The religious leaders were conspiring to arrest Jesus, but they were wary of doing so during the Passover festival. Their concern was that arresting Jesus at such a time could incite a riot among the people, who held Jesus in high regard. The Passover was a significant Jewish festival, attracting large crowds to Jerusalem, which increased the risk of public disorder. The leaders' fear of a riot indicates Jesus' influence and popularity among the masses, as well as the volatile political and social climate of the time. This verse highlights the leaders' strategic planning and their attempt to balance their desire to eliminate Jesus with the need to maintain public peace. It also sets the stage for the subsequent events of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, illustrating the mounting tension and the inevitability of the conflict between Jesus and the authorities. The verse serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play during this pivotal moment in biblical history, where divine purpose and human schemes intersect.
"But not during the festival," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
Matthew 26:5
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