerusalem.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.chief priestsἀρχιερεῖς(archiereis)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749:High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.scribesγραμματεῖς(grammateis)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1122:From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.were lookingἐζήτουν(ezētoun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2212:To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.for a wayπῶς(pōs)Adverb
Strong's 4459:Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!to put [Jesus] to death;ἀνέλωσιν(anelōsin)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 337:From ana and haireomai; to take up, i.e. Adopt; by implication, to take away, i.e. Abolish, murder.forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.they fearedἐφοβοῦντο(ephobounto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.people.λαόν(laon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992:Apparently a primary word; a people.
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NT Gospels: Luke 22:2 The chief priests and the scribes sought (Luke Lu Lk) 
