But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Pharisees, consumed by envy and rage after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, immediately plotted his destruction. Their reaction highlights how quickly a desire to uphold religious rules can morph into a murderous hatred of the very One who fulfills their spiritual purpose.
But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off their confrontation with Jesus over Sabbath-keeping, the Pharisees are furious and deeply threatened by His growing influence. Instead of engaging with His teaching, they immediately plot how to get rid of Him, even enlisting the Herodians, a politically motivated group, in their scheme. This moment marks a significant escalation, showing their transition from criticism to outright conspiracy against Jesus' life.
The Pharisees didn't just disagree with Jesus; they plotted His death. What fueled this drastic shift from theological debate to a murder plot?
The passage in Matthew 12:14 reveals a chilling escalation in the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders.
From Scrutiny to Conspiracy
Initially, the Pharisees might have sought to understand or even challenge Jesus' teachings and actions, particularly regarding the Sabbath. However, their encounters with Him consistently exposed their own flawed interpretations and hypocrisy. Each time Jesus demonstrated His authority and compassion, their position was undermined.
The Envy Factor
The Gospel accounts suggest that envy played a significant role. Jesus' popularity and the people's astonishment at His teaching and miracles threatened the Pharisees' influence and authority. When reasoned argument failed, and their own standing was jeopardized, they resorted to plotting His demise to eliminate the threat.
An Unholy Alliance
Notably, Mark's Gospel (Mark 3:6) mentions that the Herodians joined the Pharisees in this conspiracy. This was an unlikely alliance, as the Herodians were political supporters of Herod Antipas, who was often at odds with the Pharisees. Their common enemy, Jesus, proved a powerful unifying force for these disparate groups.
When faced with a death plot, Jesus didn't fight back with force. Why did He choose to withdraw, and what does this reveal about His mission?
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Matthew 12:15 tells us, 'But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew from there.' This wasn't an act of fear, but a strategic move aligned with His divine purpose.
Divine Timing and Protection
Jesus understood the appointed time for His ultimate sacrifice. His withdrawal wasn't about evading death indefinitely but about fulfilling His ministry without premature obstruction. He was divinely protected until the Father's planned moment for His crucifixion.
A Different Kind of Kingdom
This act of withdrawal also highlights that Jesus' kingdom was not of this world, nor was it established by earthly power or force. While He possessed the power to overcome His enemies, His mission was to conquer through love, suffering, and ultimately, resurrection—not through military or political might.
Leading by Example
Jesus' response teaches His followers a profound lesson: when faced with violent opposition or a plot against one's life, strategic withdrawal and prayer are often wiser than direct confrontation. This allows God's purposes to unfold in His timing.
Understand the original words
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A religious group characterized by strict adherence to both the written Law and the oral traditions of the elders. They are often portrayed as legalistic opponents of Jesus, prioritizing ritual purity over mercy and love.
sumboulion poiēō · Greek Verb Phrase
To take counsel or plot together, often with malicious intent. In this context, it signifies the hardened opposition against Jesus' messianic authority and his challenge to their religious status quo.
apollumi · Greek Verb
To ruin, kill, or bring to nothing. Here, it reflects the extreme hostility of the Pharisees who, rather than acknowledging the divine power in Jesus' healings, sought to put Him to death.
This verse captures a critical turning point where the religious establishment's opposition solidifies into a direct plot against Jesus' life, marking a shift from theological debate to a life-threatening conspiracy.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry Gains Momentum
Jesus' healing ministry, teachings, and growing popularity begin to draw large crowds, attracting both devoted followers and suspicious religious leaders.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Pharisees and Herodians Oppose Jesus
The Pharisees, guardians of Jewish law, grow increasingly threatened by Jesus' popularity and perceived challenges to their authority. They begin to collaborate with the Herodians, a political faction supporting Herod Antipas, to counter Jesus.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Withdraws from Hostility
Aware of the growing danger and plotting against him, Jesus deliberately withdraws to quieter areas to continue his ministry, avoiding unnecessary confrontation.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Continues Healing Ministry
Despite the plots against him, Jesus continues to heal large numbers of people who seek him out, demonstrating compassion and divine power.
This passage describes the same plot by the Pharisees, highlighting that the Herodians also joined their council, revealing a broader political opposition to Jesus.
Luke 6:11Luke's account emphasizes the Pharisees' 'madness' and their discussion about what they could do to Jesus, underscoring the intense hostility and desperation driving their plot.
John 11:53This verse speaks of Jesus' impending death being a divine plan, showing that the Pharisees' plot, while wicked, was ultimately part of God's sovereign purpose for salvation.
Psalm 2:1-3This psalm describes rulers conspiring against the Lord and his Anointed, mirroring the actions of the Pharisees and demonstrating an ancient prophetic backdrop to this opposition.
Matthew 12:15Immediately following this verse, Jesus withdraws, showing his awareness of their plot and his deliberate strategy to continue his ministry, which is further illuminated by Isaiah's prophecy about his gentle approach.
barnesMatthew 12:14: "Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him."
This account is found also in Mark 3:6-12 . Matthew 12:14 The Pharisees ... held a council ... - Mark adds that the Herodians also took a part in this plot. They were probably a "political" party attached firmly to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, tetrarch of Galilee. He was the same man who had imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist, and to whom the Saviour, when arraigned, was sen…
pulpitMatthew 12:14: "Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him."
Verse 14. - Then the Pharisees went out (ἐξελθόντες δὲ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι). Probably at once, before the service was over. Note the emphatic position of ἐξελθόντες. They will no longer stay in the same building with one who does such a thing, and held a council; and tool: counsel (Revised Version, with Authorized Version margin); cf. Matthew 22:15; Matthew 27:1, 7; Matthew 28:12. Against him, how…
The Pharisees, consumed by envy and rage after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, immediately plotted his destruction. Their reaction highlights how quickly a desire to uphold religious rules can morph into a murderous hatred of the very One who fulfills their spiritual purpose.
Fresh off their confrontation with Jesus over Sabbath-keeping, the Pharisees are furious and deeply threatened by His growing influence. Instead of engaging with His teaching, they immediately plot how to get rid of Him, even enlisting the Herodians, a politically motivated group, in their scheme. This moment marks a significant escalation, showing their transition from criticism to outright conspiracy against Jesus' life.
Fresh off their confrontation with Jesus over Sabbath-keeping, the Pharisees are furious and deeply threatened by His growing influence. Instead of engaging with His teaching, they immediately plot how to get rid of Him, even enlisting the Herodians, a politically motivated group, in their scheme. This moment marks a significant escalation, showing their transition from criticism to outright conspiracy against Jesus' life.
"But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him." — The Pharisees, consumed by envy and rage after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, immediately plotted his destruction. Their reaction highlights how quickly a desire to uphold religious rules can mor…
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Last reviewed October 2026