“At the same time, the leading priests and elders were meeting…plotting how to capture Jesus secretly…Inside the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death…Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death…”
Matthew 26:3, 59; 27:1
Religious leaders had been plotting Jesus’ death for years (12:14), but their hatred intensified as the Passover drew near. (26:3)
Even during that celebration meal, they were gathering armed men to send with Judas for Jesus’ arrest. (26:47) Next, they coerced people to lie about Jesus so they could pronounce Him guilty. (26:57) After that, all their fury raged against Jesus as they spit in His face, beat Him with their fists, slapped Him and mocked Him. (26:66-68)
Surprisingly, after that all-nighter, they met AGAIN very early in the morning to plan Jesus’ death. (27:1) Then off to Pilate (27:11-12) where they manipulated the crowd to demand crucifixion (27:20), and then off to Golgotha to mock Jesus until He died! (27:41)
Yet unbelievably, they were back the next day to seal the tomb and post guards, just in case. (27:62) And early the following morning they were together AGAIN when the guards reported Jesus’ resurrection (28:11-12), which meant ANOTHER meeting to decide what to do about the empty grave.
What a burdensome life when hatred takes control! It may begin with jealousy of someone, but if that someone becomes the focus of your every waking moment, watch out! If hatred takes over your driver’s seat, you could end up like the Pharisees—and THAT ride will wear you out!
Hatred is exhausting—so why not get rid of it today?
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