Matthew Chapter 26

Jesus predicts His death at the same time the religious leaders are plotting to kill Him. An unnamed woman in Bethany anoints Jesus body for burial.

Jesus' Prediction Of His Death During The Passover (Matthew 26:1, 2)

Jesus now specifies when He will die—during the Feast of the Passover.

Matt. 26:1 And it came about when Jesus finished all these words, He said to His disciples,

And it came about when Jesus finished all these words, He said to His disciples, Matthew ends this discourse, the last of the five, with the same formula he uses to end the others (cf. Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1). Here all occurs for the first time, probably referring to the sayings in chapters 24-25. It is also possible that this refers to the end of Jesus' teaching, the last of the great public discourses.

Matt. 26:2 You know that after two days is the Passover—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.

You know This may be a command to understand what is going to occur, rather than just an announcement of something they are already aware of.

that after two days is the Passover— The Passover fell on 15 Nisan (a Sabbath Day, or Friday/Saturday). This announcement would have been Wednesday (or Tuesday night).

and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. Jesus now turns their minds to the nearness of the Passover festival and His coming death. The reference to the Passover gives it a sacrificial significance. Jesus is the Passover lamb (brought out clearly in verses 26-28).

The Religious Leaders Plot To Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-5)

At the same time, the religious leaders form their plot when they will kill Jesus.

Matt. 26:3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered together into the courtyard of the high priest named Caiaphas,

Note on variant readings: Some manuscripts read and the Scribes after the chief priests. One manuscript reads and the Pharisees after the chief priests. Codex Vaticanus (B) does not have of the people.

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered together Matthew shows that the Jewish authorities are plotting at the same time.

into the courtyard of the high priest named Caiaphas, He was the ruling High Priest (A.D. 18-36) and was the son in law of the previous High Priest Annas.

Matt. 26:4 and they formed a plot that they would arrest Jesus by deceit and kill Him.

Note on a variant reading: Codex Vaticanus (B) does not have and kill Him.

and they formed a plot that they would arrest Jesus The plot to kill Jesus is nothing new (cf. Matthew 12:41; 22:15).

by deceit and kill Him. Matthew emphasizes the righteousness of Jesus and the unrighteousness of those who are plotting.

Matt. 26:5 But they were saying, Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.

But they were saying, Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people. Thousands of people would be in Jerusalem for the Passover and they did not want to put to death this popular Messianic figure. However, as Jesus predicted, He did die during the Passover.

The Anointing OF Jesus For Burial (Matthew 26:6-13)

Jesus is anointed for burial by an unidentified woman.

Matt. 26:6 When Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,

When Jesus was in Bethany This was a village on the Mount of Olives nearly two miles east of Jerusalem. Jesus had probably been staying there (Matthew 21:17).

in the house of Simon the leper, Simon is mentioned nowhere else in the New Testament except here and the parallel passage in Mark. Evidently he was a leper who had been healed by Jesus; otherwise there would have been no social interaction between them.

Matt. 26:7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very expensive perfume, which she poured up on His head while He was reclining at the table.

a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very expensive perfume, which she poured up on His head while He was reclining at the table. This woman is unnamed in Matthew's gospel. John identifies her as Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus (Matthew 12:3). (for an explanation of the so-called contradictions between the accounts see the question at the end of this chapter).

Matt. 26:8 And when His disciples saw this, they became indignant, saying, What is the purpose of this waste?

Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts do not have the word His.

And when His disciples saw this, they became indignant, saying, What is the purpose of this waste? The disciples see this only as a waste.

Matt. 26:9 For this thing could have been sold for a high price and have been given to the poor.

Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts read ointment (perfume) after this (see Mark 14:5).

For this thing could have been sold for a high price and have been given to the poor. In ordinary circumstances this would have been the right thing to do, but these were no ordinary circumstances.

Matt. 26:10 And Jesus knowing this, said to them, Why are you making trouble for this woman? She has worked a good work for Me.

And Jesus knowing this, This reflects the supernatural knowledge of Jesus.

said to them, Why are you making trouble for this woman? She has worked a good work for Me. This woman has performed a special work of righteousness.

Matt. 26:11 For you have the poor with you always, but you do not always have Me with you.

For you have the poor with you always, The poor are a reality in society in every age.

but you do not always have Me with you. Yet Jesus' time is only temporary.

Matt. 26:12 For when she poured this perfume upon My body, she did it to prepare for My burial.

For when she poured this perfume upon My body, she did it to prepare for My burial. This deed is symbolic of His burial.

Matt. 26:13 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told as a memorial for her.

Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told as a memorial for her. This will her reward for this act of kindness. This phrase could be translated her memorial to me.

Judas Prepares to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16)

Judas Iscariot sets Jesus' betrayal in motion.

