Matthew Chapter 26 continues the narrative of Jesus' final days before His crucifixion, focusing on themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the establishment of the New Covenant.
1. The Plot to Kill Jesus (Verses 1-5)
Explanation:
This section reveals the conspiracy against Jesus by the religious leaders, highlighting their intent to arrest Him secretly and eliminate Him before the Passover.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
1Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples,
2“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3Then the chief priests, [a]the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4and plotted to take Jesus by [b]trickery and kill Him.
5But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
1. The Plot to Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:1-5)
Verse 1:
"When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples..."
Explanation:
This indicates the conclusion of Jesus’ teachings and the transition to the events leading to His crucifixion.
Verse 2:
"You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified."
Explanation:
Jesus predicts His death, highlighting the urgency of the impending events.
Verses 3-5:
"Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest...and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him."
Explanation:
The religious leaders’ conspiracy reflects their fear of Jesus’ influence and the desire to eliminate Him quietly.
2. The Anointing at Bethany (Verses 6-13)
Explanation:
This event demonstrates the significance of worship and preparation for Jesus' burial. The actions of the woman who anoints Jesus' contrast with the disciples' concerns about waste.
The Anointing at Bethany
6And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,
7a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.
8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
9For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
10But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.
11For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.
12For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.
13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
2. The Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13)
Verse 6:
"Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper..."
Explanation:
This sets the scene and emphasizes the intimate setting of the anointing.
Verses 7-8:
"A woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment...and they were indignant."
Explanation:
The woman's act of devotion contrasts sharply with the disciples' criticism, demonstrating differing priorities.
Verses 9-10:
"'For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.' But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, 'Why do you trouble the woman?'"
Explanation:
Jesus defends the woman's actions, emphasizing the value of worship and preparation for His burial.
Verses 11-13:
"'For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me...and wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.'"
Explanation:
Jesus elevates the woman's act of worship, showing that her devotion will be remembered alongside the gospel.
3. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Verses 14-16)
Explanation:
Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver signifies the ultimate betrayal and foreshadows the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
15and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
16So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
3. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16)
Verses 14-15:
"Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?'"
Explanation:
Judas’ betrayal for money highlights the contrast between true discipleship and greed.
4. The Last Supper (Verses 17-30)
Explanation:
The Last Supper is a pivotal moment, where Jesus establishes the Lord's Supper and reveals His impending betrayal. It introduces the New Covenant through the symbols of bread and wine.
Jesus Celebrates Passover with His Disciples
17Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”
18And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”
19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
20When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.
21Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”
Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper
26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, [c]blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28For this is My blood of the [d]new covenant, which is shed for many for the [e]remission of sins.
29But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
30And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Verses 17-19:
"Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread...the disciples said, 'Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?'"
Explanation:
The Last Supper occurs during Passover, connecting Jesus' sacrifice to the Passover lamb.
Verses 20-21:
"When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, 'Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.'"
Explanation:
Jesus’ foreknowledge of His betrayal underscores His divine authority and the gravity of the situation.
Verses 22-25:
"And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, 'Is it I, Lord?' He answered, 'He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.'"
Explanation:
The disciples’ sorrow reflects their confusion and the depth of betrayal.
Verses 26-29:
"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread...and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.'"
Explanation:
The institution of the Lord's Supper signifies the New Covenant, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission.
Verse 30:
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."
Explanation:
This indicates the conclusion of the meal and the transition to the events in Gethsemane.
5. Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (Verses 31-35)
Explanation:
Jesus predicts Peter's denial, emphasizing the weakness of human resolve in the face of temptation and fear.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be [f]made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
33Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are [g]made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
34Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
35Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And so said all the disciples.
5. Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:31-35)
Verse 31:
"Then Jesus said to them, 'You will all fall away because of me this night...'"
Explanation:
Jesus predicts the disciples' abandonment, emphasizing human frailty in times of trial.
Verses 32-34:
"But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee...Peter answered him, 'Though they all fall away, I will never fall away.'"
Explanation:
Peter’s bold declaration contrasts with Jesus' foreknowledge of his denial.
Verse 35:
"Peter said to him, 'Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.' And all the disciples said the same."
Explanation:
The collective confidence of the disciples highlights their lack of understanding of their own weaknesses.
