Mateo 26

1 Cuando Jesús terminó todas estas palabras, dijo a sus discípulos:

2 Sabéis que dentro de dos días se celebra la Pascua, y el Hijo del Hombre será entregado para ser crucificado.

3 Entonces los principales sacerdotes y los ancianos del pueblo se reunieron en el patio del sumo sacerdote llamado Caifás.

4 Y tramaron entre ellos prender a Jesús con engaño y matarle.

5 Pero decían: No durante la fiesta, para que no haya un tumulto en el pueblo.

6 Y hallándose Jesús en Betania, en casa de Simón el leproso,

7 se le acercó una mujer con un frasco de alabastro de perfume muy costoso, y lo derramó sobre su cabeza cuando estaba sentado a la mesa.

8 Pero al ver esto, los discípulos se indignaron, y decían: ¿Para qué este desperdicio?

9 Porque este perfume podía haberse vendido a gran precio, y el dinero habérselo dado a los pobres.

10 Pero Jesús, dándose cuenta, les dijo: ¿Por qué molestáis a la mujer? Pues buena obra ha hecho conmigo.

11 Porque a los pobres siempre los tendréis con vosotros, pero a mí no siempre me tendréis.

12 Pues al derramar ella este perfume sobre mi cuerpo, lo ha hecho a fin de prepararme para la sepultura.

13 En verdad os digo: Dondequiera que este evangelio se predique, en el mundo entero, se hablará también de lo que ésta ha hecho, en memoria suya.

14 Entonces uno de los doce, llamado Judas Iscariote, fue a los principales sacerdotes,

15 y dijo: ¿Qué estáis dispuestos a darme para que yo os lo entregue? Y ellos le pesaron treinta piezas de plata.

16 Y desde entonces buscaba una oportunidad para entregarle.

17 El primer día de la fiesta de los panes sin levadura, se acercaron los discípulos a Jesús, diciendo: ¿Dónde quieres que te hagamos los preparativos para comer la Pascua?

18 Y El respondió: Id a la ciudad, a cierto hombre, y decidle: "El Maestro dice: 'Mi tiempo está cerca; quiero celebrar la Pascua en tu casa con mis discípulos.'"

19 Entonces los discípulos hicieron como Jesús les había mandado, y prepararon la Pascua.

20 Al atardecer, estaba El sentado a la mesa con los doce discípulos.

21 Y mientras comían, dijo: En verdad os digo que uno de vosotros me entregará.

22 Y ellos, profundamente entristecidos, comenzaron a decirle uno por uno: ¿Acaso soy yo, Señor?

23 Respondiendo El, dijo: El que metió la mano conmigo en el plato, ése me entregará.

24 El Hijo del Hombre se va, según está escrito de El; pero ¡ay de aquel hombre por quien el Hijo del Hombre es entregado! Mejor le fuera a ese hombre no haber nacido.

25 Y respondiendo Judas, el que le iba a entregar, dijo: ¿Acaso soy yo, Rabí? Y El le dijo: Tú lo has dicho.

26 Mientras comían, Jesús tomó pan, y habiéndolo bendecido, lo partió, y dándoselo a los discípulos, dijo: Tomad, comed; esto es mi cuerpo.

27 Y tomando una copa, y habiendo dado gracias, se la dio, diciendo: Bebed todos de ella;

28 porque esto es mi sangre del nuevo pacto, que es derramada por muchos para el perdón de los pecados.

29 Y os digo que desde ahora no beberé más de este fruto de la vid, hasta aquel día cuando lo beba nuevo con vosotros en el reino de mi Padre.

30 Y después de cantar un himno, salieron hacia el monte de los Olivos.

31 Entonces Jesús les dijo<***>: Esta noche todos vosotros os apartaréis por causa de mí, pues escrito está: "HERIRE AL PASTOR, Y LAS OVEJAS DEL REBAÑO SE DISPERSARAN."

32 Pero después de que yo haya resucitado, iré delante de vosotros a Galilea.

33 Entonces Pedro, respondiendo, le dijo: Aunque todos se aparten por causa de ti, yo nunca me apartaré.

34 Jesús le dijo: En verdad te digo que esta misma noche, antes que el gallo cante, me negarás tres veces.

35 Pedro le dijo<***>: Aunque tenga que morir contigo, jamás te negaré. Todos los discípulos dijeron también lo mismo.

36 Entonces Jesús llegó<***> con ellos a un lugar que se llama Getsemaní, y dijo<***> a sus discípulos: Sentaos aquí mientras yo voy allá y oro.

37 Y tomando consigo a Pedro y a los dos hijos de Zebedeo, comenzó a entristecerse y a angustiarse.

38 Entonces les dijo<***>: Mi alma está muy afligida, hasta el punto de la muerte; quedaos aquí y velad conmigo.

39 Y adelantándose un poco, cayó sobre su rostro, orando y diciendo: Padre mío, si es posible, que pase de mí esta copa; pero no sea como yo quiero, sino como tú quieras.