Matt. 26:14 Then one of the twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—proceeded toward the chief priests

Note on a variant reading: There are textual problems with the name Judas Iscariot. Some manuscripts read Judas from Kerioth. Other manuscripts read Skariotas which has suggested a large number of derivations such as bandit or traitor, assassin or a man with a ruddy complexion.

Then one of the twelve Matthew emphasizes the irony that Judas, one of the twelve, is the one who will betray Jesus.

—the one called Judas Iscariot—In contrast to Mary, we have Judas.

proceeded toward the chief priests He goes to the enemies of Jesus.

Matt. 26:15 and said, What are you willing to give me if I betray Him to you? And they agreed with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Note on variant readings: After and said one manuscript (D) reads to them.

Instead of pieces of silver a couple of manuscripts read staters specifying what kind of silver coin.

and said, What are you willing to give me if I betray Him to you? His motivation is money.

And they agreed with him This could possibly be translated and they weighed out (to him).

for thirty pieces of silver. This was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32), it was not a large amount of money.

Matt. 26:16 And from then on he was looking for a good opportunity to betray Him.

Note on a variant reading: After Him some manuscripts have to them.

And from then on he was looking for a good opportunity to betray Him. This must be away from the crowds.

The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)

Jesus eats with His disciples for the last time before His passion.

Matt. 26:17 On the first day of the unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus saying, Where do you want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?

On the first day of the unleavened bread, Either this was the first day of the seven days of the festival, or the day before the festival began.

the disciples came to Jesus saying, Where do you want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover? This included finding a suitable place as well as the preparation of the lamb.

Matt. 26:18 And He said, Go into the city toward such a one and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with My disciples at your house.'

And He said, Go into the city toward such a one and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with My disciples at your house.' Some previous arrangement had been made.

Matt. 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus directed them and prepared the Passover.

And the disciples did as Jesus directed them and prepared the Passover. The stage is now set for the events to follow.

Matt. 26:20 And when it became evening, He was reclining at the table with the twelve.

Note on a variant reading: After the twelve some manuscripts read the disciples.

And when it became evening, The custom was that the Passover meal was eaten at night (Thursday night according to our reckoning).

He was reclining at the table with the twelve. The table where Jesus eat was the triclinium.

Matt. 26:21 And while they were eating, He said, Truly I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.

Note on a variant reading: Two papyrus manuscripts do not have the word that.

And while they were eating, He said, Truly I say to you, that one of you will betray Me. Jesus makes the shocking disclosure.

Matt. 26:22 And they were exceedingly sad and everyone began to say to Him, Surely it is not I, Lord?

Note on a variant reading: Instead of everyone began to say many manuscripts read and each one, in turn, began to say. Several manuscripts do not have to Him.

And they were exceedingly sad This news was made them very sad.

and everyone began to say to Him, They all, in unison, deny it will be them.

Surely it is not I, Lord? The way the question is worded in Greek expects a negative answer.

Matt. 26:23 And Jesus said, The one who dipped his hand in the dish with Me, will betray Me.

And Jesus said, The one who dipped his hand in the dish with Me, will betray Me. He says that the betrayer is one who enjoyed the intimate meal with Him.

Matt. 26:24 The Son of Man is going just as it stands written about Him. But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is being betrayed! It would be better for him if that man had not been born.

The Son of Man is going just as it stands written about Him. The fate of Jesus is no accident. It has been predicted by Scripture.

But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is being betrayed! It would be better for him if that man had not been born. A solemn statement.

Matt. 26:25 Then Judas, the one who was betraying Him, answered and said, It is not I myself, Rabbi? And He said to Him, You yourself has said it.

Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts read Jesus instead of He.

Then Judas, the one who was betraying Him, Judas spoke up like the rest.

answered and said, It is not I myself, Judas questioned Jesus to see if He really knew the identity of the betrayer.

Rabbi? Judas addresses Him as Rabbi instead of Lord.

And He said to Him, You yourself has said it. He was probably expecting the same answer that He gave the other disciples. The you is emphatic in Greek.

Matt. 26:26 And while they were eating, Jesus took the bread and after blessing it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples and said, Take, eat; for this is My body.

Note on a variant reading: Instead of after blessing it some manuscripts read after giving thanks (see Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24 and verse 27).

And while they were eating, This is further on in the meal after Judas had left.

Jesus took the bread We have the same order as in the feeding of the five thousand, break, bless, broke.

and after blessing it, This would be the traditional Jewish blessing.

broke it, The bread was broken and handed to the person next to Him.

and gave it to His disciples and said, Take, eat; He commands them to eat the bread.

for this is My body. Jesus give new symbolic value to the elements of the supper. He identifies the bread with His body. This one statement is among the most controversial in the entire New Testament. In what sense is the bread to be identified with the body of Jesus? (see question at the end of the chapter).

