Matthew 26
26
The Plot to Kill Jesus
1When Jesus had finished this #I.e. a formal, extended teaching about important matters.discourse, He said to His disciples, 2“You know that the Passover is coming in two days, and the Son of Man is to be betrayed and handed over for crucifixion.”
3Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the courtyard of the [elegant home of the Jewish] high priest, whose name was #Caiaphas served as high priest a.d. 18 to 36. His father-in-law, Annas, served as high priest a.d. 6-15. Annas was removed from the position by Rome, but continued to be extremely influential and was regarded by the Jews as de facto high priest even though others (his sons and son-in-law) officially held the office. In about 1990, in an ancient burial cave outside Jerusalem, Israeli archeologists found twelve limestone ossuaries (bone boxes). One of them was uniquely elaborate and decorated with a rare and intricate pattern of rosettes. According to its inscription, this ossuary contained the bones of Caiaphas.Caiaphas, 4and plotted together to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5But they said, “It must not be during the festival (Passover), otherwise there might be a riot among the people.”
The Anointing in Bethany
6Now when Jesus was [back] in Bethany, at the home of #Most likely a man previously healed by Jesus. Otherwise he would not be able to have a home among others in the city.Simon the leper, 7a #John the Apostle identifies this woman as Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus (Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). Jesus was anointed in a similar way by an unnamed woman when He was in Galilee dining at the home of Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-40).woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very expensive #This was a thick, scented oil (nard) obtained from the root of a flowering plant grown in the Himalayas of Tibet.perfume and she poured it on Jesus’ head as He reclined at the table. 8But when the #Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, spoke first denouncing this act of devotion (John 12:4, 5).disciples saw it they were indignant and angry, saying, “Why all this waste [of money]? 9For this perfume might have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10But Jesus, aware [of the malice] of this [remark], said to them, “Why are you bothering the woman? She has done a good thing to Me. 11For you always have the poor with you; but you will not always have Me. 12When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. 13I assure you and most solemnly say to you, wherever this gospel [of salvation] is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her [for her act of love and devotion].”
Judas’ Bargain
14Then one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Jesus over to you?” And they weighed out #Probably about a month’s wages for a laborer.thirty pieces of silver. 16And from that moment Judas began looking for an opportune time to betray Jesus.
17Now on the first day of #This remembrance lasted eight days. The Passover lambs were selected on the tenth of Nisan (March/April) and sacrificed on the fourteenth of Nisan (the first day of the feast). The Passover meal was eaten that same night (15 Nisan). This was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread (15-21 Nisan). The terms “Passover” and “The Feast of Unleavened Bread” were used interchangeably.Unleavened Bread (Passover Week) the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18He said, “Go into the city to #Tradition identifies this man as Mark’s father.a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time [to suffer and atone for sin] is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” 19[Accordingly] the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
The Last Passover
20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21And as they were eating, He said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22Being deeply grieved and extremely distressed, each one of them began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23Jesus answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the bowl with Me [as a #In the ancient culture sharing a meal in this way was a confirmation of friendship and goodwill.pretense of friendship] will betray Me. 24The Son of Man is to go [to the cross], just as it is written [in Scripture] of Him; but woe (judgment is coming) to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.” 25And Judas, the betrayer, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “#“You” is emphatic in the Greek text.You have said it yourself.”
The Lord’s Supper Instituted
26Now as they were eating Jesus took bread, and after #The customary blessing spoken over the bread in the Passover meal was, “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”blessing it, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27And when He had taken a cup and #Giving thanks consisted of two benedictions, one over the wine (“Blessed are You, Lord our God, who has created the fruit of the vine!”) and one for the return of the Feast Day with all it implied, as well as being allowed once more to witness it.given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many [as a #By laying his hands on the head of the sacrifice the one offering the sacrifice identified himself with it and through its death it became an atonement or covering for his sin. Because the unblemished sacrifice “covered” his sin, it placed the one offering the sacrifice in a right relationship with God, just as later under the new covenant the perfection and sacrifice of Christ would cover (atone for) the imperfection and sin of those who identified with Him and accepted Him as Savior.substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins. 29But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
30After singing a #The Hallel psalms (113-118) were sung at Passover.hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night [disillusioned about Me, confused, and some even ashamed of Me], for it is written [in the Scriptures], ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32But after I am raised [to life], I will go ahead of you [leading the way] to Galilee.” 33Peter replied to Him, “Though they all fall away because of You [and doubt and disown You], I will never fall away!” 34Jesus said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this night, before a rooster crows, you will [completely] deny Me three times.” 35Peter said to Jesus, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And all the disciples said the same thing.