40 Vino<***> entonces a los discípulos y los halló<***> durmiendo, y dijo<***> a Pedro: ¿Conque no pudisteis velar una hora conmigo?

41 Velad y orad para que no entréis en tentación; el espíritu está dispuesto, pero la carne es débil.

42 Apartándose de nuevo, oró por segunda vez, diciendo: Padre mío, si ésta no puede pasar sin que yo la beba, hágase tu voluntad.

43 Y vino otra vez y los halló durmiendo, porque sus ojos estaban cargados de sueño.

44 Dejándolos de nuevo, se fue y oró por tercera vez, diciendo otra vez las mismas palabras.

45 Entonces vino<***> a los discípulos y les dijo<***>: ¿Todavía estáis durmiendo y descansando? He aquí, ha llegado la hora, y el Hijo del Hombre es entregado en manos de pecadores.

46 ¡Levantaos! ¡Vamos! Mirad, está cerca el que me entrega.

47 Mientras todavía estaba El hablando, he aquí, Judas, uno de los doce, llegó acompañado de una gran multitud con espadas y garrotes, de parte de los principales sacerdotes y de los ancianos del pueblo.

48 Y el que le entregaba les había dado una señal, diciendo: Al que yo bese, ése es; prendedle.

49 Y enseguida se acercó a Jesús y dijo: ¡Salve, Rabí! Y le besó.

50 Y Jesús le dijo: Amigo, haz lo que viniste a hacer. Entonces ellos se acercaron, echaron mano a Jesús y le prendieron.

51 Y sucedió que uno de los que estaban con Jesús, extendiendo la mano, sacó su espada, e hiriendo al siervo del sumo sacerdote, le cortó la oreja.

52 Entonces Jesús le dijo<***>: Vuelve tu espada a su sitio, porque todos los que tomen la espada, a espada perecerán.

53 ¿O piensas que no puedo rogar a mi Padre, y El pondría a mi disposición ahora mismo más de doce legiones de ángeles?

54 Pero, ¿cómo se cumplirían entonces las Escrituras de que así debe suceder?

55 En aquel momento Jesús dijo a la muchedumbre: ¿Como contra un ladrón habéis salido con espadas y garrotes para arrestarme? Cada día solía sentarme en el templo para enseñar, y no me prendisteis.

56 Pero todo esto ha sucedido para que se cumplan las Escrituras de los profetas. Entonces todos los discípulos le abandonaron y huyeron.

57 Y los que prendieron a Jesús le llevaron ante el sumo sacerdote Caifás, donde estaban reunidos los escribas y los ancianos.

58 Y Pedro le fue siguiendo de lejos hasta el patio del sumo sacerdote, y entrando, se sentó con los alguaciles para ver el fin de todo aquello.

59 Y los principales sacerdotes y todo el concilio procuraban obtener falso testimonio contra Jesús, con el fin de darle muerte,

60 y no lo hallaron a pesar de que se presentaron muchos falsos testigos. Pero más tarde se presentaron dos,

61 que dijeron: Este declaró: "Yo puedo destruir el templo de Dios y en tres días reedificarlo."

62 Entonces el sumo sacerdote, levantándose, le dijo: ¿No respondes nada? ¿Qué testifican éstos contra ti?

63 Mas Jesús callaba. Y el sumo sacerdote le dijo: Te conjuro por el Dios viviente que nos digas si tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios.

64 Jesús le dijo<***>: Tú mismo lo has dicho; sin embargo, os digo que desde ahora veréis AL HIJO DEL HOMBRE SENTADO A LA DIESTRA DEL PODER, y VINIENDO SOBRE LAS NUBES DEL CIELO.

65 Entonces el sumo sacerdote rasgó sus vestiduras, diciendo: ¡Ha blasfemado! ¿Qué necesidad tenemos de más testigos? He aquí, ahora mismo habéis oído la blasfemia;

66 ¿qué os parece? Ellos respondieron y dijeron: ¡Es reo de muerte!

67 Entonces le escupieron en el rostro y le dieron de puñetazos; y otros le abofeteaban,

68 diciendo: Adivina, Cristo, ¿quién es el que te ha golpeado?

69 Pedro estaba sentado fuera en el patio, y una sirvienta se le acercó y dijo: Tú también estabas con Jesús el galileo.

70 Pero él lo negó delante de todos ellos, diciendo: No sé de qué hablas.

71 Cuando salió al portal, lo vio otra sirvienta y dijo<***> a los que estaban allí: Este estaba con Jesús el nazareno.

72 Y otra vez él lo negó con juramento: ¡Yo no conozco a ese hombre!

73 Y un poco después se acercaron los que estaban allí y dijeron a Pedro: Seguro que tú también eres uno de ellos, porque aun tu manera de hablar te descubre.

74 Entonces él comenzó a maldecir y a jurar: ¡Yo no conozco a ese hombre! Y al instante un gallo cantó.

75 Y Pedro se acordó de lo que Jesús había dicho: Antes que el gallo cante, me negarás tres veces. Y saliendo fuera, lloró amargamente.

Mateo 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Una legin estaba compuesta de 6,000 soldados