Matthew 26: The King's Sacrifice
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26 marks a pivotal turning point in the Gospel narrative, plunging us into the heart of Jesus's passion week. Following a substantial period of teaching (Matthew 24-25), this chapter unveils the meticulously orchestrated events leading to Jesus's arrest, trial, and ultimate sentencing. It's a chapter brimming with both profound sorrow and unwavering resolve, showcasing Jesus's complete submission to the Father's will. This chapter is a critical juncture in understanding the gospel message, revealing not only the depths of human betrayal but also the boundless love of God.
The Shadow of the Cross Looms (Matthew 26:1-5)
Jesus, having concluded His public ministry and final instructions to His disciples, makes a somber announcement: He will be handed over to be crucified in just two days, coinciding with the Passover (Matthew 26:1-2; also see Matthew 16:21). Unbeknownst to the crowds, the high priest Caiaphas, along with the chief priests and elders, are convening in secret, plotting Jesus's demise (Matthew 26:3-4). Their determination to kill Jesus was already established (John 11:48-53), and now they seek the means to execute their plan, carefully avoiding the Passover festival to prevent potential unrest among the people (Matthew 26:5). They believed they were in control, but in reality, they were fulfilling God's sovereign plan for salvation.
Anointed for Burial (Matthew 26:6-13)
Jesus and His disciples find themselves in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, likely a man Jesus had healed (Matthew 26:6). While Jesus reclines at the table, Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:1, 43-44; John 12:3), approaches Him with an alabaster flask of extraordinarily expensive perfume. She pours it on His head, anointing Him in a lavish display of devotion (Matthew 26:7). The disciples, particularly Judas (John 12:4-6), object to what they perceive as a waste, arguing that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor (Matthew 26:8-9).
Jesus, however, defends Mary's actions, recognizing the significance of her gesture (Matthew 26:10-13). While caring for the poor is essential (Matthew 26:11), Mary’s act of worship and devotion to Jesus takes precedence. He explains that she has prepared His body for burial, an act that would not be possible later due to the hurried circumstances surrounding His death (Luke 23:52-56; Mark 16:1-5). Jesus declares that wherever the gospel is preached, Mary's act of love will be remembered, eternally linking her devotion to the story of redemption (Matthew 26:13). This is a powerful reminder that worship and extravagant love for Jesus are never wasteful.
Judas's Betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16)
Perhaps fueled by Jesus's rebuke regarding the perfume, Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, makes a treacherous decision. He approaches the chief priests and offers to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15). This act fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13) and highlights the depths of Judas's greed and the deceptive nature of sin. The chief priests, eager to seize Jesus, readily agree, and Judas begins searching for an opportune moment to hand Him over (Matthew 26:16). This betrayal underscores the reality that even those closest to Jesus can be swayed by worldly desires.
The Passover and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)
As the first day of Unleavened Bread arrives, the disciples inquire about where to prepare for the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17). Jesus instructs them to go into the city and meet a certain man, who will lead them to a prepared upper room (Matthew 26:18).
During the Passover meal, Jesus drops a bombshell: "One of you will betray me" (Matthew 26:21). The disciples are deeply distressed, each asking, "Lord, is it I?" (Matthew 26:22). Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer (Matthew 26:25). The weight of divine judgment for such an act of betrayal is immense, so much so that it would have been better for Judas if he had never been born (Matthew 26:24).
In the midst of this somber meal, Jesus institutes a new covenant, a new ordinance for His followers: the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). He takes bread, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, "Take, eat; this is my body" (Matthew 26:26). He then takes the cup, gives thanks, and offers it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28). This act symbolizes His sacrifice, His body broken and His blood shed for the atonement of sins. Jesus declares that He will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until He drinks it anew with them in His Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29), a promise of future fellowship and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. The Lord's Supper serves as a constant reminder of Jesus's sacrifice and our participation in the new covenant established through His blood.
Prophecy of Abandonment and Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:31-35)
As they prepare to leave, Jesus tells His disciples that they will all fall away that night, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered" (Matthew 26:31). Peter vehemently protests, declaring that even if everyone else falls away, he never will (Matthew 26:33). Jesus, knowing Peter's heart, predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (Matthew 26:34). Peter, confident in his own strength, insists that he would rather die with Jesus than deny Him (Matthew 26:35). This exchange reveals the contrast between Peter's self-assurance and Jesus's prophetic insight, highlighting the danger of pride and the frailty of human resolve.
Gethsemane: The Agony of Submission (Matthew 26:36-46)
Jesus leads His disciples to Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:36). He takes Peter, James, and John with Him, asking them to stay and keep watch while He prays (Matthew 26:37-38). Overwhelmed with sorrow and anguish, Jesus withdraws to pray, falling on His face and pleading with the Father: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). He returns to find the disciples asleep, rebuking Peter for his inability to stay awake for even an hour (Matthew 26:40-41). He urges them to watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation, acknowledging that "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). Jesus prays again, repeating His plea for the cup to pass, yet reaffirming His commitment to the Father's will (Matthew 26:42). He returns a third time, finding the disciples still asleep (Matthew 26:43-45). Jesus's agony in Gethsemane reveals the immense weight of bearing the sins of the world and His unwavering submission to the Father's plan.
Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)
While Jesus is still speaking, Judas arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47). Judas approaches Jesus and kisses Him, a prearranged signal to identify Him to the soldiers (Matthew 26:48-49). Jesus, addressing Judas as "friend," allows Himself to be arrested (Matthew 26:50).
In a moment of impulsive action, Peter draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear (Matthew 26:51; John 18:10). Jesus rebukes Peter, instructing him to put his sword away, stating that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52). He reminds Peter that He could call upon twelve legions of angels to defend Him if it were His Father's will (Matthew 26:53). However, Jesus emphasizes that the Scriptures must be fulfilled (Matthew 26:54). At that moment, all the disciples abandon Jesus and flee (Matthew 26:56). This scene underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus's willingness to embrace His fate for the sake of humanity.
The Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)
Jesus is taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders are assembled (Matthew 26:57). The Sanhedrin seeks false testimony against Jesus in order to condemn Him to death (Matthew 26:59). Many false witnesses come forward, but their testimonies do not agree (Matthew 26:60).
Finally, the high priest directly asks Jesus if He is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 26:63). Jesus responds affirmatively: "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). This declaration, affirming both His Messiahship and His divine authority, is deemed blasphemy by the high priest, who tears his robes in outrage (Matthew 26:65). The Sanhedrin condemns Jesus to death (Matthew 26:66). They then proceed to mock, beat, and spit on Him (Matthew 26:67-68). This unjust trial and the abuse Jesus endures highlight the depths of human depravity and the rejection of the Messiah by those who should have recognized Him.
Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)
Meanwhile, Peter follows Jesus at a distance and sits in the courtyard of the high priest (Matthew 26:58, 69). There, he is confronted three times about his association with Jesus. First, a servant girl accuses him of being with Jesus (Matthew 26:69). Then, another woman claims he was one of His followers (Matthew 26:71). Finally, others present identify him as a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 26:73). On each occasion, Peter vehemently denies knowing Jesus, even resorting to cursing and swearing (Matthew 26:70, 72, 74).
Immediately after his third denial, a rooster crows, and Peter remembers Jesus's prediction (Matthew 26:75). Overcome with grief and remorse, Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly (Matthew 26:75). Peter's denial serves as a stark reminder of human weakness and the potential for even the most devoted followers to falter in times of testing. However, his subsequent repentance offers hope for redemption and restoration.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26 marks a pivotal turning point in the Gospel narrative, plunging us into the heart of Jesus's passion week. Following a substantial period of teaching (Matthew 24-25), this chapter unveils the meticulously orchestrated events leading to Jesus's arrest, trial, and ultimate sentencing. It's a chapter brimming with both profound sorrow and unwavering resolve, showcasing Jesus's complete submission to the Father's will. This chapter is a critical juncture in understanding the gospel message, revealing not only the depths of human betrayal but also the boundless love of God.
The Shadow of the Cross Looms (Matthew 26:1-5)
Jesus, having concluded His public ministry and final instructions to His disciples, makes a somber announcement: He will be handed over to be crucified in just two days, coinciding with the Passover (Matthew 26:1-2; also see Matthew 16:21). Unbeknownst to the crowds, the high priest Caiaphas, along with the chief priests and elders, are convening in secret, plotting Jesus's demise (Matthew 26:3-4). Their determination to kill Jesus was already established (John 11:48-53), and now they seek the means to execute their plan, carefully avoiding the Passover festival to prevent potential unrest among the people (Matthew 26:5). They believed they were in control, but in reality, they were fulfilling God's sovereign plan for salvation.
Anointed for Burial (Matthew 26:6-13)
Jesus and His disciples find themselves in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, likely a man Jesus had healed (Matthew 26:6). While Jesus reclines at the table, Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:1, 43-44; John 12:3), approaches Him with an alabaster flask of extraordinarily expensive perfume. She pours it on His head, anointing Him in a lavish display of devotion (Matthew 26:7). The disciples, particularly Judas (John 12:4-6), object to what they perceive as a waste, arguing that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor (Matthew 26:8-9).
Jesus, however, defends Mary's actions, recognizing the significance of her gesture (Matthew 26:10-13). While caring for the poor is essential (Matthew 26:11), Mary’s act of worship and devotion to Jesus takes precedence. He explains that she has prepared His body for burial, an act that would not be possible later due to the hurried circumstances surrounding His death (Luke 23:52-56; Mark 16:1-5). Jesus declares that wherever the gospel is preached, Mary's act of love will be remembered, eternally linking her devotion to the story of redemption (Matthew 26:13). This is a powerful reminder that worship and extravagant love for Jesus are never wasteful.
Judas's Betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16)
Perhaps fueled by Jesus's rebuke regarding the perfume, Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, makes a treacherous decision. He approaches the chief priests and offers to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15). This act fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13) and highlights the depths of Judas's greed and the deceptive nature of sin. The chief priests, eager to seize Jesus, readily agree, and Judas begins searching for an opportune moment to hand Him over (Matthew 26:16). This betrayal underscores the reality that even those closest to Jesus can be swayed by worldly desires.
