Matthew 21:26 - But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
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What does "Matthew 21:26" mean?
This verse, Matthew 21:26, is part of a larger passage where Jesus is being questioned by the chief priests and elders about his authority to teach and cleanse the temple. Let's break down what it means:
"But if we say, ‘From men’…" This refers to the hypothetical response the chief priests and elders could give to Jesus' question about the origin of John the Baptist's authority. If they were to claim that John's authority was merely human (derived from people or self-proclaimed), it would discredit John and, by association, potentially discredit Jesus, who was supported by John.
"…we fear the multitude…" This highlights the reason they hesitate to say John's authority was "from men." They are afraid of the reaction of the common people.
"…for all hold John as a prophet." This explains why they fear the multitude. The people widely accepted John the Baptist as a genuine prophet sent by God. To deny John's prophetic status would be to contradict the public's deeply held belief, which could lead to unrest or a loss of their own influence and standing with the people.
In essence, the verse reveals the chief priests and elders' hypocrisy and political calculation. They are not concerned with the truth about John's authority; they are concerned with their own power and popularity. They know that denying John's prophetic role would anger the people, so they choose to remain silent rather than risk a negative reaction. They are driven by fear of public opinion, not by a genuine desire to understand or acknowledge the truth.
The verse serves to illustrate the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time. They are not interested in seeking God's will but in maintaining their own power and status. This passage sets the stage for further conflict and ultimately contributes to the events that lead to Jesus' crucifixion.
Matthew 21:26 - But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
What does "Matthew 21:26" mean?
This verse, Matthew 21:26, is part of a larger passage where Jesus is being questioned by the chief priests and elders about his authority to teach and cleanse the temple. Let's break down what it means:
"But if we say, ‘From men’…" This refers to the hypothetical response the chief priests and elders could give to Jesus' question about the origin of John the Baptist's authority. If they were to claim that John's authority was merely human (derived from people or self-proclaimed), it would discredit John and, by association, potentially discredit Jesus, who was supported by John.
"…we fear the multitude…" This highlights the reason they hesitate to say John's authority was "from men." They are afraid of the reaction of the common people.
"…for all hold John as a prophet." This explains why they fear the multitude. The people widely accepted John the Baptist as a genuine prophet sent by God. To deny John's prophetic status would be to contradict the public's deeply held belief, which could lead to unrest or a loss of their own influence and standing with the people.
In essence, the verse reveals the chief priests and elders' hypocrisy and political calculation. They are not concerned with the truth about John's authority; they are concerned with their own power and popularity. They know that denying John's prophetic role would anger the people, so they choose to remain silent rather than risk a negative reaction. They are driven by fear of public opinion, not by a genuine desire to understand or acknowledge the truth.
The verse serves to illustrate the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time. They are not interested in seeking God's will but in maintaining their own power and status. This passage sets the stage for further conflict and ultimately contributes to the events that lead to Jesus' crucifixion.