6. Gethsemane (Verses 36-46)
Explanation:
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experiences deep anguish as He prays, demonstrating His humanity and the weight of the impending sacrifice.
The Prayer in the Garden
36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”
37And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
38Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?
41Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [h]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
43And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [i]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
6. Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)
Verses 36-38:
"Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane...he began to be sorrowful and troubled."
Explanation:
Jesus’ anguish reveals His humanity and the weight of the impending crucifixion.
Verses 39-40:
"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed...he came to the disciples and found them sleeping."
Explanation:
The disciples’ inability to stay awake emphasizes their unpreparedness for the impending trials.
Verses 41-46:
"'Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation...sleep and take your rest later on.'"
Explanation:
Jesus urges vigilance and prayer, highlighting the importance of spiritual preparedness.
7. Betrayal and Arrest (Verses 47-56)
Explanation:
Judas leads the soldiers to arrest Jesus, illustrating the fulfillment of prophecy and the betrayal by one of His closest followers.
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane
47And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.”
49Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”
Then they came and laid hands-on Jesus and took Him.
51And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will [j]perish by the sword.
53Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
54How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
55In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.
56But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
7. Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)
Verse 47:
"While he was still speaking, Judas came...with a great crowd with swords and clubs."
Explanation:
The arrival of Judas and the crowd signifies the culmination of the conspiracy against Jesus.
Verses 48-50:
"Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, 'The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.'"
Explanation:
The act of betrayal through a kiss emphasizes the depth of Judas’ treachery.
Verses 51-54:
"And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword...But Jesus said, 'Put your sword back into its place...' "
Explanation:
Jesus' response reflects His commitment to fulfill His mission, even in the face of violence.
Verses 55-56:
"'But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.' Then all the disciples left him and fled."
Explanation:
The abandonment of the disciples fulfills prophecy and highlights the loneliness of Jesus in His hour of need.
8. Jesus Before Caiaphas (Verses 57-68)
Explanation:
Jesus is taken before the high priest, where He faces false accusations and mockery, revealing the injustices of His trial.
Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin
57And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
59Now the chief priests, [k]the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,
60[l]but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last, two [m]false witnesses came forward
61and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’”
62And the high priest aro
se and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”
64Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
66What do you think?”
They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”
67Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with [n]the palms of their hands,
68saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”
8. Jesus Before Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57-68)
Verses 57-58:
"Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest...Peter was following him at a distance."
Explanation:
This sets the stage for the trial, emphasizing Peter’s distance from Jesus during this critical moment.
Verses 59-61:
"Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus...and they found none."
Explanation:
The injustice of the trial is evident, as the leaders resort to falsehoods to condemn Jesus.
Verses 62-64:
"And the high priest stood up and said, 'Have you no answer to make? ...'You have said so.'"
Explanation:
Jesus’ acknowledgment of His identity is a bold statement before His accusers, affirming His divine authority.
Verses 65-68:
"Then the high priest tore his robes and said, 'He has uttered blasphemy...'"
Explanation:
The reaction of the high priest signifies the gravity of Jesus' claims and the religious leaders' rejection of Him.
9. Peter's Denial (Verses 69-75)
Explanation:
Peter's denial of Jesus fulfills Jesus' earlier prediction, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most devoted followers.
Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly
69Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74Then he began to [o]curse and [p]swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed.
75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
9. Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)
Verses 69-70:
"Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard...a servant girl said to him, 'You also were with Jesus the Galilean.' But he denied it."
Explanation:
Peter’s denial begins the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction, revealing his fear and vulnerability.
Verses 71-72:
"And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him...and he denied it again."
Explanation:
The repeated denials emphasize Peter’s struggle and fear of association with Jesus.
Verses 73-75:
"After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, 'Certainly you too are one of them...'"
Explanation:
Peter’s realization of his denial and subsequent weeping illustrates the weight of his failure and remorse.
Conclusion
Matthew 26 is a pivotal chapter that sets the stage for the crucifixion of Jesus. It encompasses themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the establishment of the New Covenant. The events leading to Jesus' arrest and trial highlight human frailty, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the depth of Jesus’ love and commitment to His mission. This chapter serves as a profound reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of vigilance and faithfulness in the face of trials.