The Passover and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)
As the first day of Unleavened Bread arrives, the disciples inquire about where to prepare for the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17). Jesus instructs them to go into the city and meet a certain man, who will lead them to a prepared upper room (Matthew 26:18).
During the Passover meal, Jesus drops a bombshell: "One of you will betray me" (Matthew 26:21). The disciples are deeply distressed, each asking, "Lord, is it I?" (Matthew 26:22). Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer (Matthew 26:25). The weight of divine judgment for such an act of betrayal is immense, so much so that it would have been better for Judas if he had never been born (Matthew 26:24).
In the midst of this somber meal, Jesus institutes a new covenant, a new ordinance for His followers: the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). He takes bread, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, "Take, eat; this is my body" (Matthew 26:26). He then takes the cup, gives thanks, and offers it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28). This act symbolizes His sacrifice, His body broken and His blood shed for the atonement of sins. Jesus declares that He will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until He drinks it anew with them in His Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29), a promise of future fellowship and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. The Lord's Supper serves as a constant reminder of Jesus's sacrifice and our participation in the new covenant established through His blood.
Prophecy of Abandonment and Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:31-35)
As they prepare to leave, Jesus tells His disciples that they will all fall away that night, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered" (Matthew 26:31). Peter vehemently protests, declaring that even if everyone else falls away, he never will (Matthew 26:33). Jesus, knowing Peter's heart, predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (Matthew 26:34). Peter, confident in his own strength, insists that he would rather die with Jesus than deny Him (Matthew 26:35). This exchange reveals the contrast between Peter's self-assurance and Jesus's prophetic insight, highlighting the danger of pride and the frailty of human resolve.
Gethsemane: The Agony of Submission (Matthew 26:36-46)
Jesus leads His disciples to Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:36). He takes Peter, James, and John with Him, asking them to stay and keep watch while He prays (Matthew 26:37-38). Overwhelmed with sorrow and anguish, Jesus withdraws to pray, falling on His face and pleading with the Father: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). He returns to find the disciples asleep, rebuking Peter for his inability to stay awake for even an hour (Matthew 26:40-41). He urges them to watch and pray, lest they enter into temptation, acknowledging that "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). Jesus prays again, repeating His plea for the cup to pass, yet reaffirming His commitment to the Father's will (Matthew 26:42). He returns a third time, finding the disciples still asleep (Matthew 26:43-45). Jesus's agony in Gethsemane reveals the immense weight of bearing the sins of the world and His unwavering submission to the Father's plan.
Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)
While Jesus is still speaking, Judas arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47). Judas approaches Jesus and kisses Him, a prearranged signal to identify Him to the soldiers (Matthew 26:48-49). Jesus, addressing Judas as "friend," allows Himself to be arrested (Matthew 26:50).
In a moment of impulsive action, Peter draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear (Matthew 26:51; John 18:10). Jesus rebukes Peter, instructing him to put his sword away, stating that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52). He reminds Peter that He could call upon twelve legions of angels to defend Him if it were His Father's will (Matthew 26:53). However, Jesus emphasizes that the Scriptures must be fulfilled (Matthew 26:54). At that moment, all the disciples abandon Jesus and flee (Matthew 26:56). This scene underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and Jesus's willingness to embrace His fate for the sake of humanity.
The Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)
Jesus is taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders are assembled (Matthew 26:57). The Sanhedrin seeks false testimony against Jesus in order to condemn Him to death (Matthew 26:59). Many false witnesses come forward, but their testimonies do not agree (Matthew 26:60).
Finally, the high priest directly asks Jesus if He is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 26:63). Jesus responds affirmatively: "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). This declaration, affirming both His Messiahship and His divine authority, is deemed blasphemy by the high priest, who tears his robes in outrage (Matthew 26:65). The Sanhedrin condemns Jesus to death (Matthew 26:66). They then proceed to mock, beat, and spit on Him (Matthew 26:67-68). This unjust trial and the abuse Jesus endures highlight the depths of human depravity and the rejection of the Messiah by those who should have recognized Him.
Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)
Meanwhile, Peter follows Jesus at a distance and sits in the courtyard of the high priest (Matthew 26:58, 69). There, he is confronted three times about his association with Jesus. First, a servant girl accuses him of being with Jesus (Matthew 26:69). Then, another woman claims he was one of His followers (Matthew 26:71). Finally, others present identify him as a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 26:73). On each occasion, Peter vehemently denies knowing Jesus, even resorting to cursing and swearing (Matthew 26:70, 72, 74).
Immediately after his third denial, a rooster crows, and Peter remembers Jesus's prediction (Matthew 26:75). Overcome with grief and remorse, Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly (Matthew 26:75). Peter's denial serves as a stark reminder of human weakness and the potential for even the most devoted followers to falter in times of testing. However, his subsequent repentance offers hope for redemption and restoration.