Matthew 26 Commentary

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THE LIFE OF JESUS AS COVERED
BY MATTHEW (shaded area)

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Source: Borrow Ryrie Study Bible

PLEASE NOTE - THIS PAGE IS INCOMPLETE AND IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION - JULY, 2024
EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 2024

Matthew 26:1 When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples,

• when: Mt 19:1 

When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples,

Matthew 26:2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”  

• know: Mk 14:1,2 Lu 22:1,2,15 Joh 13:1 
• the feast: Ex 12:11-14 34:25 Joh 2:13 11:55 12:1 
• betrayed: Mt 26:24,25 17:22 20:18,19 27:4 Lu 24:6,7 Joh 13:2 18:2 

You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion

Matthew 26:3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas;

• assembled: Mt 21:45,46 Ps 2:1,2 56:6 64:4-6 94:20,21 Jer 11:19 18:18-20 Joh 11:47-53,57 Ac 4:25-28 
• the palace: Mt 26:58 Jer 17:27 Mk 14:54 
• Caiaphas: This was Joseph, surnamed Caiaphas, who succeeded Simon son of Camith, in the high-priesthood, about A.D. 25.  About two years after our Lord's death, he was deposed by Vitellius governor of Syria; and unable to bear his disgrace, and perhaps the stings of conscience for the murder of Christ, he killed himself about A.D. 35. Joh 11:49 18:13,14,24 Ac 4:5,6 

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas

Matthew 26:4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him.

• consulted: Ps 2:2 
• by: Mt 23:33 Ge 3:1 Ac 7:19 13:10 2Co 11:3 

and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him

Matthew 26:5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”

• Not: Ps 76:10 Pr 19:21 21:30 Isa 46:10 La 3:37 Mk 14:2,12,27 Lu 22:7 Joh 18:28 Ac 4:28 
• lest: Mt 14:5 21:26 Lu 20:6 

But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people

Matthew 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper,

• in Bethany: Mt 21:17 Mk 11:12  Joh 11:1,2 12:1 
• Simon: Mk 14:3 

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper,

Matthew 26:7 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.

• came: Joh 12:2,3 
• very: Ex 30:23-33 Ps 133:2 Ec 9:8 10:1 Song 1:3 Isa 57:9 Lu 7:37,38,46 

a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, Mark says it was worth 300 denarii (Mark 14:5) a year's salary for a worker. 

and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.

Matthew 26:8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?

• they: 1Sa 17:28,29 Ec 4:4 Mk 14:4 Joh 12:4-6 
• To: Ex 5:17 Am 8:5 Hag 1:2-4 Mal 1:7-10,13 

But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste

Matthew 26:9 “For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

• Jos 7:20,21 1Sa 15:9,21 2Ki 5:20 Mk 14:5 Joh 12:5,6 2Pe 2:15 

For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor

Matthew 26:10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 

• Why: Job 13:7 Mk 14:6 Lu 7:44-50 Ga 1:7 5:12 6:17 
• a good: Ne 2:18 2Co 9:8 Eph 2:10 Col 1:10 2Th 2:17 1Ti 3:1 5:10 2Ti 2:21 Titus 1:16 2:14 3:1,8,14 Heb 13:21 1Pe 2:12 

But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me

Matthew 26:11 “For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me.

• ye have: Mt 25:34-40,42-45 De 15:11 Mk 14:7 Joh 12:8 Ga 2:10 1Jn 3:17 
• but: Mt 18:20 28:20 Joh 13:33 14:19 16:5,28 17:11 Ac 3:21 

For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me

Henry Morris - poor always with you.  In every generation there will be people in a state of poverty. No socialist society or governmental program will ever be able to win the war on poverty until Christ returns and sets up His own kingdom on earth. Then, with war and crime banned, and with a productive environment restored, universal prosperity will finally be achieved.

Matthew 26:12 “For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.

• 2Ch 16:14 Mk 14:8 16:1 Lu 23:56 24:1  Joh 12:7 19:39,40 

For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial

Henry Morris - Mary of Bethany, in accordance with custom, had first anointed Jesus' feet (John 12:3), but then decided also to pour all the expensive ointment on His head--in effect covering His whole body. She had learned deeply from His teachings (Luke 10:38-42). She alone seems to have fully understood His words concerning His coming burial (Matthew 26:12).

Matthew 26:13 “Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

• Wheresoever: Mt 24:14 28:19 Ps 98:2,3 Isa 52:9 Mk 13:10 16:15 Lu 24:47 Ro 10:18 15:19 Col 1:6,23 1Ti 2:6 Rev 14:6 
• there: 1Sa 2:30 Ps 112:6 Mk 14:9 2Co 10:18 Heb 6:10 

Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.

Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

• one: Mk 14:10 Lu 22:3-6 Joh 13:2,30 
• Judas: Mt 10:4 Joh 6:70,71 18:2 

Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

Matthew 26:15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him.

• What: Ge 38:16 Jdg 16:5 17:10 18:19,20 Isa 56:11 1Ti 3:3 6:9,10 2Pe 2:3,14,15 
• thirty: Probably shekels or staters, as some read, which, reckoning the shekels at 3s., with Prideaux, would amount to about 4# 10s., the price for the meanest slave!  (See Ex 21:32) Mt 27:3-5 Ge 37:26-28 Zec 11:12,13 Ac 1:18 

and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him

Henry Morris - thirty pieces of silver.  This is a remarkable fulfillment of Zechariah 11:12. A number of modern writers have tried to find some justifiable motive in Judas' action, but the fact is that he was greedy and a thief (John 12:4-6) and made this bargain on his own volition. In fact, Jesus had recognized him much earlier as a "devil," or adversary (John 6:70,71). Later, He even called Judas "the son of perdition" (John 17:12). He was chosen as a disciple, in spite of all this, because prophecy must be fulfilled (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18).

Matthew 26:16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.  

• he: Mk 14:11 Lu 22:6 

From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus

Matthew 26:17 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?”

• the first: Ex 12:6,18-20 13:6-8 Lev 23:5,6 Nu 28:16,17 De 16:1-4 Mk 14:12 Lu 22:7 
• Where: Mt 3:15 17:24,25 Lu 22:8,9 

Related Passages:

Exodus 12:3-10 “Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers’ households, a lamb for each household. 4‘Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb. 5‘Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6‘You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. 7‘Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8‘They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9‘Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails. 10‘And you shall not leave any of it over until morning, but whatever is left of it until morning, you shall burn with fire.

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

Matthew 26:18 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.”’”

• Go: Mk 14:13-16 Lu 22:10-13 
• The Master: Mt 26:49 21:3 23:8,10 Mk 5:35 Joh 11:28 20:16 
• My time: Mt 26:2 Lu 22:53  Joh 7:6,30 12:23 13:1 17:1 

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

Matthew 26:19 The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

• the disciples: Mt 21:6 Joh 2:5 15:14 
• and they: Ex 12:4-8 2Ch 35:10,11 

The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover

Matthew 26:20 Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.

• when: Mk 14:17-21 Lu 22:14-16 Joh 13:21 
• he: Ex 12:11 Song 1:12 

Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples

Ryrie - The order of events that night was as follows: eating the Passover; washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1-20); identifying Judas as the betrayer (vv. 21-25), after which he left (John 13:30); the insTitus ution of the Lord's Supper (vv. 26-29); messages in the Upper Room (John 14) and on the way to Gethsemane (John 15-16); Christ's great prayer for His people (John 17); His anguish in Gethsemane (vv. 36-46); the betrayal and arrest (vv. 47-56). 

Matthew 26:21 As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.”

• Verily: Mt 26:2,14-16 Ps 55:12-14 Joh 6:70,71 13:21 Heb 4:13 Rev 2:23 

As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me

Matthew 26:22 Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

• Mk 14:19,20 Lu 22:23  Joh 13:22-25 21:17 

Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord

Matthew 26:23 And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me.

• He that: Ps 41:9 Lu 22:21  Joh 13:18,26-28 

And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me

Matthew 26:24 “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.”

• Son of man goeth: Mt 26:54,56 Ge 3:15 Ps 22:1-31 69:1-21 Isa 50:5,6 53:1-12 Da 9:26 Zec 12:10 13:7 Mk 9:12 Lu 24:25,26,46 Joh 19:24,28,36,37 Ac 13:27-29 17:2-3 26:22,23 28:23 1Co 15:3 1Pe 1:11 
• written: Lu 22:22 Ac 2:23 4:28 
• but: Mt 18:7 27:3-5 Ps 55:15,23 109:6-19 Mk 14:21  Joh 17:12 Ac 1:16-20 

GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY
MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY

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

Matthew 26:25 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself.”

