Matthew 26

1 et factum est cum consummasset Iesus sermones hos omnes dixit discipulis suis

2 scitis quia post biduum pascha fiet et Filius hominis tradetur ut crucifigatur

3 tunc congregati sunt principes sacerdotum et seniores populi in atrium principis sacerdotum qui dicebatur Caiaphas

4 et consilium fecerunt ut Iesum dolo tenerent et occiderent

5 dicebant autem non in die festo ne forte tumultus fieret in populo

6 cum autem esset Iesus in Bethania in domo Simonis leprosi

7 accessit ad eum mulier habens alabastrum unguenti pretiosi et effudit super caput ipsius recumbentis

8 videntes autem discipuli indignati sunt dicentes ut quid perditio haec

9 potuit enim istud venundari multo et dari pauperibus

10 sciens autem Iesus ait illis quid molesti estis mulieri opus bonum operata est in me

11 nam semper pauperes habetis vobiscum me autem non semper habetis

12 mittens enim haec unguentum hoc in corpus meum ad sepeliendum me fecit

13 amen dico vobis ubicumque praedicatum fuerit hoc evangelium in toto mundo dicetur et quod haec fecit in memoriam eius

14 tunc abiit unus de duodecim qui dicitur Iudas Scarioth ad principes sacerdotum

15 et ait illis quid vultis mihi dare et ego vobis eum tradam at illi constituerunt ei triginta argenteos

16 et exinde quaerebat oportunitatem ut eum traderet

17 prima autem azymorum accesserunt discipuli ad Iesum dicentes ubi vis paremus tibi comedere pascha

18 at Iesus dixit ite in civitatem ad quendam et dicite ei magister dicit tempus meum prope est apud te facio pascha cum discipulis meis

19 et fecerunt discipuli sicut constituit illis Iesus et paraverunt pascha

20 vespere autem facto discumbebat cum duodecim discipulis

21 et edentibus illis dixit amen dico vobis quia unus vestrum me traditurus est

22 et contristati valde coeperunt singuli dicere numquid ego sum Domine

23 at ipse respondens ait qui intinguit mecum manum in parapside hic me tradet

24 Filius quidem hominis vadit sicut scriptum est de illo vae autem homini illi per quem Filius hominis traditur bonum erat ei si natus non fuisset homo ille

25 respondens autem Iudas qui tradidit eum dixit numquid ego sum rabbi ait illi tu dixisti

26 cenantibus autem eis accepit Iesus panem et benedixit ac fregit deditque discipulis suis et ait accipite et comedite hoc est corpus meum

27 et accipiens calicem gratias egit et dedit illis dicens bibite ex hoc omnes

28 hic est enim sanguis meus novi testamenti qui pro multis effunditur in remissionem peccatorum

29 dico autem vobis non bibam amodo de hoc genimine vitis usque in diem illum cum illud bibam vobiscum novum in regno Patris mei

30 et hymno dicto exierunt in montem Oliveti

31 tunc dicit illis Iesus omnes vos scandalum patiemini in me in ista nocte scriptum est enim percutiam pastorem et dispergentur oves gregis

32 postquam autem resurrexero praecedam vos in Galilaeam

33 respondens autem Petrus ait illi et si omnes scandalizati fuerint in te ego numquam scandalizabor

34 ait illi Iesus amen dico tibi quia in hac nocte antequam gallus cantet ter me negabis

35 ait illi Petrus etiam si oportuerit me mori tecum non te negabo similiter et omnes discipuli dixerunt

36 tunc venit Iesus cum illis in villam quae dicitur Gethsemani et dixit discipulis suis sedete hic donec vadam illuc et orem

37 et adsumpto Petro et duobus filiis Zebedaei coepit contristari et maestus esse

38 tunc ait illis tristis est anima mea usque ad mortem sustinete hic et vigilate mecum

39 et progressus pusillum procidit in faciem suam orans et dicens mi Pater si possibile est transeat a me calix iste verumtamen non sicut ego volo sed sicut tu