The Garden of Gethsemane
36Then Jesus came with them to a place called #This beautiful garden filled with now ancient olive trees still exists.Gethsemane (olive-press), and He told His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [James and John], He began to be grieved and greatly distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and stay awake and keep watch with Me.”
39And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup #Jesus’ request was heard (Heb 5:7), and it is unlikely that He asked to avoid the cross. The object of His request cannot be known with certainty, but some think that He was asking for resurrection following His death. In that case, the “cup” would represent His body’s remaining in the grave, which would be contrary to the plan of salvation and prophecy regarding His resurrection (Ps 16:10; cf Acts 2:24-27). Others think that the request related to the time of separation from the Father, which He would have to endure in death (see 27:46). However, the sense of Heb 5:7 could be that the Father listened to Him intently and comforted Him, while not sparing His Son the suffering which He had destined for Him.pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour? 41Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the #Lit flesh.body is weak.”
42He went away a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44So, leaving them again, He went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words once more. 45Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Listen, #The time had come for Jesus’ atoning sacrificial death which would provide the way of salvation for believers.the hour [of My sacrifice] is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners [whose way and nature is to oppose God]. 46Get up, let us go. Look, My betrayer is near!”
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
47As Jesus was still speaking, Judas [Iscariot], one of the twelve [disciples], came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, [who came as representatives] from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings (rejoice), Rabbi!” And he #A kiss on either the hand or cheek was usually an act of homage and a common gesture of greeting and reverence given to a rabbi by his disciples, but done here to identify Jesus.kissed Him [in a deliberate act of betrayal]. 50Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, do what you came for.” Then they came and seized Jesus and arrested Him.
51And #John identified this “one” as Peter.one of those who were with Jesus reached out and drew his sword, and struck [Malchus] the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place; for all those who habitually draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve #A legion equaled 6,000 troops.legions of angels? 54How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?”
55At that moment Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Day after day I used to sit in the porches and courts of the temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me. 56But all this has taken place so that the Scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
Jesus before Caiaphas
57Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to #See note 26:3.Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) had gathered [#It was unlawful for a criminal court proceeding to be held at night. Further, although the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) was granted substantial power to act by the Roman government, the Sanhedrin could not impose the death penalty on a criminal. Court cases requesting a death penalty to be imposed by the Roman government were to be held publicly in the temple. The officials of the Sanhedrin waited until morning to announce their verdict, perhaps in a token attempt to legalize their unlawful gathering.illegally] together. 58But Peter followed Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the [elegant home of the Jewish] high priest, and went inside, and sat with the #Or servants.guards to see the outcome.
59Now the chief priests and the whole Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) tried to get false witnesses to testify against Jesus, so that they might [have a reason to] put Him to death. 60They found none, even though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward, 61and testified, “This man said, ‘#This was a distortion of Jesus’ comment (John 2:19-21).I am able to #This would amount to a capital offense.tear down the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ” 62The high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Have You no answer to give? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” 63But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I call on You to swear a binding oath by the living God, that you tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64Jesus said to him, “You have [in fact] said it; but more than that I tell you [regardless of what you do with Me now], in the future you will see [Me revealed as] the Son of Man seated at the #The place of preeminence and authority.right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65Then the high priest tore his #Or outer garments. This was a response required by Jewish law for judges who had heard blasphemy. However, OT law forbade the high priest to tear his clothing (Lev 10:6; 21:10).robes [in mock horror] and exclaimed, “He has blasphemed [by making Himself God’s equal]! What further need have we of witnesses or evidence? See, you have now heard the blasphemy. 66What do you think?” They answered, “#A statement expressing complete rejection of and contempt for the Messiah.He deserves to be put to death.”
