What does Matthew 12:14 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 12:14 describes the reaction of the Pharisees, a Jewish religious group, to the activities and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The verse captures a moment of escalation in the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time.

It indicates a turning point where the Pharisees move from mere opposition to plotting the actual destruction or elimination of Jesus.

The literal meaning here refers to the Pharisees' decision to hold a council, which is an assembly to deliberate on a course of action against Jesus, with a clear intent to harm or remove him, potentially alluding to plotting his death.

On a deeper level, this verse shows the growing tension between the old religious order and the new covenant that Jesus represents.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were one of several sects within Judaism.

They were known for their strict adherence to the Torah and their application of it to daily life through an extensive set of oral traditions and interpretations known as the Oral Law.

The historical context for this verse is that Jesus challenged many of the Pharisees' interpretations and traditions, which led to numerous confrontations recounted in the Gospels.

This particular event in Matthew 12 likely follows Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees considered to be a violation of their Sabbath laws.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse illuminates several key themes:

• The sovereignty of God: Despite human plots against Jesus, God's redemptive plan cannot be thwarted.
• The nature of Christ: Jesus fulfills the role of the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah, facing opposition for delivering God's will.
• Sin and hardness of heart: The Pharisees' reaction can be seen as an example of the human tendency to resist God's work due to pride, control, or misunderstanding.
• The inception of Christian persecution: This verse foreshadows the persecution that Jesus' followers would face in the early church era and beyond.

Practical Applications

Practical applications from this verse might include:

• Avoiding the trap of legalism: Christians are reminded to uphold the spirit of the law rather than becoming overly focused on the letter of the law.
• Responding to conflict with peace: Believers are called to seek peaceful resolutions when facing opposition.
• Importance of discernment: Just as Jesus was aware of the intentions of the Pharisees, Christians should pray for wisdom to discern the intentions of others.
• Courage in faith: Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions despite the threat of opposition.

Cross-References

Strongly related verses include:

• Mark 3:6 – "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him."
• John 11:53 – "Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death."
• Psalm 2:2 – "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,"
• Acts 4:27 – "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of Matthew 12:14 include:

• "Pharisees" (Φαρισαῖοι): Members of a Jewish religious sect known for strict adherence to the law.
• "Went out" (ἐξελθόντες): An action implying leaving the presence of Jesus, possibly with a sense of urgency or agitation.
• "Council" (συμβούλιον): A word denoting an assembly or meeting with the purpose of deliberation or decision-making.
• "Destroy" (ἀπολέσωσιν): A term that can mean to kill, to make to perish, or to bring to ruin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees can be compared to tensions in other religious contexts where reform or new interpretation clashes with established tradition.

For example, the struggle between Jesus and the Pharisees somewhat mirrors that of reformers in the Protestant Reformation against the Catholic Church of the 16th century.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse may not relate directly to any particular scientific concept, as it is primarily about human behavior and social dynamics.

However, the study of group psychology and the mechanisms behind group decision-making and conflict might offer some understanding as to why the Pharisees responded to Jesus in the way they did.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators and scholars offer insights on Matthew 12:14:

• William Barclay suggests that this verse shows the grave danger Jesus was in, as the religious leaders of the day felt so threatened by his message and actions that they sought his death.
• Matthew Henry comments on the irony that the Pharisees, who prioritized the letter of the law, plot to break the law by conspiring to kill Jesus.
• John Calvin highlights the blindness and iniquity of the Pharisees in resisting God's work to the point of plotting murder, underscoring the human tendency to oppose God due to sinful nature.