📖 Passage

Matthew 26:1–35 Read Matthew 26:1–35 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Matthew 26 opens the passion narrative, transitioning from Jesus' public teaching to the events leading to His crucifixion. The setting is two days before the Passover, linking Jesus' impending death to the ultimate Passover Lamb of Exodus 12. Religious leaders, fueled by jealousy and fear, plot to kill Him — but not during the feast, showing their hypocrisy in attempting to maintain ceremonial appearances while planning murder.

This chapter contains three key movements: the anointing at Bethany (a prophetic act anticipating Jesus' burial), Judas' agreement to betray Jesus, and the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the New Covenant in His blood. The Upper Room discourse includes warnings of betrayal and denial, yet also covenant promises. The events fulfill Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12–13, Exodus 12) and highlight Jesus' sovereign control — nothing happens outside His plan.

🌿 Key Themes

• Sovereignty in Suffering – Jesus moves toward the cross with full awareness of God's plan.
• Passover Fulfillment – Jesus is the true Passover Lamb whose blood delivers from God's wrath.
• Betrayal and Hypocrisy – Judas' treachery contrasts with Mary's devotion.
• New Covenant – Instituted in Jesus' blood, replacing the old sacrificial system.
• Human Weakness vs. Divine Faithfulness – Disciples falter, but Jesus remains steadfast.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 26:1–5 – The Plot to Kill Jesus

"The chief priests… plotted together… to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him."

• Prophetic Timing – Jesus predicts His crucifixion exactly during Passover.
• Religious Hypocrisy – Leaders fear the crowd more than God.
• Divine Control – Even their timing is overruled to fulfill God's plan.

Matthew 26:6–13 – Anointing at Bethany

"A woman… poured it on his head as he reclined at table."

• Extravagant Devotion – Mary's costly gift (John 12 identifies her) shows love and faith.
• Foreshadowing Burial – Anointing anticipates Jesus' death.
• Eternal Memorial – Her act is remembered wherever the Gospel is preached.

Matthew 26:14–16 – Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

"What will you give me if I deliver him to you?"

• Thirty Pieces of Silver – Fulfills Zechariah 11:12–13.
• Greed and Apostasy – Judas exchanges eternal treasure for temporal gain.
• Premeditated Treachery – He seeks opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:17–25 – The Passover with the Disciples

"My time is at hand."

• Passover Fulfillment – The true Lamb is about to be sacrificed.
• Foreknowledge of Betrayal – Jesus reveals Judas' treachery without thwarting it.
• Solemn Warning – "It would have been better… if he had not been born" underscores the gravity of rejecting Christ.

Matthew 26:26–29 – Institution of the Lord's Supper

"This is my blood of the covenant…"

• Covenant Language – Echoes Exodus 24:8 and Jeremiah 31:31–34.
• Substitutionary Atonement – His blood is "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
• Future Fulfillment – Jesus anticipates drinking anew in His Father's kingdom.

Matthew 26:30–35 – Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

"Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."

• Human Weakness – Zealous promises collapse under pressure.
• Scripture Fulfilled – Zechariah 13:7 foretells the scattering of the sheep.
• Grace After Failure – Jesus promises reunion in Galilee after His resurrection.

🔍 Trusted Insight

"Spurgeon remarked on the Last Supper: 'In this ordinance, Christ gives us His own body and blood — not physically, but spiritually — to nourish our souls, and by it, we remember His death until He comes.'" This keeps the Supper a continual proclamation of the Gospel and a pledge of His return.

Summary: Matthew 26:1–35 reveals Jesus' deliberate march toward the cross, the contrasting hearts of devotion and betrayal, and the establishment of the New Covenant through His sacrificial death.

🧩 Review Questions

💡 Click a question to open the chatbot and explore the answer. Tap the chat bubble again to close it.

1. How does Jesus demonstrate His sovereignty over the timing of His death?
2. What does Mary's anointing reveal about the nature of true worship?
3. Why is Judas' betrayal significant in light of Old Testament prophecy?
4. How does the Lord's Supper connect to the Old Covenant sacrifices?
5. What does Peter's denial teach us about human weakness and divine restoration?

🔍 Definitions

• Passover – Jewish feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.
• Anointing – Act of pouring oil as a sign of honor, consecration, or burial preparation.
• Covenant – Binding agreement initiated by God, fulfilled in the New Covenant through Christ.
• Apostasy – Willful departure from the faith.
• Atonement – The act of reconciling God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice.

🙋 Application Questions

1. In what ways can your worship reflect the sacrificial devotion of Mary?
2. How does participating in the Lord's Supper shape your understanding of Christ's work?
3. What warnings should you take from Judas' example?
4. How does Jesus' foreknowledge of Peter's failure encourage you in your own weakness?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Pascha – "Passover," pointing to deliverance through sacrifice.
• Diathēkē – "Covenant," used here of the New Covenant in Christ's blood.
• Afesis – "Forgiveness" or "release," signifying complete pardon of sins.
• Prodidōmi – "To betray," used of Judas' act against Jesus.
• Anamnesis – "Remembrance," used in the Lord's Supper as ongoing proclamation.

📚 Cross References

• Exodus 12:1–14 – Institution of the Passover.
• Zechariah 11:12–13 – Thirty pieces of silver prophecy.
• Jeremiah 31:31–34 – Promise of the New Covenant.
• Zechariah 13:7 – Shepherd struck, sheep scattered.
• 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 – Paul's account of the Lord's Supper.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 26:36–56