Matthieu 26

1 Lorsque Jésus eut achevé tous ces discours, il dit à ses disciples:

2 Vous savez que la Pâque a lieu dans deux jours, et que le Fils de l'homme sera livré pour être crucifié.

3 Alors les principaux sacrificateurs et les anciens du peuple se réunirent dans la cour du souverain sacrificateur, appelé Caïphe;

4 et ils délibérèrent sur les moyens d'arrêter Jésus par ruse, et de le faire mourir.

5 Mais ils dirent: Que ce ne soit pas pendant la fête, afin qu'il n'y ait pas de tumulte parmi le peuple.

6 Comme Jésus était à Béthanie, dans la maison de Simon le lépreux,

7 une femme s'approcha de lui, tenant un vase d'albâtre, qui renfermait un parfum de grand prix; et, pendant qu'il était à table, elle répandit le parfum sur sa tête.

8 Les disciples, voyant cela, s'indignèrent, et dirent: A quoi bon cette perte?

9 On aurait pu vendre ce parfum très cher, et en donner le prix aux pauvres.

10 Jésus, s'en étant aperçu, leur dit: Pourquoi faites-vous de la peine à cette femme? Elle a fait une bonne action à mon égard;

11 car vous avez toujours des pauvres avec vous, mais vous ne m'avez pas toujours.

12 En répandant ce parfum sur mon corps, elle l'a fait pour ma sépulture.

13 Je vous le dis en vérité, partout où cette bonne nouvelle sera prêchée, dans le monde entier, on racontera aussi en mémoire de cette femme ce qu'elle a fait.

14 Alors l'un des douze, appelé Judas Iscariot, alla vers les principaux sacrificateurs,

15 et dit: Que voulez-vous me donner, et je vous le livrerai? Et ils lui payèrent trente pièces d'argent.

16 Depuis ce moment, il cherchait une occasion favorable pour livrer Jésus.

17 Le premier jour des pains sans levain, les disciples s'adressèrent à Jésus, pour lui dire: Où veux-tu que nous te préparions le repas de la Pâque?

18 Il répondit: Allez à la ville chez un tel, et vous lui direz: Le maître dit: Mon temps est proche; je ferai chez toi la Pâque avec mes disciples.

19 Les disciples firent ce que Jésus leur avait ordonné, et ils préparèrent la Pâque.

20 Le soir étant venu, il se mit à table avec les douze.

21 Pendant qu'ils mangeaient, il dit: Je vous le dis en vérité, l'un de vous me livrera.

22 Ils furent profondément attristés, et chacun se mit à lui dire: Est-ce moi, Seigneur?

23 Il répondit: Celui qui a mis avec moi la main dans le plat, c'est celui qui me livrera.

24 Le Fils de l'homme s'en va, selon ce qui est écrit de lui. Mais malheur à l'homme par qui le Fils de l'homme est livré! Mieux vaudrait pour cet homme qu'il ne fût pas né.

25 Judas, qui le livrait, prit la parole et dit: Est-ce moi, Rabbi? Jésus lui répondit: Tu l'as dit.

26 Pendant qu'ils mangeaient, Jésus prit du pain; et, après avoir rendu grâces, il le rompit, et le donna aux disciples, en disant: Prenez, mangez, ceci est mon corps.

27 Il prit ensuite une coupe; et, après avoir rendu grâces, il la leur donna, en disant: Buvez-en tous;

28 car ceci est mon sang, le sang de l'alliance, qui est répandu pour plusieurs, pour la rémission des péchés.

29 Je vous le dis, je ne boirai plus désormais de ce fruit de la vigne, jusqu'au jour où j'en boirai du nouveau avec vous dans le royaume de mon Père.

30 Après avoir chanté les cantiques, ils se rendirent à la montagne des oliviers.

31 Alors Jésus leur dit: Je serai pour vous tous, cette nuit, une occasion de chute; car il est écrit: Je frapperai le berger, et les brebis du troupeau seront dispersées.

32 Mais, après que je serai ressuscité, je vous précèderai en Galilée.

33 Pierre, prenant la parole, lui dit: Quand tu serais pour tous une occasion de chute, tu ne le seras jamais pour moi.

34 Jésus lui dit: Je te le dis en vérité, cette nuit même, avant que le coq chante, tu me renieras trois fois.

35 Pierre lui répondit: Quand il me faudrait mourir avec toi, je ne te renierai pas. Et tous les disciples dirent la même chose.

36 Là-dessus, Jésus alla avec eux dans un lieu appelé Gethsémané, et il dit aux disciples: Asseyez-vous ici, pendant que je m'éloignerai pour prier.

