Matthew 26

Jesus tells His disciples the cross is days away, and everything moves toward it: the leaders plot, a woman anoints Him, Judas bargains, and Jesus shares a last Passover meal and gives bread and wine their new meaning. In Gethsemane He submits to the Father’s will, is betrayed and arrested, and stands trial while Peter, who swore loyalty, denies Him three times. Through human failure and hatred, Jesus walks willingly to the cross.

Matthew 26:1-2

Jesus has finished His teaching and now speaks plainly about what lies ahead. The Passover feast, which remembered God rescuing Israel, is two days off. At that very feast the Son of Man will be handed over and crucified. He is not surprised by it.

BSA: handed over (“delivered, surrendered”): The same word will mark Judas’s act, yet Jesus speaks of it as something He is going to meet knowingly.

See also: John 1:29.

Matthew 26:3-5

The religious leaders meet at Caiaphas’s house and plot to seize Jesus quietly and kill Him. They want to avoid the feast, when Jerusalem was packed with pilgrims and a riot was likely. Their timing fails, because God’s timing rules, and Jesus dies at Passover.

BSA: covertly (“by subtilty, with cunning”): Their plan depends on secrecy and trickery, because they fear the crowds who admire Jesus.

Matthew 26:6-7

In Bethany, at the home of a man once healed or cleansed of leprosy, a woman pours costly perfume on Jesus’ head as He reclines at the meal. It is an act of extravagant love, offered openly. The other Gospels fill in more detail about her.

BSA: alabaster (“stone”): The perfume was kept in a fine stone jar, a sign of how precious it was.

See also: John 12:1-3.

Matthew 26:8-9

The disciples see only loss. They call her gift a waste and say the money should have gone to the poor. Their concern sounds generous, but it misses what is happening in front of them: someone is honoring Jesus with everything she has.

BSA: waste (“destruction, loss, perdition”): They treat her love as something thrown away and ruined, not given.

Greek: ἀπώλεια (apōleia, G684) — “destruction, ruin, loss.” This strong word is usually used for ruin or perishing. The disciples use it of her gift, as if pouring it out were a kind of destruction.

Matthew 26:10-11

Jesus defends her. What she did was beautiful, fitting and good. Care for the poor never ends, and there will always be chances to give. But Jesus will soon be gone, and this was the moment for this gift.

BSA: beautiful (“good, kind”): Her deed was good in the fullest sense, noble and lovely in God’s eyes.

Greek: καλὸν (kalon, G2570) — “beautiful, fair, noble.” The word means more than useful. It describes something that is lovely and right to look at, which is how Jesus sees her act.

Matthew 26:11

Jesus is not belittling the poor. The Law already commanded generosity toward them. He is saying that His time on earth with them is short, and love should seize the moment that will not return.

See also: Deuteronomy 15:11.

Matthew 26:12-13

The woman may not have known it, but she was preparing Jesus’ body for burial. Jesus promises that her act will be remembered wherever the gospel goes. Costly love given to Him is never forgotten.

BSA: prepared (“to make ready”): Her anointing readied Him for the death He had just spoken of. gospel (“good news, message of salvation”): Jesus already speaks of the good news going out to the whole world, and her act belongs to its story.

Matthew 26:14-16

One of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot, goes to the chief priests and asks what they will pay him to hand Jesus over. They agree on thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave in the Law. From then on he watches for the right moment.

BSA: hand (“deliver, surrender”): Judas offers to deliver Jesus into their power, treating a friend as something to trade.

See also: Exodus 21:32; Zechariah 11:12.

Matthew 26:17-19

On the day when Passover preparations began, the disciples ask where to prepare the meal. Jesus sends them to a certain man in the city, saying His time is near. They find everything as He said. Jesus knows what is coming and still chooses to keep the feast.

BSA: time (“the right moment, the appointed hour”): Jesus speaks of a set hour in God’s plan, not a trap that is closing on Him.

Matthew 26:20-22

Jesus sits at the table with the Twelve and announces that one of them will betray Him. They do not point at anyone else. Each one is sorrowful and asks whether it could be himself. It is a sobering moment, because they know how weak they are.