Matt. 26:27 Then He took a cup, blessed it and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you.

Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts have the cup rather than a cup.

Then He took a cup, It is uncertain at what point of the Passover meal Jesus introduced His new symbolism.

blessed it, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. It is common, however, to relate the taking of the cup to the third cup, the cup of blessing (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:6). This would have been preceded by the drinking of two earlier cups of wine (cf. Luke 22:17), in between the bitter herbs had been eaten.

Matt. 26:28 For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the many for the forgiveness of sins.

Note on a variant reading: After covenant some manuscripts have the word new.

For this is My blood of the covenant, Again we have the question, in what sense does the cup represent His blood?

which is poured out for the many for the forgiveness of sins. His blood symbolizes the covenant.

Matt. 26:29 But I say to you, I shall certainly not drink, from now on, of the fruit of this vine, until the day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.

But I say to you, I shall certainly not drink, from now on, of the fruit of this vine, until the day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom. This statement speaks of the imminence of His death.

Matt. 26:30 And after they sang hymns, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

And after they sang hymns, The word in Greek is a verb, not a noun. It does not tell us how many hymns were sung.

they went out to the Mount of Olives. At the end of the Passover meal a fourth and final hymn was sung.

From Matthew's account we find two reasons for observing the Lord's Supper. One looks backwards and the other looks forward. First, we commemorate Jesus' death. Second, we look forward to His return with believers.

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:31-35)

Jesus speaks of the scattering of all the disciples as well as specifically predicting the denials of Peter.

Matt. 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, This very night all of you will be offended because of Me, for it is written, 'I shall strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be thoroughly scattered.'

Then Jesus said to them, This very night all of you will be offended because of Me, This will happen in the same night.

for it is written, 'I shall strike the shepherd, Some untoward will happen to the leader.

and the sheep of the flock will be thoroughly scattered.' The sheep will be scattered when this happens.

Matt. 26:32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you into the Galilee.

But after I have been raised, I will go before you into the Galilee. Another prediction of the resurrection. The meeting in Galilee is the last recorded incident in Jesus' ministry in Matthew.

Matt. 26:33 Peter answered and said to Him, Even if all will be offended because of You, I myself will never be offended.

Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts do not have to Him. In one papyrus manuscript the words because of You appear after I. This results in the translation, If all be offended, I myself will never be offended because of You.

Peter answered and said to Him, Even if all will be offended because of You, He put himself in a different class than the others.

I myself will never be offended. As was his habit, Peter is saying what the others are thinking.

Matt. 26:34 Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, that in this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny knowing Me three times.

Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, that in this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny knowing Me three times. Before dawn Peter will deny Jesus three times.

Matt. 26:35 Peter said to Him, Even if it is necessary for me to die with you, I will certainly never deny you. All the other disciples said the same thing.

Peter said to Him, Even if it is necessary for me to die with you, I will certainly never deny you. His objection gets stronger. We all need to realize how weak we really are (1 Corinthians 10:12).

All the other disciples said the same thing. The disciples agree with Peter that they would never deny Jesus.

The Agony In Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)

Jesus prays to His Father while waiting to be betrayed.

Matt. 26:36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to the disciples, Sit here until I go over there and begin to pray.

Note on variant readings: Instead of to the disciples some manuscripts read to them. Some manuscripts read His after disciples.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, Gethsemane means oil press. It was probably an olive orchard

and He said to the disciples, Sit here until I go over there and begin to pray.

Matt. 26:37 And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him. And He began to be sad and distressed.

And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him. Only the inner core of disciples is allowed to participate.

And He began to be sad and distressed. The distress was not the prospect of physical death, but rather having to die for the sins of the world.

Matt. 26:38 Then He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sad, to the point of death. Remain here and watch with Me.

Then He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sad, to the point of death. Remain here and watch with Me. Jesus was going to experience the wrath of God for the sins of mankind.

Matt. 26:39 And when He had gone forward a short distance, He fell upon His face, praying and saying, My Father, if it is possible, take this cup from Me. Nevertheless not as I Myself will, but as You will.

Note on variant readings: Instead of when He had gone forward many manuscripts read having gone to (there). Some manuscripts do not have My. At the close of this verse some manuscripts read And an angel from heaven appeared to Him strengthening Him. And when He was further in agony He began to pray. And His sweat came down like drops of blood and fell to the ground (see Luke 22:43-44).

And when He had gone forward a short distance, He fell upon His face, praying and saying, My Father, if it is possible, take this cup from Me. The cup is symbolic of suffering and death.

Nevertheless not as I Myself will, but as You will. Ultimately what God the Father wants.

Matt. 26:40 And He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, So you don't have strength to watch with Me for one hour?

Note on a variant reading: Some manuscripts do not have His before disciples.