37 Il prit avec lui Pierre et les deux fils de Zébédée, et il commença à éprouver de la tristesse et des angoisses.

38 Il leur dit alors: Mon âme est triste jusqu'à la mort; restez ici, et veillez avec moi.

39 Puis, ayant fait quelques pas en avant, il se jeta sur sa face, et pria ainsi: Mon Père, s'il est possible, que cette coupe s'éloigne de moi! Toutefois, non pas ce que je veux, mais ce que tu veux.

40 Et il vint vers les disciples, qu'il trouva endormis, et il dit à Pierre: Vous n'avez donc pu veiller une heure avec moi!

41 Veillez et priez, afin que vous ne tombiez pas dans la tentation; l'esprit est bien disposé, mais la chair est faible.

42 Il s'éloigna une seconde fois, et pria ainsi: Mon Père, s'il n'est pas possible que cette coupe s'éloigne sans que je la boive, que ta volonté soit faite!

43 Il revint, et les trouva encore endormis; car leurs yeux étaient appesantis.

44 Il les quitta, et, s'éloignant, il pria pour la troisième fois, répétant les mêmes paroles.

45 Puis il alla vers ses disciples, et leur dit: Vous dormez maintenant, et vous vous reposez! Voici, l'heure est proche, et le Fils de l'homme est livré aux mains des pécheurs.

46 Levez-vous, allons; voici, celui qui me livre s'approche.

47 Comme il parlait encore, voici, Judas, l'un des douze, arriva, et avec lui une foule nombreuse armée d'épées et de bâtons, envoyée par les principaux sacrificateurs et par les anciens du peuple.

48 Celui qui le livrait leur avait donné ce signe: Celui que je baiserai, c'est lui; saisissez-le.

49 Aussitôt, s'approchant de Jésus, il dit: Salut, Rabbi! Et il le baisa.

50 Jésus lui dit: Mon ami, ce que tu es venu faire, fais-le. Alors ces gens s'avancèrent, mirent la main sur Jésus, et le saisirent.

51 Et voici, un de ceux qui étaient avec Jésus étendit la main, et tira son épée; il frappa le serviteur du souverain sacrificateur, et lui emporta l'oreille.

52 Alors Jésus lui dit: Remets ton épée à sa place; car tous ceux qui prendront l'épée périront par l'épée.

53 Penses-tu que je ne puisse pas invoquer mon Père, qui me donnerait à l'instant plus de douze légions d'anges?

54 Comment donc s'accompliraient les Ecritures, d'après lesquelles il doit en être ainsi?

55 En ce moment, Jésus dit à la foule: Vous êtes venus, comme après un brigand, avec des épées et des bâtons, pour vous emparer de moi. J'étais tous les jours assis parmi vous, enseignant dans le temple, et vous ne m'avez pas saisi.

56 Mais tout cela est arrivé afin que les écrits des prophètes fussent accomplis. Alors tous les disciples l'abandonnèrent, et prirent la fuite.

57 Ceux qui avaient saisi Jésus l'emmenèrent chez le souverain sacrificateur Caïphe, où les scribes et les anciens étaient assemblés.

58 Pierre le suivit de loin jusqu'à la cour du souverain sacrificateur, y entra, et s'assit avec les serviteurs, pour voir comment cela finirait.

59 Les principaux sacrificateurs et tout le sanhédrin cherchaient quelque faux témoignage contre Jésus, suffisant pour le faire mourir.

60 Mais ils n'en trouvèrent point, quoique plusieurs faux témoins se fussent présentés. Enfin, il en vint deux,

61 qui dirent: Celui-ci a dit: Je puis détruire le temple de Dieu, et le rebâtir en trois jours.

62 Le souverain sacrificateur se leva, et lui dit: Ne réponds-tu rien? Qu'est-ce que ces hommes déposent contre toi?

63 Jésus garda le silence. Et le souverain sacrificateur, prenant la parole, lui dit: Je t'adjure, par le Dieu vivant, de nous dire si tu es le Christ, le Fils de Dieu.

64 Jésus lui répondit: Tu l'as dit. De plus, je vous le déclare, vous verrez désormais le Fils de l'homme assis à la droite de la puissance de Dieu, et venant sur les nuées du ciel.

65 Alors le souverain sacrificateur déchira ses vêtements, disant: Il a blasphémé! Qu'avons-nous encore besoin de témoins? Voici, vous venez d'entendre son blasphème.

66 Que vous en semble? Ils répondirent: Il mérite la mort.

67 Là-dessus, ils lui crachèrent au visage, et lui donnèrent des coups de poing et des soufflets

68 en disant: Christ, prophétise; dis-nous qui t'a frappé.

69 Cependant, Pierre était assis dehors dans la cour. Une servante s'approcha de lui, et dit: Toi aussi, tu étais avec Jésus le Galiléen.