67Then they spat in His face and struck Him with their fists; and some slapped Him, 68saying, “#Jesus was blindfolded according to Mark 14:65.Prophesy to us, You Christ (Messiah, Anointed); who was it that struck You?”
Peter’s Denials
69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came up to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71And when he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.” 72And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them too; for even your [Galilean] accent gives you away.” 74Then he began to curse [that is, to invoke God’s judgment on himself] and swear [an oath], “I do not know the man!” And at that moment a rooster crowed. 75And Peter remembered the [prophetic] words of Jesus, when He had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly [in repentance].
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Matthew 26: AMP
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Matthew 26
26
CHAPTER 26
1And it was done, when Jesus had ended all these words, he said to his disciples,
2Ye know, that after two days pask shall be made, and man’s Son shall be betaken to be crucified.
3Then the princes of priests, and the elder men of the people were gathered into the hall of the prince of priests, that was said Caiaphas,
4and made a counsel to hold Jesus with guile, and slay him;
5but they said, Not in the holiday [or in the feast day], lest peradventure noise were made in the people.
6And when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leprous,
7a woman that had a box of alabaster of precious ointment, came to him, and shedded it out on the head of him resting.
8And the disciples seeing had disdain, and said, Whereto is this loss?
9for it might be sold for much [or this might have been sold for much], and be given to poor men.
10But Jesus knew, and said to them, What be ye heavy to this woman? for she hath wrought in me a good work [or she hath wrought a good work in me].
11For ye shall ever[more] have poor men with you, but ye shall not always have me.
12For this woman sending this ointment into my body, did [for] to bury me.
13Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached in all the world, it shall be said, that she did this, in mind of him.
14Then one of the twelve, that was called Judas Iscariot, went forth [or went] to the princes of priests,
15and said to them, What will ye give to me, and I shall betake him to you? And they ordained to him thirty pieces of silver.
16And from that time he sought opportunity, to betray him.
17And in the first day of therf loaves the disciples came to Jesus, and said, Where wilt thou [that] we make ready to thee, to eat pask?
18Jesus said, Go ye into the city to a man, and say to him, The master saith, My time is nigh; at thee I make pask with my disciples.
19And the disciples did, as Jesus commanded to them; and they made the pask ready.
20And when the eventide was come, he sat to [or at the] meat, with his twelve disciples.
21And he said to them, as they ate, Truly I say to you, that one of you shall betray me.
22And they full sorry, [or made sorrowful greatly], began each by himself to say, Lord, whether I am he?
23And he answered, and said, He that putteth with me his hand in the platter, shall betray me.
24Forsooth man’s Son goeth, as it is written of him; but woe to that man, by whom man’s Son shall be betrayed; it were good to him, if that man had not been born.
25But Judas that betrayed him, answered, saying, Master, whether I am he? Jesus said to him, Thou hast said.
26And while they supped, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to his disciples, and said, Take ye, and eat; this is my body.
27And he took the cup, and did thankings, and gave to them, and said, Drink ye all thereof;
28this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many, into remission of sins.
29And I say to you, I shall not drink from this time, of this fruit of the vine, into that day when I shall drink it new with you, in the kingdom of my Father.
30And when the hymn was said, they went out into the mount of Olives.
31Then Jesus said to them, All ye shall suffer cause of stumbling in me, in this night; for it is written, I shall smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.
32But after that I shall rise again, I shall go before you into Galilee.
33Peter answered, and said to him, Though all [men] shall be caused to stumble in thee, I shall never be caused to stumble.
34Jesus said to him, Truly I say to thee, for in this night before the cock crow, thrice thou shalt deny me.
35Peter said to him, Yea, though it behooveth that I die with thee, I shall not deny thee. Also all the disciples said.