And He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, So you don't have strength to watch with Me for one hour? The disciples seem obvious as to what Jesus is going through.

Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray, so that you will not enter into temptation; for, on the one hand, the Spirit indeed is willing, but, on the other hand, the flesh is weak.

Watch and pray, so that you will not enter into temptation; for, on the one hand, the Spirit indeed is willing, but, on the other hand, the flesh is weak. We are to be spiritually alert.

Matt. 26:42 Again, the second time, He went away and began to pray saying, My Father, if it is not possible to remove this thing, unless I drink it, let Your will be done.

Note on variant readings: Two manuscripts (including Vaticanus) do not have saying. One papyrus manuscript and a few others do not have My. Many manuscripts read the cup after drink.Many manuscripts have from Me after this thing.

Again, the second time, He went away and began to pray saying, My Father, if it is not possible to remove this thing, unless I drink it, let Your will be done. Doing the will of the Father is of the utmost importance in the life of Jesus.

Matt. 26:43 And when He came back He found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.

And when He came back He found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They could not stay awake.

Matt. 26:44 And leaving them again, He went away and began to pray the third time, praying again the same thing.

Note on variant readings: Many manuscripts do not have the second reference to again. This relieves the awkwardness of having the same word twice in the sentence. It is possible to punctuate this sentence differently by placing and leaving them again with the preceding sentence. It is also possible to end the sentence with and leaving them and start the next sentence with again.

And leaving them again, He went away and began to pray the third time, praying again the same thing. Jesus prays for the same thing three times.

Matt. 26:45 Then He returned to His disciples and said to them, Sleep the remaining time and rest. Behold, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Note on variant readings: Some manuscripts do not have His before disciples.A few manuscripts do not have the word Behold.

Then He returned to His disciples and said to them, Sleep the remaining time and rest. Behold, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. The final sequence of events is about to begin.

Matt. 26:46 Rise up, let us go! Behold, the one betraying Me is close.

Rise up, let us go! Behold, the one betraying Me is close. The traitor has arrived.

The Arrest In Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47-56)

The traitor arrives and identifies Jesus where He is then arrested.

Matt. 26:47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a great crowd with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a great crowd with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. The weapons showed respect for His power.

Matt. 26:48 And the one who betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying, Whom I kiss, it is He himself; seize Him.

And the one who betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying, Whom I kiss, it is He himself; seize Him. So no mistake would be made in the darkness. This shows Jesus had no outstanding physical characteristics. Otherwise they would have been mentioned.

Matt. 26:49 And immediately he came to Jesus and said, Greetings, Rabbi, and he intensely kissed Him.

And immediately he came to Jesus and said, Greetings, Rabbi, and he intensely kissed Him. He calls Jesus Rabbi not Lord.

Matt. 26:50 But Jesus said to him, Friend, do what you are here for? Then they came forward, placed their hands upon Jesus, and arrested Him.

But Jesus said to him, Friend, This is not a friendly form of address.

do what you are here for? The words of Jesus for which you are here are notoriously difficult to translate. There are several possible meanings:

1. A command: [Do that] for which you are here [NIV]

2. A statement : [I know that] for which you are here.

3. A question: [What is the reason] for which you are here? [NIV margin].

The first two would again illustrate Jesus' insight and voluntary acceptance of his destiny. The third would have been asked not out of ignorance but to highlight the wickedness of Judas's action over against Jesus innocence? The best answer seems to be the first possibility.

Then they came forward, placed their hands upon Jesus, and arrested Him. They have now done the foul deed.

Matt. 26:51 And behold, one of the ones with Jesus stretched forth his hand, drew his sword, and struck the servant of the chief priest, cutting off his ear.

And behold, one of the ones with Jesus Peter according to John 18:10, 11, 26.

stretched forth his hand, drew his sword, and struck the servant of the chief priest, cutting off his ear.

Matt. 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, Return your sword to its place; for the ones taking up the sword will die by the sword.

Then Jesus said to him, Return your sword to its place; for the ones taking up the sword will die by the sword. Violence begets violence.

Matt. 26:53 Or do you not think that I am able to call upon My Father, and He will provide Me now with more than twelve legions of angels?

Or do you not think that I am able to call upon My Father, and He will provide Me now with more than twelve legions of angels? If resistance was necessary Jesus could call upon His Father.

Matt. 26:54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that say it must occur in this manner?

How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that say it must occur in this manner? This reflects the divine necessity of the death of Jesus.

Matt. 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowds, As against a robber did you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Daily I was sitting in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me.

In that hour Jesus said to the crowds, As against a robber did you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Daily I was sitting in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. Jesus now speaks to the mob and criticizes their cowardice. He was no threat to them, this was not a violent revolutionary they were arresting.