Matthew 26

Matthew 26:2

YE know] Mark 14:1. Luke 22. 1. John 13:1. For Christ had often foretold his death to them. See on chap. 17. 22.

passeover] It was sit that Christ, whom the paschal lamb represented, should be crucified at that feast.

Matthew 26:3

Then assembled] John 11:47.

Matthew 26:4

by subtilty] They durst not take him by force, for fear of the people, v. 5.

and kill him] By the Romane president, which seemed safest, chap. 21. 38. Acts 3:15.

Matthew 26:5

Not on the feast-day] Let us stay till after the first day of the passeover; for that must be spent in holy duties: and the peoples affection to him may be cooled by our stay, and the Galileans his countrey-men will be gone But, as some think, they changed this resolution, after they had agreed with Judas to betray him, v. 15, 16.

Matthew 26:6

Now when Jesus] Mark 14:3. John 11:1. This story was before the assembly of the priests; for it was six days before the passeover, John 12:1. and that assembly was but two days before, v. 1, 3. But it is set after, because it was the occasion of Judas repairing to the priests. He could not get the money for the ointment following, and therefore he would sell Christ, Joh. 12. 4, 5, 6.

the leper] Who had been a leper, chap. 1. 6. and 11. 5. and 21. 31. For if he had been so still, Christ would not have eaten with him, contrary to his Fathers law. It may be he had been healed by Christ, and now made him a feast, John 12:2. as Matthew did, after his calling to be an apostle, Mark 2:14-15. Luke 5:29.

Matthew 26:7

a woman] Mary the sister of Lazarus, John 12:3.

an alabaster-box] These boxes were made hollow, to put ointments in: for, some write, that alabaster keepeth ointment without corruption, Pliny, B. 13. chap. 1.

poured it on his head] As they used to do, to welcome their friends and chief guests, Luke 7:46. Psalms 23:5.

Matthew 26:8

his disciples] One of them, to wit, Judas, who bare the bag, Joh. 12. 4, 6. See the like phrase, chap. 27. 41. with Luke 23. 39. Or, it may be others might second Judas in it.

this waste] Unprofitable spending of precious ointment.

Matthew 26:9

and given to the poor] Under a pretence of charity, and tender affection to the poor, he clokes his own covetous and theevish affction, which would have been singering and filhing some part of it for his own private, had such a sum come for their use into his hands. See John 12:6. though the other disciples, if they seconded him therein, might speak simply, not suspecting his sinister end, nor the true ground of his speech.

Matthew 26:10

Why trouble ye the woman?] We ought not rashly to condemn that which we think not orderly done, chap. 7. 1.

Matthew 26:11

For ye have the poor] Deuteronomy 15:11. Ye shall always have occasion to do good to the poor; but this is the last kindnesse she can shew to me, who shall shortly be taken from you.

Matthew 26:12

for my buriall] For a preparation to my buriall. If it were bestowed on my dead corpse, according to the custome, Mark 16:1. John 19:40. you should not think much of it: and I am now neer upon that.

Matthew 26:13

for a memoriall of her] The memory of ought done for Christ, or any of his, God will not suffer to perish, Psalms 112:6.

Matthew 26:14

Then one of the twelve] Mark 14:10. Luke 22. 3.

Judas I scariot] See on chap. 10. 4.

went to the chief priests] Undertook the betraying of his Master, not sollicited by them, but of his own accord, offering himself to them to be therein employed.

Matthew 26:15

thirty pieces of silver] See chap. 27. 9. So much as a slave is valued at, Exodus 21:32. See how mean account Judas makes of his Master!

Matthew 26:16

he sought opportunity] That he might have his money promised, v. 15.

Matthew 26:17

the first day of the feast of unlaven bread] That is, of the pashal solemnity, during which no leavened bread might be had, Exod. 12. 15, 19, 20. to wit, on the fourteenth day of Nisan, on which preparation was made for the eating of the paschal lamb the night ensuing, Exodus 12:6. 18.

Matthew 26:18

to such a man] They are taught how to finde him, Mark 14 13, 14. Luke 22. 10, 11.

My time is at hand] The time of my death.

Matthew 26:20

Now when the even was come] Mark 14. 18. Luke 22. 14. John 13:21.

Matthew 26:22

they were exceeding sorrowfull] That he must die now, and by treason also, and by one of them; yet they knew not who it was.

and began every one of them to say] Or, said each one of them, v. 74.

Is it I?] As suspecting each one himself, rather then him who indeed it was. Or, being grieved to apprehend that their Master should have any such suspicion of them, and desirous to have themselves cleared, as free from so great a guilt.

Matthew 26:23

He that dippeth] Or, hath dipped, Psalms 41:9. It may be Judas sate neer him, or over against him, and had newly dipped in the dish with him, to take part of the sowre herbs.

