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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Mattithyahu (Matthew) 26
26
1And it came to be, when יהושע ended all these words, He said to His taught ones,
2You know that after two days the Pĕsaḥ takes place, and the Son of Aḏam is to be delivered up to be impaled.
3Then the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people came together at the court of the high priest, who was called Qayapha,
4and plotted to seize יהושע by trickery and kill Him.
5But they said, “Not at the festival lest there be an uproar among the people.”
6And when יהושע was in Bĕyth Anyah at the house of Shim‛on the leper,
7a woman came to Him, having an alabaster flask of costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.
8And when His taught ones saw it, they were much displeased saying, “To what purpose is this waste?
9For this perfume could have been sold for much and given to the poor.
10However, when יהושע noticed it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work toward Me.
11“For you always have the poor with you, but Me you do not have always.
12“For in pouring this perfume on My body, she did it for My burial.
13Truly, I say to you, wherever this Good News is proclaimed in all the world, what this woman has done shall be spoken of also, to her remembrance.
14Then one of the twelve, called Yehuḏah from Qerioth, went to the chief priests,
15and said, “What would you give me to deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. # Zech. 11:12
16And from then on he was seeking an occasion to deliver Him up.
17And on the first day of Unleavened Bread the taught ones came to יהושע, saying to Him, “Where do You wish us to prepare for You to eat the Pĕsaḥ?”
18And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I am to perform the Pĕsaḥ at your house with My taught ones.” ’ ”
19And the taught ones did as יהושע had ordered them, and prepared the Pĕsaḥ.
20And when evening came, He sat down with the twelve.
21And while they were eating, He said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you shall deliver Me up.”
22And they were deeply grieved, and began to say to Him, each of them, “Master, is it I?”
23And He answering, said, “He who has dipped his hand with Me in the dish, he shall deliver Me up.
24Indeed, the Son of Aḏam goes as it has been written concerning Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Aḏam is delivered up! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.
25And Yehuḏah – he who delivered Him up – answering, said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”
26And as they were eating, יהושע took bread, and having blessed, broke and gave it to the taught ones and said, “Take, eat, this is My body.”
27And taking the cup, and giving thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28“For this is My blood, that of the renewed covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.
29“But I say to you, I shall certainly not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on till that day when I drink it anew with you in the reign of My Father.”
30And having sung a song, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
31Then יהושע said to them, “All of you shall stumble in Me this night, for it has been written, ‘I shall strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’# Zech. 13:7#See also Mark 14:27; John 16:32
32But after I have been raised, I shall go before you into Galil.
33And Kĕpha answering, said to Him, “Even if all stumble in You, I shall never stumble.”
34יהושע said to him, “Truly, I say to you that this night, before the cock crows, you shall deny Me three times.”
35Kĕpha said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I shall not deny You!” All the taught ones said the same too.
36Then יהושע came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the taught ones, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
37And He took with Him Kĕpha and the two sons of Zaḇdai, and He began to be grieved and deeply distressed.
38Then He said to them, “My being is exceedingly grieved, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39And going forward a little, He fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I desire, but as You desire.”
40And He came to the taught ones and found them asleep, and said to Kĕpha, “So, were you not able to watch with Me one hour?
41Watch and pray, lest you enter into trial. The spirit indeed is eager, but the flesh is weak.
42Again He went away, a second time, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is impossible for this to pass unless I drink it, let Your desire be done.”
43And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44And He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45Then He came to His taught ones and said to them, “Still sleeping and taking rest? See, the hour has come near, and the Son of Aḏam is delivered up into the hands of sinners.
46Rise, let us go. See, he who delivers Me up has come near.
47And while He was still speaking, see, Yehuḏah, one of the twelve, with a large crowd with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48And he who was delivering Him up gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, it is He, seize Him.”
49And going straight up to יהושע he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50And יהושע said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on יהושע and seized Him.
51And look, one of those with יהושע put out his hand and drew his sword, and striking the servant of the high priest he cut off his ear.
52Then יהושע said to him, “Return your sword to its place, for all who take the sword shall die by the sword.
53“Or do you think that I am not able to pray to My Father now, and He shall provide Me with more than twelve legions of messengers?
54“How then would the Scriptures be filled that it has to be this way?”
55In that hour יהושע said to the crowds, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Daily I sat with you, teaching in the Set-apart Place, and you did not seize Me.
56But all this came to be, so that the Scriptures of the prophets might be filled. Then all the taught ones left Him and fled.
57And those who had seized יהושע led Him away to Qayapha the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.
58But Kĕpha followed Him at a distance to the courtyard of the high priest, and he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
59And the chief priests, and the elders, and all the council were seeking false witness against יהושע to put Him to death,
60but found none. Although many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward,
61and said, “This one said, ‘I am able to destroy the Dwelling Place of Elohim and to build it in three days.’ ”
62And the high priest stood up and said to Him, “Have You no answer to make? What do these witness against You?”
63But יהושע remained silent. So the high priest said to Him, “I put You to oath, by the living Elohim that You say to us if You are the Messiah, the Son of Elohim.”
64יהושע said to him, “You have said it. Besides I say to you, from now on you shall see the Son of Aḏam sitting at the right hand of the Power,# Psa. 110:1 and coming on the clouds of the heaven.”# Dan. 7:13
65Then the high priest tore his garments, saying, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? See, now you have heard His blasphemy!
66What do you think? And they answering, said, “He is liable to death.”
67Then they spat in His face and beat Him, and others slapped Him,
68saying, “Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who is the one who struck You?”
69And Kĕpha sat outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him, saying, “And you were with יהושע of Galil.”
70But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you say.”
71And as he was going out into the porch, another girl saw him and said to those there, “And this one was with יהושע of Natsareth.”
72But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73And after a while those who stood by came to him and said to Kĕpha, “Truly you are one of them too, for even your speech gives you away.”
74Then he began to curse and to swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” And immediately a cock crowed.
75And Kĕpha remembered the word of יהושע who had said to him, “Before a cock crows, you shall deny Me three times.” And going out, he wept bitterly.
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