70 Mais il le nia devant tous, disant: Je ne sais ce que tu veux dire.

71 Comme il se dirigeait vers la porte, une autre servante le vit, et dit à ceux qui se trouvaient là; Celui-ci était aussi avec Jésus de Nazareth.

72 Il le nia de nouveau, avec serment: Je ne connais pas cet homme.

73 Peu après, ceux qui étaient là, s'étant approchés, dirent à Pierre: Certainement tu es aussi de ces gens-là, car ton langage te fait reconnaître.

74 Alors il se mit à faire des imprécations et à jurer: Je ne connais pas cet homme. Aussitôt le coq chanta.

75 Et Pierre se souvint de la parole que Jésus avait dite: Avant que le coq chante, tu me renieras trois fois. Et étant sorti, il pleura amèrement.

Matthieu 26 Commentary

Chapter 26

The rulers conspire against Christ. (1-5) Christ anointed at Bethany. (6-13) Judas bargains to betray Christ. (14-16) The Passover. (17-25) Christ institutes his holy supper. (26-30) He warns his disciples. (31-35) His agony in the garden. (36-46) He is betrayed. (47-56) Christ before Caiaphas. (57-68) Peter denies him. (69-75)

Verses 1-5 Our Lord had often told of his sufferings as at a distance, now he speaks of them as at hand. At the same time the Jewish council consulted how they might put him to death secretly. But it pleased God to defeat their intention. Jesus, the true paschal Lamb, was to be sacrificed for us at that very time, and his death and resurrection rendered public.

Verses 6-13 The pouring ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect. Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon him. The more Christ's servants and their services are cavilled at, the more he manifests his acceptance. This act of faith and love was so remarkable, that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary's faith and love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled.

Verses 14-16 There were but twelve called apostles, and one of them was like a devil; surely we must never expect any society to be quite pure on this side heaven. The greater profession men make of religion, the greater opportunity they have of doing mischief, if their hearts be not right with God. Observe, that Christ's own disciple, who knew so well his doctrine and manner of his life, and was false to him, could not charge him with any thing criminal, though it would have served to justify his treachery. What did Judas want? Was not he welcome wherever his Master was? Did he not fare as Christ fared? It is not the lack, but the love of money, that is the root of all evil. After he had made that wicked bargain, Judas had time to repent, and to revoke it; but when lesser acts of dishonesty have hardened the conscience men do without hesitation that which is more shameful.

Verses 17-25 Observe, the place for their eating the passover was pointed out by Christ to the disciples. He knows those hidden ones who favour his cause, and will graciously visit all who are willing to receive him. The disciples did as Jesus had appointed. Those who would have Christ's presence in the gospel passover, must do what he says. It well becomes the disciples of Christ always to be jealous over themselves, especially in trying times. We know not how strongly we may be tempted, nor how far God may leave us to ourselves, therefore we have reason not to be high-minded, but to fear. Heart-searching examination and fervent prayer are especially proper before the Lord's supper, that, as Christ our Passover is now sacrificed for us, we may keep this feast, renewing our repentance, our faith in his blood, and surrendering ourselves to his service.

Verses 26-30 This ordinance of the Lord's supper is to us the passover supper, by which we commemorate a much greater deliverance than that of Israel out of Egypt. Take, eat; accept of Christ as he is offered to you; receive the atonement, approve of it, submit to his grace and his government. Meat looked upon, be the dish ever so well garnished, will not nourish; it must be fed upon: so must the doctrine of Christ. This is my body; that is, spiritually, it signifies and represents his body. We partake of the sun, not by having the sun put into our hands, but the beams of it darted down upon us; so we partake of Christ by partaking of his grace, and the blessed fruits of the breaking of his body. The blood of Christ is signified and represented by the wine. He gave thanks, to teach us to look to God in every part of the ordinance. This cup he gave to the disciples with a command, Drink ye all of it. The pardon of sin is that great blessing which is, in the Lord's supper, conferred on all true believers; it is the foundation of all other blessings. He takes leave of such communion; and assures them of a happy meeting again at last; "Until that day when I drink it new with you", may be understood of the joys and glories of the future state, which the saints shall partake with the Lord Jesus. That will be the kingdom of his Father; the wine of consolation will there be always new. While we look at the outward signs of Christ's body broken and his blood shed for the remission of our sins, let us recollect that the feast cost him as much as though he had literally given his flesh to be eaten and his blood for us to drink.

Verses 31-35 Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall. There is a proneness in all of us to be over-confident. But those fall soonest and foulest, who are the most confident in themselves. Those are least safe, who think themselves most secure. Satan is active to lead such astray; they are most off their guard: God leaves them to themselves, to humble them.

