But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
they sought.
2 Samuel 12:7-13 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; …
Proverbs 9:7-9 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot…
Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
because.
Matthew 21:11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Luke 7:16,39 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people…
John 7:40,41 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet…
they were afraid of the crowds
The fear of the crowds indicates the significant support Jesus had among the common people. The leaders were cautious because any action against Jesus could incite a public uproar. This fear reflects the political and social dynamics of the time, where maintaining public order was crucial, especially under Roman occupation. The leaders' fear also underscores their recognition of Jesus' influence and the potential for unrest if they acted against Him openly.
because the people regarded Him as a prophet
The people saw Jesus as a prophet, akin to the prophets of the Old Testament, who spoke with authority and performed miracles. This perception was due to His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecies. The recognition of Jesus as a prophet aligns with His role as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, fulfilling the messianic expectations. This acknowledgment by the people contrasts with the religious leaders' rejection, highlighting the division in how Jesus was perceived. The people's regard for Jesus as a prophet also connects to His identity as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), who came to reveal God's truth to humanity.
• The chief priests and Pharisees have just heard Jesus’ parables (Matthew 21:33-45) and realize He is speaking against them, exposing their hypocrisy and rejection of God’s messengers.
• Their desire to seize Him mirrors earlier hostility (John 7:30; Mark 3:6) and points forward to their eventual plot to kill Him (Matthew 26:3-4).
• Yet every failed attempt underscores God’s sovereign timetable; until the appointed Passover, no scheme can succeed (John 8:20).
• Public opinion restrains the leaders. Similar hesitation appears in Matthew 21:26 and 14:5, showing how God can use even fickle crowds to protect His purposes.
• Fear, not reverence, drives the leaders—a contrast to the courage Jesus shows in proclaiming truth (Luke 4:29-30).
• Their political calculations reveal hearts enslaved to man-pleasing rather than to the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42-43).
• The crowds see Jesus in the line of Elijah, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist (Matthew 16:14; 21:11). While their understanding is incomplete, it is accurate enough to recognize divine authority in His words and works (Luke 24:19).
• Calling Him a prophet affirms His role as God’s spokesman (Deuteronomy 18:18), yet the chapter’s flow presses us to see He is more than a prophet—He is the Son and rightful heir in the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:37).
• This popular recognition intensifies the leaders’ envy (Mark 15:10) and sets the stage for the coming clash during Passion Week.
Matthew 21:46 captures a tense moment: religious leaders eager to silence Jesus are checked by God’s providential use of public opinion. Their fear exposes misplaced priorities, while the crowd’s acknowledgment of Jesus as a prophet highlights His authoritative ministry and foreshadows His ultimate revelation as Messiah and Son of God.
(46) When they sought to lay hands.--We must remember that they had once before made a like attempt, and had been baffled (John 7:44-46). Now circumstances were even more against them. The Prophet was surrounded by His own disciples, and by an admiring crowd. Open violence they did not dare to venture on, and they had to fall back upon the more crooked paths of stratagem and treachery.Verse 46. - They feared the multitude. They did not dare to lay violent hands on Jesus in the presence of the excited crowd, which would have withstood any such attack at this moment. A Prophet (see ver. 11). If they did not recognize him as Messiah, they regarded him as one inspired by God, and having a Divine mission. This accounts for the joyful acquiescence of the Pharisaical party in the offer of Judas, when he proposed to betray his Master in the absence of the multitude