Counsel to Put Jesus to Death

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fifteenth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 12:14-21*

*First Reading : Ex 12:37-42*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15*

*Counsel to Put Jesus to Death*

*1) Why Did They Want to Put Jesus to Death?*

There were multiple layers of motivation:

*A) Political Fear*

The leaders feared Roman retaliation. Jesus’ growing influence (e.g., the raising of Lazarus) risked sparking unrest.

They were afraid the Romans would destroy the temple and their power base (John 11:48).

*B) Religious Jealousy*

Jesus challenged their authority (Mark 11:27–33).

His popularity with the people undermined their control.

He denounced their hypocrisy (Matthew 23), which provoked their anger.

*C) Spiritual Blindness*

Despite clear miracles, they refused to believe He was the Messiah.

Their hardened hearts could not accept a suffering Savior who didn’t meet their expectations of a political deliverer.

*D) Fulfillment of Prophecy*

Ultimately, this counsel fulfilled God’s redemptive plan (Isaiah 53:10 – “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him”).

Caiaphas unknowingly prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation (John 11:51).

*2) Biblical Reflections on This Counsel*

*A) God's Sovereignty Over Human Evil*

Even as wicked men plotted Jesus’ death, God used it for salvation:

“Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death…” (Acts 2:23)

God can bring eternal good from the gravest injustice.

*B) Religious Systems Without God Can Oppose God*

Those who should have recognized the Messiah were the ones who rejected Him. This is a warning against empty religiosity and pride.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13)

Their counsel shows how institutions can prioritize self-preservation over truth.

*C) Jesus Willingly Submitted to Death*

Though plotted against, Jesus was not a victim. He said:

“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.” (John 10:18)

He submitted to the Father’s will, even through unjust human counsel.

*3) Final Word*

The counsel to put Jesus to death was a convergence of fear, pride, and spiritual blindness — but also part of God’s sovereign plan to save humanity. 

It reminds us to examine our own hearts: 

Are we resisting Christ’s authority in any area of life?

Are we clinging to personal kingdoms rather than surrendering to God’s truth?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*