Matthew 26:5
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Matthew 26:5
Verse 5 records the practical constraint: they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. The timing reveals political prudence—crowd sentiment during Passover could spark unrest, threatening stability. The leaders hide their murderous intent behind a concern for public order. This reveals moral compromise: private evil publicly masked by concern for public peace. The verse highlights the political-religious calculus of the day, where danger to the status quo trumped justice, truth, and loyalty to God. The Passover season—already heavy with national memory—becomes a stage where the intimate treachery unfolds under the cover of communal celebration.
Theologically, the verse exposes the depth of human fallenness—how fear of disruption can rationalize injustice. It also underscores the mystery of God’s sovereignty: even as human schemes unfold, God’s redemptive plan proceeds. It invites readers to examine conscience: what do you do when truth threatens the comfort of your community?
Practical takeaway: don’t hide unethical actions under the banner of peace or order. If you’re in leadership, foster environments where concerns are voiced, even uncomfortable truths. In personal life, resist the urge to suppress truth for the sake of harmony. Promote justice and truth-telling in your circles, even when it’s costly. If you confront systems that overlook the vulnerable, seek lawful, peaceful avenues to advocate for reform.
Cross-References: Luke 23:13-24; Acts 4:17-18; Romans 12:17-21; Proverbs 11:3; 1 Timothy 5:19