40 et venit ad discipulos et invenit eos dormientes et dicit Petro sic non potuistis una hora vigilare mecum

41 vigilate et orate ut non intretis in temptationem spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma

42 iterum secundo abiit et oravit dicens Pater mi si non potest hic calix transire nisi bibam illum fiat voluntas tua

43 et venit iterum et invenit eos dormientes erant enim oculi eorum gravati

44 et relictis illis iterum abiit et oravit tertio eundem sermonem dicens

45 tunc venit ad discipulos suos et dicit illis dormite iam et requiescite ecce adpropinquavit hora et Filius hominis traditur in manus peccatorum

46 surgite eamus ecce adpropinquavit qui me tradit

47 adhuc ipso loquente ecce Iudas unus de duodecim venit et cum eo turba multa cum gladiis et fustibus a principibus sacerdotum et senioribus populi

48 qui autem tradidit eum dedit illis signum dicens quemcumque osculatus fuero ipse est tenete eum

49 et confestim accedens ad Iesum dixit have rabbi et osculatus est eum

50 dixitque illi Iesus amice ad quod venisti tunc accesserunt et manus iniecerunt in Iesum et tenuerunt eum

51 et ecce unus ex his qui erant cum Iesu extendens manum exemit gladium suum et percutiens servum principis sacerdotum amputavit auriculam eius

52 tunc ait illi Iesus converte gladium tuum in locum suum omnes enim qui acceperint gladium gladio peribunt

53 an putas quia non possum rogare Patrem meum et exhibebit mihi modo plus quam duodecim legiones angelorum

54 quomodo ergo implebuntur scripturae quia sic oportet fieri

55 in illa hora dixit Iesus turbis tamquam ad latronem existis cum gladiis et fustibus conprehendere me cotidie apud vos sedebam docens in templo et non me tenuistis

56 hoc autem totum factum est ut implerentur scripturae prophetarum tunc discipuli omnes relicto eo fugerunt

57 at illi tenentes Iesum duxerunt ad Caiaphan principem sacerdotum ubi scribae et seniores convenerant

58 Petrus autem sequebatur eum a longe usque in atrium principis sacerdotum et ingressus intro sedebat cum ministris ut videret finem

59 principes autem sacerdotum et omne concilium quaerebant falsum testimonium contra Iesum ut eum morti traderent

60 et non invenerunt cum multi falsi testes accessissent novissime autem venerunt duo falsi testes

61 et dixerunt hic dixit possum destruere templum Dei et post triduum aedificare illud

62 et surgens princeps sacerdotum ait illi nihil respondes ad ea quae isti adversum te testificantur

63 Iesus autem tacebat et princeps sacerdotum ait illi adiuro te per Deum vivum ut dicas nobis si tu es Christus Filius Dei

64 dicit illi Iesus tu dixisti verumtamen dico vobis amodo videbitis Filium hominis sedentem a dextris virtutis et venientem in nubibus caeli

65 tunc princeps sacerdotum scidit vestimenta sua dicens blasphemavit quid adhuc egemus testibus ecce nunc audistis blasphemiam

66 quid vobis videtur at illi respondentes dixerunt reus est mortis

67 tunc expuerunt in faciem eius et colaphis eum ceciderunt alii autem palmas in faciem ei dederunt

68 dicentes prophetiza nobis Christe quis est qui te percussit

69 Petrus vero sedebat foris in atrio et accessit ad eum una ancilla dicens et tu cum Iesu Galilaeo eras

70 at ille negavit coram omnibus dicens nescio quid dicis

71 exeunte autem illo ianuam vidit eum alia et ait his qui erant ibi et hic erat cum Iesu Nazareno

72 et iterum negavit cum iuramento quia non novi hominem

73 et post pusillum accesserunt qui stabant et dixerunt Petro vere et tu ex illis es nam et loquella tua manifestum te facit

74 tunc coepit detestari et iurare quia non novisset hominem et continuo gallus cantavit

75 et recordatus est Petrus verbi Iesu quod dixerat priusquam gallus cantet ter me negabis et egressus foras ploravit amare

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.