• Judas: 2Ki 5:25 Pr 30:20 
• Thou: Mt 26:64 27:11  Joh 18:37 

And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself

Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

• as: Mk 14:22 Lu 22:19 
• Jesus: Lu 24:30 1Co 11:23-25 
• blessed it: "Many Greek copies have gave thanks." Mk 6:41 
• and brake: Ac 2:46 20:7 1Co 10:16,17 
• Take: Joh 6:33-35,47-58 1Co 11:26-29 
• this: Eze 5:4,5 Lu 22:20 1Co 10:4,16 Ga 4:24,25 

While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body

Matthew 26:27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you;

• he took: Mk 14:23,24 Lu 22:20 
• Drink: Ps 116:13 Song 5:1 7:9 Isa 25:6 55:1 1Co 10:16 11:28 

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you

Matthew 26:28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

• my: Ex 24:7,8 Lev 17:11 Jer 31:31 Zec 9:11 Mk 14:24 Lu 22:19 1Co 11:25 Heb 9:14-22 10:4-14 13:20 
• shed: Mt 20:28 Ro 5:15,19 Eph 1:7 Col 1:14,20 Heb 9:22,28 1Jn 2:2 Rev 7:9,14 

for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins

Henry Morris - The next verse makes it clear that the liquid in the cup was not actual blood but "the fruit of the vine." Nevertheless, it became an unforgettable symbol of His shed blood, just as the bread represented His broken body. This last meal of the Lord has, therefore, been commemorated by His followers ever since (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The regular practice of the Lord's supper, or the Holy Communion, or whatever it may be called by different churches, has thus become a perpetual testimony to the authenticity of the Christian faith. There is no way of accounting for the beginning of this universal and unique practice except that Christ Himself commanded it just before He died. It could not have been initiated only when this account was first read by the churches, for it has been observed ever since the last supper of Christ. In fact, if it were not already being observed when the written account was first received, the written account would itself have been rejected as false.

Matthew 26:29 “But 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.”  

• I will: Ps 4:7 104:15 Isa 24:9-11 Mk 14:25 Lu 22:15-18 
• until: Mt 18:20 28:20 Ps 40:3 Song 5:1 Isa 53:11 Zep 3:17 Zec 9:17 Lu 15:5,6,23-25,32  Joh 15:11 16:22 17:13 Ac 10:41 Heb 12:2 Rev 5:8-10 14:3 
• with: Mt 13:43 16:28 25:34 Isa 25:6 Lu 12:32 22:18,29,30 Rev 7:17 

PROPHECY OF
MILLENNIUM

But 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

Matthew 26:30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  

• when: Ps 81:1-4 Mk 14:26 Eph 5:19,20 Col 3:16,17 
• hymn: or, psalm
• they went: Lu 21:37 22:39 Joh 14:31 18:1-4 

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives

Henry Morris -  It is striking that the only recorded instance of Jesus singing is just as He prepared to go to the cross. However, after He comes again, He will sing joyfully in the midst of His redeemed people (Zephaniah 3:17).

Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.’

• All: Mt 26:56 11:6 24:9,10 Mk 14:27,28 Lu 22:31,32  Joh 16:32 
• I will: Isa 53:10 Zec 13:7 
• and the: Job 6:15-22 19:13-16 Ps 38:11 69:20 88:18 La 1:19 Eze 34:5,6 

PROPHECY OF 
DESERTION BY DISCIPLES

Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED This was to be a fulfillment of Zech 13:7. 

Matthew 26:32 “But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

• I am: Mt 16:21 20:19 27:63,64 Mk 9:9,10 Lu 18:33,34 
• I will: Mt 28:6,7,10,16 Mk 14:28 16:7 Joh 21:1-14 1Co 15:6 

But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee

Matthew 26:33 But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.”

• Though: Mk 14:29 Lu 22:33  Joh 13:36-38 21:15 
• yet: Ps 17:5 119:116,117 Pr 16:18,19 20:6 28:25,26 Jer 17:9 Ro 12:10 Php 2:3 1Pe 5:5,6 

But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away

Matthew 26:34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

• That: Mk 14:30,31 Lu 22:34 Joh 13:38 

Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times

Matthew 26:35 Peter *said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.

• Though: Mt 20:22,23 Pr 28:14 29:23 Ro 11:20 1Co 10:12 Php 2:12 1Pe 1:17 
• Likewise: Mt 20:24 Ex 19:8 

Peter *said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too

Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”

• a place: Mk 14:32-35 Lu 22:39-46 Joh 18:1-11 
• Gethsemane: Gethsemane was a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, beyond the brook Cedron; an even plat of ground, says Maundrell, not above fifty-seven yards square, where are shown some old olive trees, supposed to identify the spot to which our Lord was wont to resort.
• while: Mt 26:39,42 Ps 22:1,2 69:1-3,13-15 Heb 5:7 

Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.

Matthew 26:37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.

