Matthew 26
BSB1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, He told His disciples, 2 “You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." 3 At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. 5 “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people." 6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? 9 This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor." 10 Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. 12 By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." 14 Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. 17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?" 18 He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’" 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples. 21 And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me." 22 They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?" 23 Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. It would be better for him if he had not been born." 25 Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself." 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, 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 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." 33 Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will." 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 35 Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing. 36 At that time Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me." 39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." 40 Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42 A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done." 43 And again Jesus returned and found them sleeping—for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then He returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! See, My betrayer is approaching!" 47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him." 49 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. 56 But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. 57 Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered. 58 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’" 62 So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?" 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God." 64 “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” “He deserves to die,” they answered. 67 Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who hit You?" 69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about." 71 When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!" 73 After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away." 74 At that he began to curse and swear to them, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Study Notes — Matthew 26
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 26
- Themes from Matthew 26
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 26
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew 26 begins with Jesus foretelling His betrayal and death, which prompts the chief priests and elders to plot against Him (Matthew 26:1-5). Meanwhile, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, symbolizing His forthcoming burial (Matthew 26:6-13). Jesus then institutes the Lord's Supper, teaching His disciples about the bread and cup as representations of His body and blood (Matthew 26:26-30). After the Supper, Jesus and His disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Roman soldiers (Matthew 26:47-56). The chapter concludes with Jesus' appearance before the Sanhedrin, where He is questioned about His identity and ultimately sentenced to death (Matthew 26:57-68).
Context for the Chapter
Matthew 26 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' life and ministry, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the Mount of Olives, where He discussed the end times and the importance of being prepared for His return (Matthew 24-25). The events of Matthew 26 set the stage for Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ultimate triumph over sin and death. As part of the larger biblical narrative, this chapter connects to the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Jesus' obedience and surrender in Matthew 26, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity. We can apply this principle to our own lives by seeking to submit to God's will, just as Jesus did, and by trusting in His goodness and sovereignty.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew 26 tells the story of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and trial. It shows how Jesus obeyed God's plan, even when it was hard. Jesus taught His disciples about the Lord's Supper, which reminds us of His sacrifice for our sins (Matthew 26:26-30). We can learn from Jesus' example by trusting in God's plan and being obedient to His will.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's Supper is a feast of love, a festival of faith, a banquet of communion with Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a solemn reminder of the depravity of human nature and the wickedness of sin.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Plot to Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:1-5) — The chief priests and elders plot against Jesus, seeking to kill Him. Jesus predicts His betrayal and death, demonstrating His knowledge of future events.
- The Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13) — A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, symbolizing His forthcoming burial. This event demonstrates her devotion to Jesus and foreshadows His death.
- The Institution of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-30) — Jesus teaches His disciples about the bread and cup as representations of His body and blood, establishing the Lord's Supper as a sacred ritual.
- Jesus' Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56) — Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus is arrested by the Roman soldiers. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' journey to the cross.
- Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68) — Jesus is questioned about His identity and ultimately sentenced to death by the Sanhedrin. This event sets the stage for Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Core Doctrines
- The Atonement
- Matthew 26 teaches us about the atonement, which is the doctrine that Jesus' death on the cross paid the price for our sins. This is evident in Matthew 26:28, where Jesus says that His blood is shed for the forgiveness of sins.
- The Lord's Supper
- The institution of the Lord's Supper in Matthew 26:26-30 establishes this sacrament as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and a symbol of our communion with Him.
- The Deity of Christ
- Jesus' actions and words in Matthew 26 demonstrate His divine nature and authority, highlighting His role as the Son of God.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The events of Matthew 26 show us that God is in control, even in the face of human sin and rebellion. Jesus' obedience and surrender to God's plan demonstrate the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty.
Lessons from Matthew 26
- Obedience to God's Will — Matthew 26 teaches us the importance of obeying God's plan, even when it is difficult or uncertain. We can learn from Jesus' example by seeking to submit to God's will in our own lives.
- The Institution of the Lord's Supper — The Lord's Supper is a sacrament that reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and our communion with Him. We can apply this principle to our own worship and communion with Christ by participating in the Lord's Supper with reverence and gratitude.