BSA: grieved (“sorrowful, troubled”): The news hurt them deeply, and they were not indifferent to it.

Greek: λυπεῖσθαι (lypeisthai, G3076) — “to be grieved, pained.” The word describes real inner pain. These men were stricken and did not take the warning lightly.

Matthew 26:23-25

Jesus says the betrayer is one who eats with Him, which makes the act more shameful. The Son of Man goes the way Scripture foretold, but that does not excuse the man who betrays Him. Judas still asks, ‘Surely not I?’ and Jesus quietly answers that he has said it himself.

BSA: betrayed (“handed over, surrendered”): The word stresses the handing over. Judas is responsible even though God’s plan is moving forward.

Greek: Σὺ εἶπας (Sy eipas, G4771) — “You have said it.” This is a gentle way of saying yes. Jesus answers Judas without raising His voice, and Judas still has the chance to turn back.

See also: Psalm 41:9.

Matthew 26:26

Jesus takes the Passover bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying it is His body. The breaking points to His coming death. At the table where Israel remembered rescue, Jesus points to a greater rescue and invites them to receive it.

BSA: body (“My whole self”): He offers His whole person for them, and not merely a piece of Himself.

Greek: εὐλογήσας (eulogēsas, G2127) — “having blessed, having spoken well of God.” The word means praising God over the bread. Jesus is thankful to the Father even as He speaks of His own suffering.

Matthew 26:27-28

Jesus gives the cup and says it is His blood, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. A covenant in Scripture was sealed with blood, and this new covenant is sealed by His own death. Christians have understood the exact meaning of the meal in different ways, but all agree that it points to His sacrifice.

BSA: covenant (“a formal agreement or contract”): God binds Himself in a solemn promise, sealed at great cost. poured out (“shed or spilled”): His death is a deliberate offering, willingly poured out. forgiveness (“pardon or remission”): Sins are sent away and no longer held against the person.

Greek: διαθήκης (diathēkēs, G1242) — “covenant, a binding arrangement.” This is the word used for a covenant God makes on His own terms. It shows that salvation is His gift, and we do not bargain for it.

See also: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Exodus 24:8.

Matthew 26:29

Jesus says He will not drink wine again until He drinks it anew with them in His Father’s kingdom. The shadow of the cross falls over the meal, but He looks beyond it to a future feast. His death is not the end, and He promises to sit at table with His people again.

BSA: anew (“new, freshly, in a new way”): The coming meal will be fresh and different, part of the new world God will bring.

See also: Revelation 19:9.

Matthew 26:30

After singing a hymn, probably psalms of praise that were traditionally sung at Passover, they go out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus goes toward His suffering singing. It shows a heart that trusts the Father even in the darkest hour.

See also: Psalm 118:24-29.

Matthew 26:31-32

Jesus warns that all the disciples will fall away that night. He quotes Zechariah, where the Shepherd is struck and the sheep scatter. Then He adds a promise: after He rises, He will go ahead of them into Galilee. Failure will not be the end of the story.

BSA: fall away (“be offended, stumble”): They will trip over what happens to Jesus and lose their footing.

Greek: σκανδαλισθήσεσθε (skandalisthēsesthe, G4624) — “you will be caused to stumble.” The root word is a trap’s trigger. The disciples will be tripped up, as if caught in a snare, when Jesus is arrested.

See also: Zechariah 13:7.

Matthew 26:33-35

Peter boldly says he will never fall away, even if all others do. Jesus tells him he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Peter protests again, and the others agree with him. Sincere courage is not enough without humble dependence on Jesus.

BSA: deny (“utterly refuse, disown”): Jesus names the sin exactly: Peter will disown Him as someone he knows.

Matthew 26:36-37

Jesus brings the disciples to Gethsemane and takes Peter, James and John a little further in. He begins to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. The Son of God does not hide His anguish from His closest friends.

Greek: ἀδημονεῖν (adēmonein, G85) — “to be troubled, deeply distressed.” The word describes a heavy, anxious dismay, like being weighed down. It shows how real the weight of the cross was for Jesus.

