261 When Jesus had finished all these words , He said to His disciples , 2 " You know that after two days the Passover is coming , and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion ." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest , named Caiaphas ; 4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying , "Not during the festival , otherwise e a riot might occur among the people ."
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany , at the home of Simon the leper , 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume , and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. 8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said , "Why e this waste ? 9 "For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor ." 10 But Jesus , aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother e the woman ? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11 "For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 "For when she poured this perfume on My body , she did it to prepare Me for burial . 13 "Truly I say to you, wherever e this gospel is preached in the whole world , what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."
14 Then one of the twelve , named Judas Iscariot , went to the chief priests 15 and said , "What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?" And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.
17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked , "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover ?" 18 And He said , "Go into the city to a certain man , and say to him, 'The Teacher says , " My time is near ; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples ."' " 19 The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover . 20 Now when evening came , Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples . 21 As they were eating , He said , " Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me." 22 Being deeply grieved , they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord ?" 23 And He answered , " He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 "The Son of Man is to go , just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed ! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born ." 25 And Judas , who was betraying Him, said , "Surely it is not I, Rabbi ?" Jesus said to him, " You have said it yourself ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 26:1-25
Commentary on Matthew 26:1-5
(Read Matthew 26:1-5)
Our Lord had often told of his sufferings as at a distance, now he speaks of them as at hand. At the same time the Jewish council consulted how they might put him to death secretly. But it pleased God to defeat their intention. Jesus, the true paschal Lamb, was to be sacrificed for us at that very time, and his death and resurrection rendered public.
Commentary on Matthew 26:6-13
(Read Matthew 26:6-13)
The pouring ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect. Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon him. The more Christ's servants and their services are cavilled at, the more he manifests his acceptance. This act of faith and love was so remarkable, that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary's faith and love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled.
Commentary on Matthew 26:14-16
(Read Matthew 26:14-16)
There were but twelve called apostles, and one of them was like a devil; surely we must never expect any society to be quite pure on this side heaven. The greater profession men make of religion, the greater opportunity they have of doing mischief, if their hearts be not right with God. Observe, that Christ's own disciple, who knew so well his doctrine and manner of his life, and was false to him, could not charge him with any thing criminal, though it would have served to justify his treachery. What did Judas want? Was not he welcome wherever his Master was? Did he not fare as Christ fared? It is not the lack, but the love of money, that is the root of all evil. After he had made that wicked bargain, Judas had time to repent, and to revoke it; but when lesser acts of dishonesty have hardened the conscience men do without hesitation that which is more shameful.
Commentary on Matthew 26:17-25
(Read Matthew 26:17-25)
Observe, the place for their eating the passover was pointed out by Christ to the disciples. He knows those hidden ones who favour his cause, and will graciously visit all who are willing to receive him. The disciples did as Jesus had appointed. Those who would have Christ's presence in the gospel passover, must do what he says. It well becomes the disciples of Christ always to be jealous over themselves, especially in trying times. We know not how strongly we may be tempted, nor how far God may leave us to ourselves, therefore we have reason not to be high-minded, but to fear. Heart-searching examination and fervent prayer are especially proper before the Lord's supper, that, as Christ our Passover is now sacrificed for us, we may keep this feast, renewing our repentance, our faith in his blood, and surrendering ourselves to his service.