Matteo 26

1 Ed avvenne che quando Gesù ebbe finiti tutti questi ragionamenti, disse ai suoi discepoli:

2 Voi sapete che fra due giorni è la Pasqua, e il Figliuol dell’uomo sarà consegnato per esser crocifisso.

3 Allora i capi sacerdoti e gli anziani del popolo si raunarono nella corte del sommo sacerdote detto Caiàfa,

4 e deliberarono nel loro consiglio di pigliar Gesù con inganno e di farlo morire.

5 Ma dicevano: Non durante la festa, perché non accada tumulto nel popolo.

6 Or essendo Gesù in Betania, in casa di Simone il lebbroso,

7 venne a lui una donna che aveva un alabastro d’olio odorifero di gran prezzo, e lo versò sul capo di lui che stava a tavola.

8 Veduto ciò, i discepoli furono indignati e dissero: A che questa perdita?

9 Poiché quest’olio si sarebbe potuto vender caro, e il denaro darlo ai poveri.

10 Ma Gesù, accortosene, disse loro: Perché date noia a questa donna? Ella ha fatto un’azione buona verso di me.

11 Perché i poveri li avete sempre con voi; ma me non mi avete sempre.

12 Poiché costei, versando quest’olio sul mio corpo, l’ha fatto in vista della mia sepoltura.

13 In verità vi dico che per tutto il mondo, dovunque sarà predicato questo evangelo, anche quello che costei ha fatto, sarà raccontato in memoria di lei.

14 Allora uno dei dodici, detto Giuda Iscariot, andò dai capi sacerdoti e disse loro:

15 Che mi volete dare, e io ve lo consegnerò? Ed essi gli contarono trenta sicli d’argento.

16 E da quell’ora cercava il momento opportuno di tradirlo.

17 Or il primo giorno degli azzimi, i discepoli s’accostarono a Gesù e gli dissero: Dove vuoi che ti prepariamo da mangiar la pasqua?

18 Ed egli disse: Andate in città dal tale, e ditegli: Il Maestro dice: il mio tempo è vicino; farò la pasqua da te, co’ miei discepoli.

19 E i discepoli fecero come Gesù avea loro ordinato, e prepararono la pasqua.

20 E quando fu sera, si mise a tavola co’ dodici discepoli.

21 E mentre mangiavano, disse: In verità io vi dico: Uno di voi mi tradirà.

22 Ed essi, grandemente attristati, cominciarono a dirgli ad uno ad uno: Sono io quello, Signore?

23 Ma egli, rispondendo, disse: Colui che ha messo con me la mano nel piatto, quello mi tradirà.

24 Certo, il Figliuol dell’uomo se ne va, come è scritto di lui, ma guai a quell’uomo per cui il Figliuol dell’uomo è tradito! Meglio sarebbe per cotest’uomo, se non fosse mai nato.

25 E Giuda, che lo tradiva, prese a dire: Sono io quello, Maestro? E Gesù a lui: L’hai detto.

26 Or mentre mangiavano, Gesù prese del pane; e fatta la benedizione, lo ruppe, e dandolo a’ suoi discepoli, disse: Prendete, mangiate, questo è il mio corpo.

27 Poi, preso un calice e rese grazie, lo diede loro, dicendo:

28 Bevetene tutti, perché questo è il mio sangue, il sangue del patto, il quale è sparso per molti per la remissione dei peccati.

29 Io vi dico che d’ora in poi non berrò più di questo frutto della vigna, fino al giorno che lo berrò nuovo con voi nel regno del Padre mio.

30 E dopo ch’ebbero cantato l’inno, uscirono per andare al monte degli Ulivi.

31 Allora Gesù disse loro: Questa notte voi tutti avrete in me un’occasion di caduta; perché è scritto: Io percoterò il pastore, e le pecore della greggia saranno disperse.

32 Ma dopo che sarò risuscitato, vi precederò in Galilea.

33 Ma Pietro, rispondendo, gli disse: Quand’anche tu fossi per tutti un’occasion di caduta, non lo sarai mai per me.

34 Gesù gli disse: In verità ti dico che questa stessa notte, prima che il gallo canti, tu mi rinnegherai tre volte.

35 E Pietro a lui: Quand’anche mi convenisse morir teco, non però ti rinnegherò. E lo stesso dissero pure tutti i discepoli.

36 Allora Gesù venne con loro in un podere detto Getsemani, e disse ai discepoli: Sedete qui finché io sia andato là ed abbia orato.

37 E presi seco Pietro e i due figliuoli di Zebedeo, cominciò ad esser contristato ed angosciato.

38 Allora disse loro: L’anima mia è oppressa da tristezza mortale; rimanete qui e vegliate meco.

39 E andato un poco innanzi, si gettò con la faccia a terra, pregando, e dicendo: Padre mio, se è possibile, passi oltre da me questo calice! Ma pure, non come voglio io, ma come tu vuoi.

40 Poi venne a’ discepoli, e li trovò che dormivano, e disse a Pietro: Così, non siete stati capaci di vegliar meco un’ora sola?