See also: Hebrews 4:15.

Matthew 26:38

Jesus tells them His soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. He asks them to stay and keep watch with Him. He does not ask them to fix anything. He asks only for their company, and the human need for friends is shown.

BSA: soul (“the seat of emotions and desires”): His whole inner life, feelings included, is overwhelmed with sorrow.

Greek: περίλυπος (perilypos, G4036) — “surrounded by sorrow.” The word pictures grief on every side, closing in. Jesus feels it all around Him, as if it would crush Him.

Matthew 26:39

Jesus falls on His face and prays to His Father. If possible, let the cup pass, yet not His will but the Father’s. The cup stands for the suffering and judgment before Him. He honestly asks for another way and then submits fully.

BSA: cup (“of suffering”): The cup stands for the suffering He is about to drink, including the weight of sin.

See also: Isaiah 51:17; Hebrews 5:7.

Matthew 26:40-41

He finds His friends asleep. He tells Peter to watch and pray so they do not enter into temptation. He also shows compassion: the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. He knows how frail they are.

BSA: body (“the flesh”): Human weakness is real and strong. Good wishes cannot stand against it without prayer.

Greek: σάρξ (sarx, G4561) — “flesh, human nature in its weakness.” The word here is not the physical body alone but our frail human nature. Jesus says good intentions need prayer to survive.

Matthew 26:42-44

Jesus prays a second and third time with the same words. His prayer shifts from ‘if it is possible’ to ‘Your will be done.’ The disciples keep falling asleep because their eyes were heavy. Jesus keeps praying, and strength is given through prayer.

BSA: saying the same thing (“speaking, uttering”): He does not ask for something new. He keeps bringing the same honest request to the Father.

Matthew 26:45-46

Jesus tells them the hour has come and He is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Then He calls them to rise, since His betrayer is near. He goes forward to meet His enemies, and He does not run.

BSA: hour (“a moment of crisis”): The long-expected time of God’s plan has arrived.

Matthew 26:47-49

Judas arrives with a large armed crowd sent by the leaders. He has arranged a sign: the one he kisses is the man. He greets Jesus as ‘Rabbi’ and kisses Him. A sign of friendship becomes the tool of treachery.

BSA: kissed (“to kiss with strong affection”): The word suggests warm affection, which makes the deceit even sharper.

See also: Proverbs 27:6.

Matthew 26:50

Jesus calls Judas ‘Friend’ and tells him to do what he came for. His words are calm, not angry. Even now, He offers kindness. Then the men seize Him. No one is taking His life from Him, because He gives it willingly.

BSA: Friend (“comrade, close companion”): Even to the one betraying Him, Jesus uses a word of companionship.

Greek: ἑταῖρε (hetaire, G2083) — “companion, comrade.” This word addresses someone as an associate. It carries both gentleness and a quiet rebuke, since Judas is betraying that very closeness.

See also: John 10:18.

Matthew 26:51-54

One of the disciples draws his sword and cuts off the high priest’s servant’s ear. Jesus tells him to put it away, because violence is not the way of His kingdom. He could ask the Father for more than twelve legions of angels, but then Scripture would not be fulfilled. He is choosing the cross.

BSA: angels (“messengers of God, heavenly beings”): A great heavenly army was available, but Jesus chose to go to the cross.

Greek: λεγιῶνας (legiōnas, G3003) — “legions.” A Roman legion was a large body of soldiers, numbering thousands. Jesus is saying that vast heavenly power was within reach, and that He chose not to use it.

See also: John 18:10-11.

Matthew 26:55-56

Jesus asks why they came to seize Him as if He were an outlaw, when He taught openly in the temple every day. All this happens to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets. Then all the disciples abandon Him and run, just as He had said they would.

BSA: deserted (“left, abandoned”): Every one of them left Him alone at the moment He needed them most.

See also: Isaiah 53:7-8.

Matthew 26:57-58

They bring Jesus to Caiaphas, where the scribes and elders have gathered. Peter follows at a distance and slips into the courtyard to see what will happen. He is torn between love and fear, still near but no longer boldly beside Jesus.

