Mateo 26

La conspiración contra Jesús

1 Después de exponer todas estas cosas, Jesús les dijo a sus discípulos:

2 «Como ya saben, faltan dos días para la Pascua, y el Hijo del hombre será entregado para que lo crucifiquen».

3 Se reunieron entonces los jefes de los sacerdotes y los ancianos del pueblo en el palacio de Caifás, el sumo sacerdote,

4 y con artimañas buscaban cómo arrestar a Jesús para matarlo.

5 «Pero no durante la fiesta —decían—, no sea que se amotine el pueblo».

Una mujer unge a Jesús en Betania

6 Estando Jesús en Betania, en casa de Simón llamado el Leproso,

7 se acercó una mujer con un frasco de alabastro lleno de un perfume muy caro, y lo derramó sobre la cabeza de Jesús mientras él estaba sentado a la mesa.

8 Al ver esto, los discípulos se indignaron.—¿Para qué este desperdicio? —dijeron—.

9 Podía haberse vendido este perfume por mucho dinero para darlo a los pobres.

10 Consciente de ello, Jesús les dijo:—¿Por qué molestan a esta mujer? Ella ha hecho una obra hermosa conmigo.

11 A los pobres siempre los tendrán con ustedes, pero a mí no me van a tener siempre.

12 Al derramar ella este perfume sobre mi cuerpo, lo hizo a fin de prepararme para la sepultura.

13 Les aseguro que en cualquier parte del mundo donde se predique este evangelio, se contará también, en memoria de esta mujer, lo que ella hizo.

Judas acuerda traicionar a Jesús

14 Uno de los doce, el que se llamaba Judas Iscariote, fue a ver a los jefes de los sacerdotes.

15 —¿Cuánto me dan, y yo les entrego a Jesús? —les propuso.Decidieron pagarle treinta monedas de plata.

16 Y desde entonces Judas buscaba una oportunidad para entregarlo.

La Cena del Señor

17 El primer día de la fiesta de los Panes sin levadura, se acercaron los discípulos a Jesús y le preguntaron:—¿Dónde quieres que hagamos los preparativos para que comas la Pascua?

18 Él les respondió que fueran a la ciudad, a la casa de cierto hombre, y le dijeran: «El Maestro dice: “Mi tiempo está cerca. Voy a celebrar la Pascua en tu casa con mis discípulos”».

19 Los discípulos hicieron entonces como Jesús les había mandado, y prepararon la Pascua.

20 Al anochecer, Jesús estaba sentado a la mesa con los doce.

21 Mientras comían, les dijo:—Les aseguro que uno de ustedes me va a traicionar.

22 Ellos se entristecieron mucho, y uno por uno comenzaron a preguntarle:—¿Acaso seré yo, Señor?

23 —El que mete la mano conmigo en el plato es el que me va a traicionar —respondió Jesús—.

24 A la verdad el Hijo del hombre se irá, tal como está escrito de él, pero ¡ay de aquel que lo traiciona! Más le valdría a ese hombre no haber nacido.

25 —¿Acaso seré yo, Rabí? —le dijo Judas, el que lo iba a traicionar.—Tú lo has dicho —le contestó Jesús.

26 Mientras comían, Jesús tomó pan y lo bendijo. Luego lo partió y se lo dio a sus discípulos, diciéndoles:—Tomen y coman; esto es mi cuerpo.

27 Después tomó la copa, dio gracias, y se la ofreció diciéndoles:—Beban de ella todos ustedes.

28 Esto es mi sangre del pacto,^[a] que es derramada por muchos para el perdón de pecados.

29 Les digo que no beberé de este fruto de la vid desde ahora en adelante, hasta el día en que beba con ustedes el vino nuevo en el reino de mi Padre.

30 Después de cantar los salmos, salieron al monte de los Olivos.

Jesús predice la negación de Pedro

31 —Esta misma noche —les dijo Jesús— todos ustedes me abandonarán, porque está escrito:»“Heriré al pastor,y se dispersarán las ovejas del rebaño”.^[b]

32 Pero después de que yo resucite, iré delante de ustedes a Galilea.

33 —Aunque todos te abandonen —declaró Pedro—, yo jamás lo haré.

34 —Te aseguro —le contestó Jesús— que esta misma noche, antes de que cante el gallo, me negarás tres veces.

35 —Aunque tenga que morir contigo —insistió Pedro—, jamás te negaré.Y los demás discípulos dijeron lo mismo.

Jesús en Getsemaní

36 Luego fue Jesús con sus discípulos a un lugar llamado Getsemaní, y les dijo: «Siéntense aquí mientras voy más allá a orar».

37 Se llevó a Pedro y a los dos hijos de Zebedeo, y comenzó a sentirse triste y angustiado.

38 «Es tal la angustia que me invade, que me siento morir —les dijo—. Quédense aquí y manténganse despiertos conmigo».

39 Yendo un poco más allá, se postró sobre su rostro y oró: «Padre mío, si es posible, no me hagas beber este trago amargo.^[c] Pero no sea lo que yo quiero, sino lo que quieres tú».

40 Luego volvió adonde estaban sus discípulos y los encontró dormidos. «¿No pudieron mantenerse despiertos conmigo ni una hora? —le dijo a Pedro—.

41 Estén alerta y oren para que no caigan en tentación. El espíritu está dispuesto, pero el cuerpo^[d] es débil».

42 Por segunda vez se retiró y oró: «Padre mío, si no es posible evitar que yo beba este trago amargo,^[e] hágase tu voluntad».

