New Testament · Gospel

Mark 14:2

Betrayal Begins

“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” Mark 14:2 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Mark 14:2, in plain English

'Not during the festival,' they said, 'or the people might riot.' They were afraid of the crowd's reaction.

Why it's here

They wanted Jesus dead, but they had to be strategic about it. The crowds loved Jesus, and the wrong timing could backfire badly.

Who's speaking

The religious leaders discuss their plan.

Where it sits in the story

It's remarkable — the most powerful religious leaders in the nation were controlled by fear. They wanted to act but couldn't find a safe way to do it. Until someone offered to help.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The leaders' stipulation 'not during the feast' reveals their fear of the Passover crowds, estimated at several hundred thousand pilgrims who might riot in Jesus' defense.

Language and setting

This plan will be overridden by Judas' unexpected offer, which provides the opportunity for a nighttime arrest away from the crowds.

Voice

The chief priests and scribes discuss their timing constraints.

Significance

The leaders' caution about timing reveals that even their conspiracy is subject to circumstances beyond their control — circumstances God will use to fulfill His purposes.

In context

Mark 14:1–4

1Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him.

2“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

3While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.

4Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume?

Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.

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