BSA: distance (“afar off”): His following is real but cautious, which is where his fall begins.

Matthew 26:59-61

The court wants to put Jesus to death but cannot find honest evidence. Many false witnesses fail to agree. At last two claim He said He could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Jesus did speak of the temple of His body, but they twisted His words.

BSA: false testimony (“false witness, lying under oath”): The verdict was decided before the evidence, and lies were being sought to support it.

See also: John 2:19-21; Exodus 20:16.

Matthew 26:62-63

The high priest demands an answer, but Jesus stays silent, as the suffering servant did in the prophet’s picture. Then Caiaphas puts Him under oath by the living God to say whether He is the Christ, the Son of God. Under oath, Jesus will answer.

BSA: charge (“adjure, put under oath”): The high priest uses a formal legal demand that required an answer.

Greek: ἐξορκίζω (exorkizō, G1844) — “to put under oath, to adjure.” This is a solemn demand made by invoking God. The law then required a truthful reply, so Jesus’ next words carry the full weight of that oath.

See also: Isaiah 53:7.

Matthew 26:64

Jesus agrees that He is, and then points to the future. They will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. He quotes Daniel and a psalm. The man on trial is the one who will one day judge.

BSA: Power (“divine authority, God’s strength”): This is a respectful way of naming God, whose throne Jesus will share.

Greek: Δυνάμεως (Dynameōs, G1411) — “of Power.” The Jews often avoided saying God’s name directly and used a word like ‘Power’ instead. Everyone in the room would have understood whom Jesus meant.

See also: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 110:1.

Matthew 26:65-66

The high priest tears his robes and cries blasphemy. They need no more witnesses and condemn Jesus as deserving death. If Jesus were only a man, the charge would stand. But He is who He says, and the truth is treated as a crime.

BSA: blasphemed (“spoken evil against God”): They think a mere man has insulted God, not realizing God Himself stands before them.

Matthew 26:67-68

They spit in His face, strike Him and slap Him, mocking Him to prophesy and say who hit Him. They sneer at His claim to be Christ. Their cruelty fulfills the suffering the prophets foretold, and He bears it in silence.

BSA: Prophesy (“speak under God’s inspiration”): They mock Him with the very thing He truly does, speaking God’s word, while hiding His face from them.

See also: Isaiah 50:6.

Matthew 26:69-70

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, a servant girl says Peter was with Jesus the Galilean. He denies it in front of everyone, saying he does not know what she means. The man who swore to die with Jesus is now afraid of a servant girl’s words.

BSA: denied (“completely rejected, said no to”): His denial was total, a flat refusal to be known as Jesus’ follower.

Matthew 26:71-72

At the gateway another servant girl names Jesus of Nazareth and says Peter was with Him. He denies it again, this time with an oath, saying he does not know the man. The fear that began as a hedge has become a full denial.

BSA: oath (“a sacred promise, vow”): Peter backs up a lie by calling on God, which deepens the sin.

Matthew 26:73-74

Bystanders say his accent gives him away as a Galilean. Peter begins to curse and swear that he does not know the man. Immediately a rooster crows. His third denial comes in the strongest words he has spoken.

BSA: accent (“speech, way of speaking”): His Galilean speech marked him as one of Jesus’ region and company.

Greek: καταθεματίζειν (katathematizein, G2653) — “to curse, to call down a curse.” The word means invoking a curse, probably on himself if he were lying. It shows how far Peter’s fear had driven him.

Matthew 26:75

Peter remembers Jesus’ words, goes outside and weeps bitterly. His tears show real sorrow, not mere regret. The story is not left there. Peter’s failure is real, and so is his grief, and later Jesus restores him. Failure is not the end for those who turn back to Him.

BSA: wept (“cried out loud, mourned”): His grief was open and deep, a genuine breaking of heart. bitterly (“with intense sadness”): The sorrow was heavy and sharp, and it came from knowing what he had done.

See also: John 21:15-17; 2 Corinthians 7:10.