43 Cuando volvió, otra vez los encontró dormidos, porque se les cerraban los ojos de sueño.

44 Así que los dejó y se retiró a orar por tercera vez, diciendo lo mismo.

45 Volvió de nuevo a los discípulos y les dijo: «¿Siguen durmiendo y descansando? Miren, se acerca la hora, y el Hijo del hombre va a ser entregado en manos de pecadores.

46 ¡Levántense! ¡Vámonos! ¡Ahí viene el que me traiciona!»

Arresto de Jesús

47 Todavía estaba hablando Jesús cuando llegó Judas, uno de los doce. Lo acompañaba una gran turba armada con espadas y palos, enviada por los jefes de los sacerdotes y los ancianos del pueblo.

48 El traidor les había dado esta contraseña: «Al que le dé un beso, ese es; arréstenlo».

49 En seguida Judas se acercó a Jesús y lo saludó.—¡Rabí! —le dijo, y lo besó.

50 —Amigo —le replicó Jesús—, ¿a qué vienes?^[f]Entonces los hombres se acercaron y prendieron a Jesús.

51 En eso, uno de los que estaban con él extendió la mano, sacó la espada e hirió al siervo del sumo sacerdote, cortándole una oreja.

52 —Guarda tu espada —le dijo Jesús—, porque los que a hierro matan, a hierro mueren.^[g]

53 ¿Crees que no puedo acudir a mi Padre, y al instante pondría a mi disposición más de doce batallones^[h] de ángeles?

54 Pero entonces, ¿cómo se cumplirían las Escrituras que dicen que así tiene que suceder?

55 Y de inmediato dijo a la turba:—¿Acaso soy un bandido,^[i] para que vengan con espadas y palos a arrestarme? Todos los días me sentaba a enseñar en el templo, y no me prendieron.

56 Pero todo esto ha sucedido para que se cumpla lo que escribieron los profetas.Entonces todos los discípulos lo abandonaron y huyeron.

Jesús ante el Consejo

57 Los que habían arrestado a Jesús lo llevaron ante Caifás, el sumo sacerdote, donde se habían reunido los maestros de la ley y los ancianos.

58 Pero Pedro lo siguió de lejos hasta el patio del sumo sacerdote. Entró y se sentó con los guardias para ver en qué terminaba aquello.

59 Los jefes de los sacerdotes y el Consejo en pleno buscaban alguna prueba falsa contra Jesús para poder condenarlo a muerte.

60 Pero no la encontraron, a pesar de que se presentaron muchos falsos testigos.Por fin se presentaron dos,

61 que declararon:—Este hombre dijo: “Puedo destruir el templo de Dios y reconstruirlo en tres días”.

62 Poniéndose en pie, el sumo sacerdote le dijo a Jesús:—¿No vas a responder? ¿Qué significan estas denuncias en tu contra?

63 Pero Jesús se quedó callado. Así que el sumo sacerdote insistió:—Te ordeno en el nombre del Dios viviente que nos digas si eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios.

64 —Tú lo has dicho —respondió Jesús—. Pero yo les digo a todos: De ahora en adelante verán ustedes al Hijo del hombre sentado a la derecha del Todopoderoso, y viniendo en las nubes del cielo.

65 —¡Ha blasfemado! —exclamó el sumo sacerdote, rasgándose las vestiduras—. ¿Para qué necesitamos más testigos? ¡Miren, ustedes mismos han oído la blasfemia!

66 ¿Qué piensan de esto?—Merece la muerte —le contestaron.

67 Entonces algunos le escupieron en el rostro y le dieron puñetazos. Otros lo abofeteaban

68 y decían:—A ver, Cristo, ¡adivina quién te pegó!

Pedro niega a Jesús

69 Mientras tanto, Pedro estaba sentado afuera, en el patio, y una criada se le acercó.—Tú también estabas con Jesús de Galilea —le dijo.

70 Pero él lo negó delante de todos, diciendo:—No sé de qué estás hablando.

71 Luego salió a la puerta, donde otra criada lo vio y dijo a los que estaban allí:—Este estaba con Jesús de Nazaret.

72 Él lo volvió a negar, jurándoles:—¡A ese hombre ni lo conozco!

73 Poco después se acercaron a Pedro los que estaban allí y le dijeron:—Seguro que eres uno de ellos; se te nota por tu acento.

74 Y comenzó a echarse maldiciones, y les juró:—¡A ese hombre ni lo conozco!En ese instante cantó un gallo.

75 Entonces Pedro se acordó de lo que Jesús había dicho: «Antes de que cante el gallo, me negarás tres veces». Y saliendo de allí, 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]. "del pacto" . Var. "del nuevo pacto " (véase Lc 22:20).
• [b]. Zac 13:7
• [c]. "no " "… " "amargo" . Lit. "que pase de mí esta copa" .
• [d]. "el cuerpo" . Lit. "la carne" .
• [e]. "evitar " "… " "amargo" . Lit. "que esto pase de mí" .
• [f]. "¿a qué vienes? " Alt. "haz lo que viniste a hacer" .
• [g]. "porque " "… " "mueren" . Lit. "Porque todos los que toman espada, por espada perecerán" .
• [h]. "batallones" . Lit. "legiones" .
• [i]. "bandido" . Alt. "insurgente" .