Matthew 26:24

The Son of man goeth] Out of this life, Luke 9. 31.

as it is written of him] His death by treason was foretold.

but wo unto that man] He cannot hurt me; but he will make himself eternally miserable.

it had been god for that man] God may glorifie his Justice in punishing him; but it had been better for himself that he had never had any being.

Matthew 26:25

which betrayed him] A while after, and was plotting it now, v. 16.

Thou hast said] Thou hast said the truth. Compare v. 64. with Mark 14:62.

Matthew 26:26

as they were eating] Before they removed from the table: for it is not likely that Christ would mix the Lords supper with the passeover: and it is said, Luke 22. 20. 1 Corinthians 11:55. of the cup, that it was after the paschall supper.

Jesus took bread] 1 Corinthians 11:23-24.

blessed it] Many Greek copies have, gave thanks. Christ minding forthwith to fulfill the promises o the old Testament, instituteth a new Covenant, with new signes; and consecrates them, not with murmuring of words, but with prayer to God, consisting partly of praise and thanksgiving to God his Father, v. 27. and parly of petition for a blessing upon the elements, as Luke 9:16. And yet the bread and wine are changed, not in nature, but in use; for they become undoubted tokens of Christs Body and Blood, by his own Institution, that faith may finde what to lay hold on, both in the word, and in the elements.

this is my Body] Either by a trope called a Metonymy, one name is put for another; the bread is called Christs body, because it is a signe of his body: or, by a figurative enunciation, the bread is said to be Christs Body, because it representeth his Body truely and properly so termed; as the rok is said to have been Christ, because it represented Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:4. both, in effect, come to one, the phrase being sacramentall, and of common use in speech of signes and resemblances, either sacred or other, as Gen. 17. 11, 13. and 40. 22, 18. and 41. 26, 27. Exodus 12:11. Chap. 13. 37, 38, 39. Revelation 17:9; Revelation 17:12; Revelation 17:15-16; Revelation 17:18.

Matthew 26:27

the cup] To wit, with wine in it, v. 29.

gave thanks] As before of the bread, v. 26. The praye which then he used, consisted, as before, of two parts; is called sometime by the name of the one part, a thanksgiving, as here; sometime by the name of the other part, a blessing, as 1 Corinthians 10:16.

Drink ye all of it] They then which take away the cup from the people, go against Christs Institution, which they the strictly observed, Mark 10:23.

Matthew 26:28

this] The wine in this cup is a seal of the covenant ratified in my Blood, which shall be shed shortly, to procure new legacies for many, Exodus 24:8. See v. 26.

of the new Testament] Whereby the inheritance of eternall life is given as a legacie to all believers. O, of the new Covenant.

which is shed] That shall shortly e poured out. See the like phrase, chap. 3. 10. and 5. 23.

for many] Not for you alone, but for many others. John 17:20.

for the remission of sins] To satisfie Gods Justice for their sins, that in mercy he may forgive them who could make no satisfaction themselves, Romans 3:25-26. Ephesians 1:7.

Matthew 26:29

I will not drink henceforth] This is the last solemn meal or feast that I shall make with you on earth; but I shall converse cheerfully with you, in a new and spirituall way, in heaven.

till I drink it new] A new kinde of it, or it in a new kinde, v. 28. Mark 1:27. and Mark 16:17. with Acts 2:4. Another kinde of wine. Spirituall and heavenly joy is pointed at hereby.

Matthew 26:30

an hymn] Or, psalm. When they had made an end of their solemn singing, which, some think, was six psalms: namely, Psal. 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117. Or, some other.

to the mount] Towards it; for Gethseman lay between the brook Kidron and mount Olive.

Matthew 26:31

Then] About that time; for the words immediately following seem by Luke and John to be spoken in the house.

All ye] Mark 14 27. John 16:32.

shall be offended] Fail in the duty of disciples and friends, and be moved not to think so of me as ye should, by occasion of those things that shall befall me, chap. 11. 6.

for it is written] For that shall fall out that is written, and may proverbially be used, When the shepherd is smitten, the sheep are scattered.

I will smite the shepherd] Zechariah 13:7.

Matthew 26:32

I will go before you] I will go again before you, like a shepherd, Mark 14:28. and Mark 16:7. Joh. 10. 3, 4.

Matthew 26:33

yet will never be offended] Peter trusted overmuch to his own strength.

Matthew 26:34

Verily I say unto thee] Jh. 13. 38.

before the ock crowe] His morning-crowe to break of day, Mark 13. 35. Or, 〈◊〉, as Mark 14:30. for Peter dened him once before the first cock crowing, and twice before the second, Mark 14:6 72.

thou shalt deny me] Thou, that art more forward then the rest, shalt not onely be offended with me, but utterly deny me, that ever thou knwest me, as chap. 7. 23.