36Then Jesus came with them into a town, that is said Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go thither, and pray.
37And when he had taken Peter, and two sons of Zebedee, he began to be heavy and sorry [or to be sorrowful and heavy in heart].
38Then he said to them, My soul is sorrowful to the death; abide ye here, and wake ye with me.
39And he went forth a little, and felled down on his face, praying, and saying, My Father, if it is possible, pass this cup from me [or this cup pass from me]; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40And he came to his disciples, and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, So, whether ye might not one hour wake with me? [or might ye not one hour wake with me?]
41Wake ye, and pray ye, that ye enter not into temptation; for the spirit is ready, but the flesh is sick, [or unstable, or unsteadfast].
42Again the second time he went, and prayed, saying, My Father, if this cup may not pass, but I drink it, thy will be done.
43And again he came, and found them sleeping; for their eyes were heavied.
44And he left them, and went again, and prayed the third time, and said the same word.
45Then he came to his disciples, and said to them, Sleep ye now, and rest ye; lo! the hour hath nighed, and man’s Son shall be betaken [or be betrayed] into the hands of sinners;
46rise ye, go we; lo! he that shall take me, is nigh.
47Yet while he spake, lo! Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great company, with swords and bats [or staves], sent from the princes of priests, and from the elder men of the people.
48And he that betrayed him, gave to them a token, and said, Whomever I shall kiss, he it is; hold ye him.
49And anon he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master; and he kissed him.
50And Jesus said to him, Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came nigh, and laid hands on Jesus, and held him.
51And lo! one of them that were with Jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew out his sword; and he smote the servant of the prince of priests, and cut off his ear.
52Then Jesus said to him, Turn thy sword into his place; for all that take sword, shall perish by sword.
53Whether guessest thou, that I may not pray my Father, and he shall give to me now more than twelve legions of angels?
54How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled? for so it behooveth to be done.
55In that hour Jesus said to the people, As to a thief ye have gone out, with swords and bats [or staves], to take me; day by day I sat among you, and taught in the temple, and ye held me not.
56But all this thing was done, that the scriptures of prophets should be fulfilled. Then all the disciples fled, and left him.
57And they held Jesus, and led him to Caiaphas, the prince of priests, where the scribes and the Pharisees, and the elder men of the people were come together [or where the scribes and the elder men of the people had come together].
58But Peter pursued him afar, into the hall of the prince of priests; and he went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
59And the prince of priests, and all the council sought false witnessing against Jesus, that they should [be] take him to death;
60and they found not, when many false witnesses were come. But at the last, two false witnesses came,
61and said, This said, I may destroy the temple of God, and after the third day [or three days] build it again.
62And the prince of priests rose, and said to him, Answerest thou nothing to those things, that these witness against thee?
63But Jesus was still. And the prince of priests said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, that thou say to us, if thou art Christ, the Son of God.
64Jesus said to him, Thou hast said; nevertheless I say to you, hereafter ye shall see man’s Son sitting at the right half of the virtue of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
65Then the prince of priests rent his clothes, and said, He hath blasphemed; what yet have we need to witnesses? lo! now ye have heard blasphemy;
66what seemeth to you? And they answered, and said, He is guilty of death.
67Then they spat in his face, and smote him with buffets; and others gave strokes with the palm of their hands in[to] his face,
68and said, Thou Christ, declare [or prophesy] to us, who is he that smote thee?
69And Peter sat without in the hall; and a damsel [or an handmaid] came to him, and said, Thou were with Jesus of Galilee.
70And he denied before all [men], and said, I know not what thou sayest.
71And when he went out at the gate, another damsel [or handmaid] saw him, and said to them that were there, And this was with Jesus of Nazareth.
72And again he denied with an oath, For I knew not the man.
73And a little after, they that stood came, and said to Peter, Truly and thou art [one] of them; for thy speech maketh thee known.
74Then he began to curse and to swear, that he knew not the man. And anon the cock crew.
75And Peter bethought on the word of Jesus, that he had said, Before the cock crow, thrice thou shalt deny me. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
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