Matteo 26

1 ED avvenne che, quando Gesù ebbe finiti tutti questi ragionamenti, disse a’ suoi discepoli:

2 Voi sapete che fra due giorni è la pasqua; e il Figliuol dell’uomo sarà dato in mano del magistrato, per essere crocifisso.

3 Allora si raunarono i principali sacerdoti, e gli Scribi, e gli anziani del popolo, nella corte del sommo sacerdote, detto Caiafa;

4 e presero insieme consiglio di pigliar Gesù con inganno, e di farlo morire.

5 Ma dicevano: Non convien farlo nella festa; acciocchè non si faccia tumulto fra il popolo.

6 ORA, essendo Gesù in Betania, in casa di Simone lebbroso,

7 era venuta a lui una donna, avendo un alberello d’olio odorifero di gran prezzo; ed ella l’avea sparso sopra il capo di Cristo, mentre era a tavola.

8 E i suoi discepoli, avendo ciò veduto, furono indegnati, dicendo: A che far questa perdita?

9 Poichè quest’olio si sarebbe potuto vendere un gran prezzo, e quello darsi a’ poveri.

10 Ma Gesù, conosciuto ciò, disse loro: Perchè date voi noia a questa donna? poichè ella ha fatta una buona opera inverso me.

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

12 Poichè costei, versando quest’olio sopra il mio corpo, l’ha fatto per imbalsamarmi.

13 Io vi dico in verità, che dovunque sarà predicato quest’evangelo, in tutto il mondo, si racconterà eziandio ciò che costei ha fatto, in memoria di lei.

14 ALLORA uno de’ dodici, detto Giuda Iscariot, andò a’ principali sacerdoti, e disse loro:

15 Che mi volete dare, ed io ve lo darò nelle mani? Ed essi gli pesarono trenta sicli d’argento.

16 E da quell’ora egli cercava opportunità di tradirlo.

17 OR nel primo giorno degli azzimi, i discepoli vennero a Gesù, dicendogli: Ove vuoi che noi ti apparecchiamo da mangiar la pasqua?

18 Ed egli disse: Andate nella città ad un tale, e ditegli: Il Maestro dice: Il mio tempo è vicino; io farò la pasqua in casa tua, coi miei discepoli.

19 E i discepoli fecero come Gesù avea loro ordinato, ed apparecchiarono la pasqua.

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

21 E mentre mangiavano, disse: Io vi dico in verità, che un di voi mi tradirà.

22 Ed essendone eglino grandemente attristati, ciascun di loro prese a dirgli: Son io desso, Signore?

23 Ed egli, rispondendo, disse: Colui che intinge con la mano meco nel piatto mi tradirà.

24 Il Figliuol dell’uomo certo se ne va, secondo ch’è scritto di lui; ma, guai a quell’uomo per lo quale il Figliuol dell’uomo è tradito! meglio sarebbe stato per lui di non esser mai nato.

25 E Giuda che lo tradiva prese a dire: Maestro, son io desso? Egli gli disse: Tu l’hai detto.

26 Ora, mentre mangiavano, Gesù, preso il pane, e fatta la benedizione, lo ruppe, e lo diede a’ discepoli, e disse: Prendete, mangiate; quest’è il mio corpo.

27 Poi, preso il calice, e rendute le grazie, lo diede loro, dicendo: Bevetene tutti.

28 Perciocchè quest’è il mio sangue, ch’è il sangue del nuovo patto, il quale è sparso per molti, in remission de’ peccati.

29 Or io vi dico, che da ora io non berrò più di questo frutto della vigna, fino a quel giorno che io lo berrò nuovo con voi nel regno del Padre mio.

30 E DOPO ch’ebbero cantato l’inno, se ne uscirono al monte degli Ulivi.

31 Allora Gesù disse loro: Voi tutti sarete scandalezzati in me questa notte; perciocchè egli è scritto: Io percoterò il Pastore, e le pecore della greggia saranno disperse.

32 Ma, dopo che io sarò risuscitato, andrò dinanzi a voi in Galilea.

33 Ma Pietro, rispondendo, gli disse: Avvegnachè tutti sieno scandalezzati in te, io non sarò giammai scandalezzato.

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

35 Pietro gli disse: Benchè mi convenisse morir teco, non però ti rinnegherò. Il simigliante dissero eziandio tutti i discepoli.

36 ALLORA Gesù venne con loro in una villa, detta Ghetsemane, e disse a’ discepoli: Sedete qui, finchè io sia andato là, ed abbia orato.

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

38 Allora egli disse loro: L’anima mia è occupata di tristizia infino alla morte; dimorate qui, e vegliate meco.

39 E andato un poco innanzi, si gettò sopra la sua faccia, orando, e dicendo: Padre mio, se egli è possibile, trapassi da me questo calice; ma pure, non come io voglio, ma come tu vuoi.