Matthew 26:36

Then coeth Jesus] Mark 12:32. Luke 22. 39.

Gethsemane] The valley of fatnesse, neer mount Olive, like that by Lebanon, Isaiah 28:1; Isaiah 28:4. Or, an oil-presse, as some interpret the name. Or, the pasture of butter, as others. The first is most probble. Howsoever, the name seems to import a rich and sat soil, Genesis 27:28; Genesis 27:39. Christ is not taken in the city, lest the people should rescue him; nor in day-light, v. 5. but here, in the night.

Sit ye here] See the like, Genesis 22:5.

Matthew 26:37

Peter, and the two sons of Zehedee] Who had been in privawith him before, at the raising of Jairus daughter, chap. 9. and at his transfiguration, chap. 17.

very heavie] Deadly sick. This shews the truth of his humane nature, in that he feared death, and felt so much sorrow for our sins, v. 38, 39. Psalms 116:3.

Matthew 26:39

let this cup passe from me] It is at hand, prepared for me, and offered to me; but let it passe by me. A kinde of expression which the Hebrews use, to expresse Gods wrath, and afflictions flowing from it, under the similitude of a cup, See chap. 20. 22.

Matthew 26:40

he findeth them asleep] An example of mans infirmity in duties enjoyned by God, especially when he is oppressed with grief, Luke 22. 45.

he saith unto Peter] Who had promised, professed and protested so much before.

one hour?] Much lesse could ye watch with me many hours.

Matthew 26:41

that ye enter not into temptation] That ye be not tempred; for ye are very weak. See chap. 6. 13.

the spirit indeed is willing] Ye have, through Gods grace, a good will to stick to me; but your naturall corruption will much hinder you, Romans 7:18; Romans 7:23.

Matthew 26:42

if this cup] Since this cup may not be avoided. See on v. 39.

thy will be done] The voice of one resting on Gods will, chap. 6. 10. Acts 21:14.

Matthew 26:44

prayed the third time] As 2 Corinthians 12:8.

saying the same words] Which yet nothing detracted either from the instancie or efficacie of his prayer.

Matthew 26:45

Sleep on now] Ye may sleep, for me, now, as long as ye will; I require no longer your watching with me. Or, ye will have little list to sleep, ere long, whether I awake you or no.

of sinners] Gentiles, Romanes, souldiers, Acts 2:23. Galatians 2:15. 1 Corinthians 9:21.

Matthew 26:46

Rise, let us be going] Let us go meet them. Christ offereth himself willingly to be taken, that, in suffering willingly, he might make satisfaction for the wilfull fall of man, John 14:31.

Matthew 26:47

while he yet spake] Mark 14:43. Luke 22. 47. John 18:3.

Judas one of the twelve came] He was awake to betray Christ, when the rest were asleep.

with him a great multitude] For he was their leader and captain, Luke 22:47.

with swords and staves] To take him by force, as they used to apprehend malefactours, v. 55. and to keep him safe, that no man might resue him.

Matthew 26:48

gave them a signe] Because many of them knew him not, and others might be mistaken, in the night.

Whomsoever I shall kisse] Gr. He whom I shall kisse. He doth not name him, but gives a signe of friendship, that he might not be thought a traitour, and the disciples might not spie out his deceitfull intention.

Matthew 26:49

Hail master, and kissed him] It was the usuall manner of those parts, in those times, for friends and acquaintance, meeting again, after some time of absence, as well men as women, to salute one another with a kisse, Genesis 45:15. which yet on Judas his part here was not needfull, for he had not been so long absent. But this kisse was more like that which Joab gave Amasa, 2 Samuel 20:9.

Matthew 26:50

Friend, wherefore art thou come?] Thou comest under colour of friendship, but I know thy intent is to betray me, and thou darest not deny it, Psalms 55:13. and Psalms 41:9.

laid hands on Jesus] Christ is taken, that we might be delivered.

took him] Gr. held him fast, as v. 48.

Matthew 26:51

one of them] Namely, Peter. And the servants name was Malchus. The ear cut off was the right ear, John 18:10.

drew his sword] Misunderstanding Christs words, Luke 22:36; Luke 22:38.

Matthew 26:52

Put up again thy sword] Thou art no magistrate to right me, and I must die now; fight not therefore for me.

for all they] Genesis 9:6. Revelation 13:10.

that take the sword] They that use the sword, being not called by God, shall perish by the sword of the magistrate.

Matthew 26:53

Thinkest thou] Gr. Or thinkest thou. As it is not safe for thee to strike, v. 52. so it is not needfull for me, who am willing to die; else could I have angels to rescue me.

twelve legions of angels] The Romane armie consisted ordinarily of twelve legions. Such an army of angels could Christ have had.

