Matthew 26

1 It happened, when Yeshua had finished all these words, that he said to his talmidim,

2 "You know that after two days the Pesach is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified."

3 Then the chief Kohanim, the Sofrim, and the Zakenim of the people were gathered together in the court of the Kohen Gadol, who was called Kayafa.

4 They took counsel together that they might take Yeshua by deceit, and kill him.

5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people."

6 Now when Yeshua was in Beit-Anyah, in the house of Shim`on the leper,

7 a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.

8 But when his talmidim saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?

9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

10 But Yeshua, knowing this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for me.

11 For you always have the poor with you; but you don't always have me.

12 For in that she poured this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

13 Most assuredly I tell you, wherever this Good News will be preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her."

14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Yehudah from K'riot, went to the chief Kohanim,

15 and said, "What are you willing to give me, and I will deliver him to you?" They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.

16 From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

17 Now on the first day of matzah, the talmidim came to Yeshua, saying to him, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Pesach?"

18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Pesach at your house with my talmidim."'"

19 The talmidim did as Yeshua commanded them, and they prepared the Pesach.

20 Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve talmidim.

21 As they were eating, he said, "Most assuredly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord?"

23 He answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.

24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

25 Yehudah, who betrayed him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You said it."

26 As they were eating, Yeshua took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the talmidim, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."

27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, "Drink all of it,

28 for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Yeshua said to them, "All of you will be offended by me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered abroad.'

32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you into the Galil."

33 But Kefa answered him, "Even if all will be offended by you, I will never be offended."

34 Yeshua said to him, "Most assuredly I tell you, that tonight, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."

35 Kefa said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." All of the talmidim also said likewise.

36 Then Yeshua came with them to a place called Gat-Shemanim, and said to his talmidim, "Sit here, while I go there and pray."

37 He took with him Kefa and the two sons of Zavdai, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.

38 Then he said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me."

39 He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire."

40 He came to the talmidim, and found them sleeping, and said to Kefa, "What, couldn't you watch with me for one hour?

41 Watch and pray, that you don't enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

42 Again, a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cup can't pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done."

43 He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

44 He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.

45 Then he came to his talmidim, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Arise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."

47 While he was still speaking, behold, Yehudah, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief Kohen and Zakenim of the people.

48 Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I will kiss, that is he. Take him."

49 Immediately he came to Yeshua, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

50 Yeshua said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came and laid hands on Yeshua, and took him.

51 Behold, one of those who were with Yeshua stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the Kohen Gadol, and struck off his ear.

52 Then Yeshua said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.

53 Or do you think that I can't ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?"

55 In that hour Yeshua said to the multitudes, "Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me.

56 But all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the talmidim left him, and fled.

57 Those who had taken Yeshua led him away to Kayafa, the Kohen Gadol, where the Sofrim and the Zakenim were gathered together.

58 But Kefa followed him from a distance, to the court of the Kohen Gadol, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end.

59 Now the chief Kohanim, the Zakenim, and the whole council sought false testimony against Yeshua, that they might put him to death;

60 and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward,

61 and said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'"

62 The Kohen Gadol stood up, and answered him, "Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?"

63 But Yeshua held his shalom. The Kohen Gadol answered him, "I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God."

64 Yeshua said to him, "You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, henceforth you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky."

65 Then the Kohen Gadol tore his clothing, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy.

66 What do you think?" They answered, "He is worthy of death!"

67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him,

68 saying, "Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you?"

69 Now Kefa was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, "You were also with Yeshua, from the Galil!"

70 But he denied before them all, saying, "I don't know what you are talking about."

71 When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him, and said to those who were there, "This man also was with Yeshua of Natzeret."

72 Again he denied with an oath, "I don't know the man."

73 After a little while those who stood by came and said to Kefa, "Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known."

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, "I don't know the man!" Immediately the cock crowed.

75 Kefa remembered the word which Yeshua had said to him, "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and wept bitterly.

Matthew 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.