But the Pharisees went outThe Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. Their departure signifies a deliberate move away from Jesus, both physically and spiritually. This action follows a confrontation with Jesus, highlighting their growing opposition to His teachings and authority. The Pharisees' role as religious leaders made their rejection of Jesus significant, as they were influential in shaping public opinion.
and plotted
The term "plotted" indicates a premeditated and secretive plan. This reflects the depth of their hostility and the seriousness of their intentions. The Pharisees' plotting is a fulfillment of the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, as seen throughout the Gospels. Their actions are not spontaneous but calculated, showing their determination to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their power and religious system.
how they might kill Jesus.
The intent to kill Jesus marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, foreshadowing His eventual crucifixion. This desire to kill is rooted in their perception of Jesus as a blasphemer and a disruptor of their authority. It also fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the suffering Messiah, such asIsaiah 53. The Pharisees' plot aligns with the broader theme of Jesus' rejection by His own people, as prophesied in scriptures likePsalm 118:22. This phrase underscores the gravity of the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, setting the stage for the events leading to His death and resurrection.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PhariseesA religious and political group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and His claims of authority.
2.
JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the Messiah. In this passage, He is the target of the Pharisees' plot.
3.
Plot to KillThis event marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, highlighting their growing hostility and rejection of His ministry.
Teaching Points
Understanding OppositionRecognize that following Christ may lead to opposition from those who reject His authority. Jesus faced hostility not because of wrongdoing but because of His righteousness and truth.
The Cost of DiscipleshipBe prepared for the cost of following Jesus. Just as He faced plots against His life, believers may face trials and persecution for their faith.
God's Sovereignty in AdversityTrust in God's sovereign plan, even when facing opposition. The Pharisees' plot was part of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God can use even the schemes of His enemies for His purposes.
Responding to HostilityLearn from Jesus' example of responding to hostility with truth and love. He continued His mission despite opposition, showing us how to remain faithful under pressure.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 12:14?
2.Why did the Pharisees conspire against Jesus in Matthew 12:14?
3.How can we respond to opposition like Jesus did in Matthew 12:14?
4.What Old Testament prophecies relate to the Pharisees' actions in Matthew 12:14?
5.How does Matthew 12:14 illustrate the cost of following Jesus today?
6.What can we learn about perseverance from Jesus' response in Matthew 12:14?
7.Why did the Pharisees plot against Jesus in Matthew 12:14?
8.How does Matthew 12:14 reflect the conflict between Jesus and religious authorities?
9.What does Matthew 12:14 reveal about the nature of opposition to Jesus?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12?
11.Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?
12.Did Jesus deceive His brothers?
13.Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion? Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42) No. (John 12:27)
14.Luke 7:36-50 - How does the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman align, or conflict, with other anointing accounts in the Gospels regarding location, timing, and participants?What Does Matthew 12:14 Mean
But the Pharisees- These religious leaders, guardians of Israel’s traditions, had just witnessed Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-13).
- Rather than rejoice, they hardened their hearts. “The Pharisees, however, said, ‘He drives out demons by Beelzebul’” (Matthew 12:24).
- Similar resistance shows up earlier: “But the Pharisees said, ‘It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons’” (Matthew 9:34). Their pattern is clear—when confronted with undeniable evidence of Jesus’ divine authority, they accuse or dismiss.
- Cross-check:Luke 16:14 says they “were lovers of money and were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him.” Their external piety masked internal pride and unbelief.
went out- The words signal an abrupt departure from the synagogue, the place where God’s Word was read—an almost symbolic move away from truth.
-Mark 3:6 (parallel account) sharpens the immediacy: “At once the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians….” Their reaction is swift, emotion-driven, and calculated.
- Walking away from Jesus echoesJohn 3:20, “For everyone who does evil hates the Light and does not come into the Light.”
- Spiritual takeaway: Leaving the presence of Christ always opens the door to darker intentions.
and plotted- This is premeditation, not a spur-of-the-moment flare-up.Psalm 2:1-2 foreshadows it: “Why do the nations rage… The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed.”
-Acts 4:27-28 applies that psalm directly to Jesus, naming Herod, Pontius Pilate, Gentiles, and “the people of Israel” as conspirators—confirming that their plotting fulfills prophecy.
- Bullet points on their motives:
• Preserve religious power threatened by Jesus’ authority (John 11:48).
• Avoid losing influence with Rome if messianic fervor stirs unrest (John 11:49-50).
• Silence a voice exposing their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28).
- What appears as human strategy is ultimately woven into God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23).
how they might kill Jesus- Their goal is not mere silencing but death. “So from that day on they plotted to kill Him” (John 11:53).
-Isaiah 53:3-5 foretells the Suffering Servant “despised and rejected… pierced for our transgressions.”Matthew 12:14 shows prophetic gears clicking into place.
-Matthew 26:3-4 describes the next stage: “Then the chief priests and elders… conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill Him.”
- Yet Jesus remains in control: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18). Their murderous scheme serves the predetermined purpose of God (Acts 2:23), leading to the cross where redemption is accomplished.
summaryMatthew 12:14 reveals hardened hearts that willfully reject unmistakable evidence of Jesus’ messianic power. The Pharisees’ departure, deliberation, and deadly intent mark a turning point: open hostility replaces covert criticism. Their plot, though wicked, fulfills prophecy and moves God’s salvation plan forward. The verse warns against religious pride that blinds, while affirming the sovereignty of God who turns human evil into the means of mankind’s redemption through Christ’s cross.
(14)
Held a council against him.--If, as seems probable, these Pharisees included those who had come from Jerusalem, the deliberation was of more importance in its bearing on our Lord's future work than if it had been a mere meeting of the local members of the party. It is significant that St. Mark adds (
Mark 3:6) that they called the Herodians into their counsels. These latter have not yet been mentioned in the Gospel history, but they had probably been irritated by the marked reference to them and their habits of life in the contrast which our Lord drew between them and the Baptist. (Comp. Note on
Matthew 11:8.)
Verse 14. -
Then the Pharisees went out (
ἐξελθόντες δὲ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι). Probably at once, before the service was over. Note the emphatic position of
ἐξελθόντες. They will no longer stay in the same building with one who does such a thing,
and held a council;
and tool:
counsel (Revised Version, with Authorized Version margin); cf.
Matthew 22:15;
Matthew 27:1, 7;
Matthew 28:12.
Againsthim, how they might destroy him. We learn from Mark that the Herodians also took part in the deliberation. Professor Marshall (
Expositor, June, 1891, pp. 465,466) suggests a too ingenious reconciliation of this verse and its parallels, in three details, by suggesting an Aramaic original which would explain the divergences.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.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.PhariseesΦαρισαῖοι(Pharisaioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.went out [and]ἐξελθόντες(exelthontes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.conspiredἔλαβον(elabon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.toὅπως(hopōs)Conjunction
Strong's 3704:From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).killἀπολέσωσιν(apolesōsin)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.[Jesus].αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired (Matt. Mat Mt)