- The Betrayal of Jesus — The betrayal of Jesus by Judas serves as a reminder of the wickedness of sin and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to Christ. We can learn from this event by examining our own hearts and actions, seeking to be faithful to Christ in our own lives.
- Jesus' Appearance Before the Sanhedrin — Jesus' appearance before the Sanhedrin sets the stage for His crucifixion and resurrection. We can learn from this event by trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, even in the face of adversity or uncertainty.
- The Sovereignty of God — The events of Matthew 26 demonstrate God's sovereignty and control over all things. We can apply this principle to our own lives by trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His plan.
Themes from Matthew 26
- Betrayal and Redemption — Matthew 26 explores the theme of betrayal and redemption, highlighting Jesus' sacrifice and obedience to God's plan. This theme is evident in Jesus' prediction of His betrayal and death, as well as His institution of the Lord's Supper.
- Obedience and Surrender — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and surrender to God's will, as demonstrated by Jesus' actions and words. This theme is relevant to our own lives, as we seek to submit to God's plan and trust in His sovereignty.
- The Institution of the Lord's Supper — The institution of the Lord's Supper is a central theme in Matthew 26, serving as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our communion with Him. This theme is essential to our worship and communion with Christ, as we participate in the Lord's Supper with reverence and gratitude.
- The Deity of Christ — Jesus' actions and words in Matthew 26 demonstrate His divine nature and authority, highlighting His role as the Son of God. This theme is crucial to our understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, as well as our own relationship with Him.
- The Sovereignty of God — The events of Matthew 26 show us that God is in control, even in the face of human sin and rebellion. This theme is essential to our trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as we seek to understand His plan and purpose for our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jesus' obedience to God's plan in Matthew 26?
- How does the institution of the Lord's Supper in Matthew 26:26-30 relate to our own worship and communion with Christ?
- What role does the betrayal of Jesus by Judas play in the larger narrative of Matthew 26?
- How does Jesus' appearance before the Sanhedrin in Matthew 26:57-68 set the stage for His crucifixion and resurrection?
- What does Matthew 26 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and plan?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Plot to Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:1-5)
| Matthew 26:1 | Jesus predicts His betrayal and death, demonstrating His knowledge of future events. |
| Matthew 26:2 | The chief priests and elders plot against Jesus, seeking to kill Him. |
2. The Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13)
| Matthew 26:6 | A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, symbolizing His forthcoming burial. |
| Matthew 26:7 | The disciples criticize the woman for her actions, but Jesus defends her, saying that she has done a beautiful thing for Him. |
3. The Institution of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-30)
| Matthew 26:26 | Jesus takes bread and gives thanks, breaking it and giving it to His disciples as a representation of His body. |
| Matthew 26:27 | Jesus takes the cup and gives thanks, giving it to His disciples as a representation of His blood. |
4. Jesus' Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)
| Matthew 26:47 | Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus is arrested by the Roman soldiers. |
| Matthew 26:48 | Jesus is taken into custody, and His disciples flee in fear. |
5. Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)
| Matthew 26:57 | Jesus is taken to the high priest's house, where He is questioned about His identity and teachings. |
| Matthew 26:58 | Peter follows Jesus at a distance, watching as He is interrogated by the high priest and the Sanhedrin. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the anointing at Bethany in Matthew 26:6-13?
The anointing at Bethany symbolizes Jesus' forthcoming burial and demonstrates the woman's devotion to Him. It also foreshadows Jesus' death and resurrection, highlighting the importance of His sacrifice for our sins (Matthew 26:12-13).
Why did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper in Matthew 26:26-30?
Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper to remind His disciples of His sacrifice and to symbolize their communion with Him. This sacrament is essential to our worship and communion with Christ, as we participate in the Lord's Supper with reverence and gratitude (Matthew 26:26-30).
What is the meaning of Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36-46?
Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane demonstrates His obedience to God's will and His trust in God's sovereignty. He prays that God's will be done, even if it means suffering and death, highlighting the importance of submitting to God's plan (Matthew 26:39, 42).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 26:1 → Mark 14:1-2 | Both Matthew and Mark record Jesus' prediction of His betrayal and death, highlighting the importance of this event in the larger narrative of Jesus' life and ministry. |
| 2 | Matthew 26:6-13 → John 12:1-8 | The anointing at Bethany is also recorded in John 12:1-8, where it is seen as a symbol of Jesus' forthcoming burial and a demonstration of the woman's devotion to Him. |
| 3 | Matthew 26:26-30 → 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | The institution of the Lord's Supper is also discussed in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Paul emphasizes the importance of participating in this sacrament with reverence and gratitude. |
| 4 | Matthew 26:39 → Psalm 22:1 | Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is reminiscent of Psalm 22:1, where David expresses his trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of suffering and adversity. |
| 5 | Matthew 26:47-56 → John 18:1-14 | The betrayal and arrest of Jesus is also recorded in John 18:1-14, where it is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a demonstration of Jesus' obedience to God's will. |
| 6 | Matthew 26:57-68 → Mark 14:53-65 | The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is also recorded in Mark 14:53-65, where it is seen as a demonstration of Jesus' innocence and the Sanhedrin's guilt. |
| 7 | Matthew 26:1-5 → Isaiah 53:1-12 | The plot to kill Jesus is reminiscent of Isaiah 53:1-12, where the prophet describes the suffering and death of the Messiah, highlighting the importance of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. |
| 8 | Matthew 26:26-30 → Luke 22:7-20 | The institution of the Lord's Supper is also recorded in Luke 22:7-20, where it is seen as a demonstration of Jesus' love and sacrifice for His disciples, as well as a symbol of their communion with Him. |
| 9 | Matthew 26:36-46 → Hebrews 5:7-10 | Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is reminiscent of Hebrews 5:7-10, where the author describes Jesus' obedience to God's will and His trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of suffering and adversity. |
| 10 | Matthew 26:57-68 → Acts 2:23 | The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is also referenced in Acts 2:23, where Peter describes Jesus' death as a fulfillment of God's plan and a demonstration of His sovereignty over all things. |
Sermons on Matthew 26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Australia) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the contrast between the prosperity and comfort of some people's lives and the struggles and brokenness that others face. He emphasizes the |
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(1 Peter - Part 28): After Conversion, the Remainder of Your Life Should Be Different by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher encourages believers not to be discouraged by their past sins, as God has the power to make all things new. He emphasizes that we have the opportunity |
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(Awake! Series): Prepare by Prayer by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of pugilists and their preparation for fights to illustrate the importance of taking care of oneself spiritually. He emphasizes the ne |
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Cost of Worship - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | The sermon transcript is a collection of fragmented and disjointed sentences that lack coherence and a clear message. It includes random phrases about murder, rape, and other unrel |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 2. Jewish Unbelief by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker recounts his experience of hand-delivering a book to a Jewish man named Mr. Sherman. Despite the speaker's hopes for a face-to-face conversation, Mr. Sh |
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Lend Me Your Life by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the church waking up from its comfortable and complacent state. He uses the analogy of God knocking on the door of a sleeping |
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Jeremiah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of a nation being put into bondage for seventy years and then returning. He emphasizes that despite the despairing pictures, the |
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Brokenness Study #3 - the Process by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing wit |
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Help Wanted: A Potter by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with God at Bethel. Jacob had run away from his family and was sleeping with a stone as a pillow when he |
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Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the book of Revelation as the revelation of Jesus Christ, rather than just the revelation of John the Divine. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 26
In Matthew 26, we see the culmination of Jesus' ministry and the beginning of His passion. The chapter describes the plot to kill Jesus, the anointing at Bethany, the institution of the Lord's Supper, and Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Throughout this chapter, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will, even in the face of suffering and adversity. He also highlights the significance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and a symbol of our communion with Him. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, even when we do not understand His ways. We are also encouraged to participate in the Lord's Supper with reverence and gratitude, remembering Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Predictions
Jesus foretells His betrayal and death, demonstrating His knowledge of future events and His trust in God's plan. This is evident in Matthew 26:1-5, where Jesus predicts His crucifixion.
The Anointing at Bethany
The woman's anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume symbolizes His forthcoming burial and demonstrates her devotion to Him. This event is recorded in Matthew 26:6-13.
The Institution of the Lord's Supper
Jesus teaches His disciples about the bread and cup as representations of His body and blood, establishing the Lord's Supper as a sacred ritual. This is described in Matthew 26:26-30.