Verses 36-46 He who made atonement for the sins of mankind, submitted himself in a garden of suffering, to the will of God, from which man had revolted in a garden of pleasure. Christ took with him into that part of the garden where he suffered his agony, only those who had witnessed his glory in his transfiguration. Those are best prepared to suffer with Christ, who have by faith beheld his glory. The words used denote the most entire dejection, amazement, anguish, and horror of mind; the state of one surrounded with sorrows, overwhelmed with miseries, and almost swallowed up with terror and dismay. He now began to be sorrowful, and never ceased to be so till he said, It is finished. He prayed that, if possible, the cup might pass from him. But he also showed his perfect readiness to bear the load of his sufferings; he was willing to submit to all for our redemption and salvation. According to this example of Christ, we must drink of the bitterest cup which God puts into our hands; though nature struggle, it must submit. It should be more our care to get troubles sanctified, and our hearts satisfied under them, than to get them taken away. It is well for us that our salvation is in the hand of One who neither slumbers nor sleeps. All are tempted, but we should be much afraid of entering into temptation. To be secured from this, we should watch and pray, and continually look unto the Lord to hold us up that we may be safe. Doubtless our Lord had a clear and full view of the sufferings he was to endure, yet he spoke with the greatest calmness till this time. Christ was a Surety, who undertook to be answerable for our sins. Accordingly he was made sin for us, and suffered for our sins, the Just for the unjust; and Scripture ascribes his heaviest sufferings to the hand of God. He had full knowledge of the infinite evil of sin, and of the immense extent of that guilt for which he was to atone; with awful views of the Divine justice and holiness, and the punishment deserved by the sins of men, such as no tongue can express, or mind conceive. At the same time, Christ suffered being tempted; probably horrible thoughts were suggested by Satan that tended to gloom and every dreadful conclusion: these would be the more hard to bear from his perfect holiness. And did the load of imputed guilt so weigh down the soul of Him of whom it is said, He upholdeth all things by the word of his power? into what misery then must those sink whose sins are left upon their own heads! How will those escape who neglect so great salvation?

Verses 47-56 No enemies are so much to be abhorred as those professed disciples that betray Christ with a kiss. God has no need of our services, much less of our sins, to bring about his purposes. Though Christ was crucified through weakness, it was voluntary weakness; he submitted to death. If he had not been willing to suffer, they could not conquer him. It was a great sin for those who had left all to follow Jesus; now to leave him for they knew not what. What folly, for fear of death to flee from Him, whom they knew and acknowledged to be the Fountain of life!

Verses 57-68 Jesus was hurried into Jerusalem. It looks ill, and bodes worse, when those who are willing to be Christ's disciples, are not willing to be known to be so. Here began Peter's denying him: for to follow Christ afar off, is to begin to go back from him. It is more our concern to prepare for the end, whatever it may be, than curiously to ask what the end will be. The event is God's, but the duty is ours. Now the Scriptures were fulfilled, which said, False witnesses are risen up against me. Christ was accused, that we might not be condemned; and if at any time we suffer thus, let us remember we cannot expect to fare better than our Master. When Christ was made sin for us, he was silent, and left it to his blood to speak. Hitherto Jesus had seldom professed expressly to be the Christ, the Son of God; the tenor of his doctrine spoke it, and his miracles proved it; but now he would not omit to make an open confession of it. It would have looked like declining his sufferings. He thus confessed, as an example and encouragement to his followers, to confess him before men, whatever hazard they ran. Disdain, cruel mocking, and abhorrence, are the sure portion of the disciple as they were of the Master, from such as would buffet and deride the Lord of glory. These things were exactly foretold in the fiftieth chapter of Isaiah. Let us confess Christ's name, and bear the reproach, and he will confess us before his Father's throne.

Verses 69-75 Peter's sin is truly related, for the Scriptures deal faithfully. Bad company leads to sin: those who needlessly thrust themselves into it, may expect to be tempted and insnared, as Peter. They scarcely can come out of such company without guilt or grief, or both. It is a great fault to be shy of Christ; and to dissemble our knowledge of him, when we are called to own him, is, in effect, to deny him. Peter's sin was aggravated; but he fell into the sin by surprise, not as Judas, with design. But conscience should be to us as the crowing of the cock, to put us in mind of the sins we had forgotten. Peter was thus left to fall, to abate his self-confidence, and render him more modest, humble, compassionate, and useful to others. The event has taught believers many things ever since, and if infidels, Pharisees, and hypocrites stumble at it or abuse it, it is at their peril. Little do we know how we should act in very difficult situations, if we were left to ourselves. Let him, therefore, that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall; let us all distrust our own hearts, and rely wholly on the Lord. Peter wept bitterly. Sorrow for sin must not be slight, but great and deep. Peter, who wept so bitterly for denying Christ, never denied him again, but confessed him often in the face of danger. True repentance for any sin will be shown by the contrary grace and duty; that is a sign of our sorrowing not only bitterly, but sincerely.