40 Poi venne a’ discepoli, e li trovò che dormivano, e disse a Pietro: Così non avete potuto vegliar pure un’ora meco?

41 Vegliate, ed orate, che non entriate in tentazione; perciocchè lo spirito è pronto, ma la carne è debole.

42 Di nuovo, la seconda volta, egli andò, ed orò, dicendo: Padre mio, se egli non è possibile che questo calice trapassi da me, che io nol beva, la tua volontà sia fatta.

43 Poi, essendo di nuovo venuto, li trovò che dormivano; perciocchè i loro occhi erano aggravati.

44 E, lasciatili, andò di nuovo, ed orò la terza volta, dicendo le medesime parole.

45 Allora egli venne a’ suoi discepoli, e disse loro: Dormite pure da ora innanzi, e riposatevi; ecco, l’ora è 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 egli parlava ancora, ecco, Giuda, uno de’ dodici, venne, e con lui un grande stuolo, con ispade, ed aste, mandato da’ principali sacerdoti, e dagli anziani del popolo.

48 Or colui che lo tradiva avea loro dato un segnale, dicendo: Colui il quale io avrò baciato è desso; pigliatelo.

49 E in quello stante, accostatosi a Gesù, gli disse: Bene stii, Maestro; e baciollo.

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

51 Ed ecco, un di coloro ch’erano con Gesù, distesa la mano, trasse fuori la spada, e percosse il servitore del sommo sacerdote, e gli spiccò l’orecchio.

52 Allora Gesù gli disse: Riponi la tua spada nel suo luogo; perciocchè tutti coloro che avranno presa la spada, periranno per la spada.

53 Pensi tu forse che io non potessi ora pregare il Padre mio, il qual mi manderebbe subito più di dodici legioni d’angeli?

54 Come dunque sarebbero adempiute le Scritture, le quali dicono che conviene che così avvenga?

55 In quella stessa ora Gesù disse alle turbe: Voi siete usciti con ispade e con aste, come contro a un ladrone, per prendermi; io tuttodì sedeva appresso di voi, insegnando nel tempio; e voi non mi avete preso.

56 Ma tutto ciò è avvenuto, acciocchè le Scritture de’ profeti fossero adempiute. Allora tutti i discepoli, lasciatolo, se ne fuggirono.

57 OR coloro che aveano preso Gesù lo menarono a Caiafa, sommo sacerdote, ove gli Scribi e gli anziani erano raunati.

58 E Pietro lo seguitava da lungi infino alla corte del sommo sacerdote; ed entrato dentro, si pose a seder co’ sergenti, per veder la fine.

59 Or i principali sacerdoti, e gli anziani, e tutto il concistoro, cercavano qualche falsa testimonianza contro a Gesù, per farlo morire;

60 ma non ne trovarono alcuna; eziandio dopo che molti falsi testimoni si furono fatti avanti, non ne trovavano però, alcuna; ma, alla fine, vennero due falsi testimoni;

61 i quali dissero: Costui ha detto: Io posso disfare il tempio di Dio, e infra tre giorni riedificarlo.

62 Allora il sommo sacerdote, levatosi, gli disse: Non rispondi tu nulla? che testimoniano costoro contro a te?

63 Ma Gesù taceva. E il sommo sacerdote replicò, e gli disse: Io ti scongiuro per l’Iddio vivente, che tu ci dica se tu sei il Cristo, il Figliuol di Dio.

64 Gesù gli disse: Tu l’hai detto. Anzi io vi dico, che da ora innanzi voi vedrete il Figliuol dell’uomo sedere alla destra della Potenza, e venir sopra le nuvole del cielo.

65 Allora il sommo sacerdote stracciò i suoi vestimenti, dicendo: Egli ha bestemmiato; che abbiamo noi più bisogno di testimoni? ecco, ora voi avete udita la sua bestemmia.

66 Che vi par egli? Ed essi, rispondendo, dissero: Egli è reo di morte.

67 Allora gli sputarono nel viso, e gli diedero delle guanciate; ed altri gli diedero delle bacchettate,

68 dicendo: O Cristo, indovinaci chi ti ha percosso.

69 OR Pietro sedeva di fuori nella corte; ed una fanticella si accostò a lui, dicendo: Anche tu eri con Gesù il Galileo.

70 Ma egli lo negò davanti a tutti, dicendo: Io non so ciò che tu ti dici.

71 E, come egli fu uscito fuori all’antiporto, un’altra lo vide, e disse a coloro ch’erano quivi: Anche costui era con Gesù il Nazareo.

72 Ma egli di nuovo lo negò con giuramento, dicendo: Io non conosco quell’uomo.

73 E poco appresso, quelli ch’erano presenti, accostatisi, dissero a Pietro: Di vero anche tu sei di quelli; perciocchè la tua favella ti fa manifesto.

74 Allora egli cominciò a maledirsi, ed a giurare, dicendo: Io non conosco quell’uomo. E in quello stante il gallo cantò.

75 Allora Pietro si ricordò della parola di Gesù, il quale gli avea detto: Innanzi che il gallo canti, tu mi rinnegherai tre volte. Ed egli uscì, e 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.