Matthew 26:54

But how then] The reason why I pray not to God for angels to defend me, is, Because the Scripture hath foretold my death, and not out of any doubt of speading. See chap. 4. 6, 11.

that thus it must be?] Isaiah 53:10.

Matthew 26:55

as against a thief] See on v. 47.

Matthew 26:56

that the scriptures] Lamentations 4:20. Christ himself must not be spared, rather then the Scriptures should not be fulfilled.

Then all the disciples forsook him] As he had foretold, v. 31.

Matthew 26:57

And they that] Mark 14:53. Luke 22. 54. John 18:13.

to Caiaphas] After he had been brought to Annas, John 18:13.

Matthew 26:58

But Peter followed him] This is set down, to make way to the story of Peters deniall, v. 69, &c.

afar off] As one not belonging to him.

Matthew 26:60

yet found they none] That could accuse him of any capital matter: or, whose witnesse agreed, Mark 14:56. and therefore they could not legally condemn him, Deuteronomy 17:6. Thus God did every way shew forth his Sons innocency, that it might appear, that he died not for himself, but for us.

two false witnesses] For one would not serve, Deuteronomy 19:15. They are called false witnesses, for depraving Christs words and meaning.

Matthew 26:61

This fellow said] See on chap. 12. 24.

I am able to destroy] John 2:16.

Matthew 26:62

Answerest thou nothing?] Seeing their depositions insufficient, he seeks to draw somewhat from himself. So desirous was he of Christs death.

Matthew 26:63

Jesus held his peace] He saw it was to no end to speak, and that out of his defence they would but seek matter against him.

I adjure thee] So 1 Kings 22:16.

Matthew 26:64

Thou hast said] See on chap. 27. 11.

neverthelesse] Or, furthermore.

I say unto you] I tell you, though ye will not believe what I say now; but hereafter shall, when ye see it fulfilled.

Hereafter] Chap. 16. 27. Romans 14:10. 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

shall ye see] At my second coming.

sitting at the right hand of power] In the highest honour with God. Luke 22:69, of the power of God: that is, of the divine Majestie, as Hebrews 1:3. and Hebrews 8:1. Or, of God himself, Mark 16:19. Acts 7:55. Romans 8:34. Ephesians 1:20. Colossians 3:1.

in the clouds of heaven] See Notes on chap. 24. 30.

Matthew 26:65

the high priest rent his clothes] As if his heart were ready to break, to hear such a blasphemous speech. So the Jews used to do in such cases, 2 Kings 18. 37. and 19. 1.

what further need have we of witnesses?] To prove that this man ought to die?

Matthew 26:66

What think ye?] What punishment do ye think him worthy of?

Matthew 26:67

Then did they spit in his face] A token of contempt and disgrace, Numbers 12:14. Isaiah 50:5.

and bufferted him] Isaiah 50:6.

the palms of their hands] Or, rods. See Matthew 5:39. So Mark 14:65. John 18:22. and John 19:3.

Matthew 26:68

Prophesie unto us] They require this, after they had covered his face, Mark 14:65. else might he easily see who smote him, and needed not tell it by prophecie, which, being blindfolded, he might; for it was the part of a prophet to tell hidden things present, as well as to foretell future, 1 Kings 14. 4, 5, 6.

Matthew 26:69

Now Peter] Mark 14:66. Luke 22. 55. John 18:25.

sate without in the palace] Without the croud, remote from the place where the high priests sate; but in the same room, for he went out after, v. 71.

Jesus of Galilee] For distinction sake, because there were others of that name, Acts 13:6. Colossians 4:10. or, in way of contempt, John 7:52.

Matthew 26:70

I know not what thou sayest] I neither know him, not understand well what you mean.

Matthew 26:71

This fellow] See on chap. 12. 24.

of Nazareth] Because bred there, chap. 2. 23. or, to disgrace him, as John 1:46.

Matthew 26:72

I do not know the man] Now he speaks more plainly, then he did, v. 69.

Matthew 26:73

thy speech bewrayeth thee] Coming neerer to the Syriack and Samaritan dialect then that of Jerusalem, Judg. 12. 6.

Matthew 26:74

Then began he to curse] That is, he cursed, as vers. 22. Sin grows quickly in good men, if once admitted. First, he denies his master, v. 70. Secondly, forswears himself, v. 72. Thirdly, curses, in this verse.

Matthew 26:75

And Peter remembred] Being put in minde of them by the crowing of the cock, v. 74. which waked him out of his dead sleep; and by Christs looking back upon him, Luke 22:61.

Before the cock crow] See on v. 34.

he went out] Lest he should be tempted again, and to weep privately, Genesis 43:29.

and wept bitterly] The falls of Gods servants, make them humble, and pierce their hearts, Ezekiel 6:9.