261 And it came to pass, when Jesus finished all these words, he said to his disciples, 2 'Ye have known that after two days the passover cometh, and the Son of Man is delivered up to be crucified.' 3 Then were gathered together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, to the court of the chief priest who was called Caiaphas; 4 and they consulted together that they might take Jesus by guile, and kill 'him', 5 and they said, 'Not in the feast, that there may not be a tumult among the people.'
6 And Jesus having been in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 there came to him a woman having an alabaster box of ointment, very precious, and she poured on his head as he is reclining (at meat). 8 And having seen 'it', his disciples were much displeased, saying, 'To what purpose 'is' this waste? 9 for this ointment could have been sold for much, and given to the poor.' 10 And Jesus having known, said to them, 'Why do ye give trouble to the woman? for a good work she wrought for me; 11 for the poor always ye have with you, and me ye have not always; 12 for she having put this ointment on my body—for my burial she did 'it'. 13 Verily I say to you, Wherever this good news may be proclaimed in the whole world, what this 'one' did shall also be spoken of—for a memorial of her.'
14 Then one of the twelve, who is called Judas Iscariot, having gone unto the chief priests, said, 15 'What are ye willing to give me, and I will deliver him up to you?' and they weighed out to him thirty silverlings, 16 and from that time he was seeking a convenient season to deliver him up.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 26:1-16
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.