41 Vegliate ed orate, affinché non cadiate in tentazione; ben è lo spirito pronto, ma la carne è debole.

42 Di nuovo, per la seconda volta, andò e pregò, dicendo: Padre mio, se non è possibile che questo calice passi oltre da me, senza ch’io lo beva, sia fatta la tua volontà.

43 E tornato, li trovò che dormivano perché gli occhi loro erano aggravati.

44 E lasciatili, andò di nuovo e pregò per la terza volta, ripetendo le medesime parole.

45 Poi venne ai discepoli e disse loro: Dormite pure oramai, e riposatevi! Ecco, l’ora e giunta, e il Figliuol dell’uomo è dato nelle mani dei peccatori.

46 Levatevi, andiamo; ecco, colui che mi tradisce è vicino.

47 E mentre parlava ancora, ecco arrivar Giuda, uno dei dodici, e con lui una gran turba con spade e bastoni, da parte de’ capi sacerdoti e degli anziani del popolo.

48 Or colui che lo tradiva, avea dato loro un segnale, dicendo: Quello che bacerò, è lui; pigliatelo.

49 E in quell’istante, accostatosi a Gesù, gli disse: Ti saluto, Maestro! e gli dette un lungo bacio.

50 Ma Gesù gli disse: Amico, a far che sei tu qui? Allora, accostatisi, gli misero le mani addosso, e lo presero.

51 Ed ecco, un di coloro ch’eran con lui, stesa la mano alla spada, la sfoderò; e percosso il servitore del sommo sacerdote, gli spiccò l’orecchio.

52 Allora Gesù gli disse: Riponi la tua spada al suo posto, perché tutti quelli che prendon la spada, periscon per la spada.

53 Credi tu forse ch’io non potrei pregare il Padre mio che mi manderebbe in quest’istante più di dodici legioni d’angeli?

54 Come dunque si adempirebbero le Scritture, secondo le quali bisogna che così avvenga?

55 In quel punto Gesù disse alle turbe: Voi siete usciti con spade e bastoni come contro ad un ladrone, per pigliarmi. Ogni giorno sedevo nel tempio ad insegnare, e voi non m’avete preso;

56 ma tutto questo è avvenuto affinché si adempissero le scritture de’ profeti. Allora tutti i discepoli, lasciatolo, se ne fuggirono.

57 Or quelli che aveano preso Gesù, lo menarono a Caiàfa, sommo sacerdote, presso il quale erano raunati gli scribi e gli anziani.

58 E Pietro lo seguiva da lontano, finché giunsero alla corte del sommo sacerdote; ed entrato dentro, si pose a sedere con le guardie, per veder la fine.

59 Or i capi sacerdoti e tutto il Sinedrio cercavano qualche falsa testimonianza contro a Gesù per farlo morire;

60 e non ne trovavano alcuna, benché si fossero fatti avanti molti falsi testimoni.

61 Finalmente, se ne fecero avanti due che dissero: Costui ha detto: Io posso disfare il tempio di Dio e riedificarlo in tre giorni.

62 E il sommo sacerdote, levatosi in piedi, gli disse: Non rispondi tu nulla? Che testimoniano costoro contro a te? Ma Gesù taceva.

63 E il sommo sacerdote gli disse: Ti scongiuro per l’Iddio vivente a dirci se tu se’ il Cristo, il Figliuol di Dio.

64 Gesù gli rispose: Tu l’hai detto; anzi vi dico che da ora innanzi vedrete il Figliuol dell’uomo sedere alla destra della Potenza, e venire su le nuvole del cielo.

65 Allora il sommo sacerdote si stracciò le vesti, dicendo: Egli ha bestemmiato: che bisogno abbiamo più di testimoni? Ecco, ora avete udita la sua bestemmia;

66 che ve ne pare? Ed essi, rispondendo, dissero: E’ reo di morte.

67 Allora gli sputarono in viso e gli diedero de’ pugni; e altri lo schiaffeggiarono,

68 dicendo: O Cristo profeta, indovinaci: chi t’ha percosso?

69 Pietro, intanto, stava seduto fuori nella corte; e una serva gli si accostò, dicendo: Anche tu eri con Gesù il Galileo.

70 Ma egli lo negò davanti a tutti, dicendo: Non so quel che tu dica.

71 E come fu uscito fuori nell’antiporto, un’altra lo vide e disse a coloro ch’eran quivi: Anche costui era con Gesù Nazareno.

72 Ed egli daccapo lo negò giurando: Non conosco quell’uomo.

73 Di li a poco, gli astanti, accostatisi, dissero a Pietro: Per certo tu pure sei di quelli, perché anche la tua parlata ti dà a conoscere.

74 Allora egli cominciò ad imprecare ed a giurare: Non conosco quell’uomo! E in quell’istante il gallo cantò.

75 E Pietro si ricordò della parola di Gesù che gli avea detto: Prima che il gallo canti, tu mi rinnegherai tre volte. E uscito fuori, pianse amaramente.

Matteo 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.