• Peter: Mt 4:18,21 17:1 20:20 Mk 5:37 
• sorrowful: Mk 14:33,34 Lu 22:44 Joh 12:27 

And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed

Matthew 26:38 Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”  

• My: Job 6:2-4 Ps 88:1-7,14-16 116:3 Isa 53:3,10 Ro 8:32 2Co 5:21 Ga 3:13 1Pe 2:24 3:18 
• tarry: Mt 26:40 25:13 1Pe 4:7 

Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me

Matthew 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

• and fell: Ge 17:3 Nu 14:5 16:22 1Ch 21:16 Eze 1:28 Lu 17:16 Ac 10:25 Rev 19:10 
• and prayed: Mk 14:35,36 Lu 22:41,42 Heb 5:7 
• O my Father: Mt 26:42  Joh 11:41 12:27 
• if: Mt 24:24 Mk 13:22 
• let: Mt 20:22  Joh 18:11 
• not: 2Sa 15:26 Joh 5:30 6:38 12:28 14:31 Ro 15:1-3 Php 2:8 

And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will

Henry Morris - this cup.  This "cup" was nothing less than the cup of God's wrath against all the sin and rebellion of all the men and women through all the ages (compare Revelation 14:10; 16:19). Note also Psalm 16:5; in fact, the entire 16th psalm seems to suggest the very prayer that Christ may have prayed that night in the garden of Gethsemane.   not as I will.  The Lord Jesus not only has taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:9) but also has set us an example. Our prayer must always be that God's will--not ours--be done (1 John 5:14), no matter how difficult that may prove to be. Some have suggested that Satan was here trying to slay Jesus before He could go to the cross, and that the Lord was beseeching the Father to let that cup be removed, but this is highly speculative at best. Jesus was fully human and would suffer as a man on the cross as no man had ever suffered before, bearing the full weight of the sin of the whole world in His body, and even suffering for the first time the loss of His Father's presence and approval. In His humanity, never calling on the resources of His own deity at all (Philippians 2:5-8), it would be inhuman not to shrink from such a prospect. It was this cup that He would have removed. Nevertheless, "not as I will, but as thou wilt," He said.

Believer's Study Bible -  The "cup" in the O.T. is a metaphor for divine punishment of sin. Hence, Jesus' death involved far more than physical death, for He becomes the object of the divine wrath (cf. Rom. 1:18-3:20) against sin by His identification with sinful man. Although Jesus knew that death and God's wrath comprised the climax of His mission as Messiah, His consciousness of God's wrath against sin becomes even more intense as the hour approaches.

Matthew 26:40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 

• and findeth: Mt 26:43 25:5 Song 5:2 Mk 14:37 Lu 9:32 22:45 
• What: Mt 26:35 Jdg 9:33 1Sa 26:15,16 1Ki 20:11 

And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour

Matthew 26:41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  

• Watch: Mt 24:42 25:13 Mk 13:33-37 14:38 Lu 21:36 22:40,46 1Co 16:13 Eph 6:18 1Pe 4:7 5:8 Rev 16:15 
• enter: Mt 6:13 Pr 4:14,15 Lu 8:13 11:4 1Co 10:13 2Pe 2:9 Rev 3:10 
• the spirit: Ps 119:4,5,24,25,32,35-37,115,117,1 Isa 26:8,9 Ro 7:18-25 8:3 1Co 9:27 Ga 5:16,17,24 Php 3:12-14 

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

Matthew 26:42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

• the second: Mt 26:39 Ps 22:1,2 69:1-3,17,18 88:1,2 Mk 14:39,40 Heb 4:15 5:7,8 

He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done

Matthew 26:43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

• for: Pr 23:34 Jon 1:6 Lu 9:32 Ac 20:9 Ro 13:1 1Th 5:6-8 

Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy

Matthew 26:44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.

• prayed: Mt 6:7 Da 9:17-19 Lu 18:1 2Co 12:8 

And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more

Matthew 26:45 Then He *came to the disciples and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

• Sleep on: That is, as it is well paraphrased by Euthymius, "Since you have thus far failed to watch, sleep on the rest of the time, and take your rest, if you can." 1Ki 18:27 Ec 11:9 
• the hour: Mt 26:2,14,15 Mk 14:41,42 Lu 22:53  Jn 13:1 17:1 

Then He *came to the disciples and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners

Matthew 26:46 “Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

• 1Sa 17:48 Lu 9:51 12:50 22:15 Jn 14:31 Ac 21:13 

Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand

Matthew 26:47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

• lo: Mt 26:55 Mk 14:43 Lu 22:47,48 Jn 18:1-8 Ac 1:16 

While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people

Matthew 26:48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”

• Whomsoever: 2Sa 3:27 20:9,10 Ps 28:3 55:20,21 
• hold: Mk 14:44 

Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him

Matthew 26:49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

• Hail: Mt 27:29,30 Mk 15:18 Jn 19:3 
• kissed him: [Kataphileo <Strong's G2705>,] he kissed him affectionately, eagerly, or repeatedly, from [kata <Strong's G2596>,] intensive, and [phileo <Strong's G5368>,] to kiss, still pretending the most affectionate attachment to our Lord. Ge 27:26 1Sa 10:1 2Sa 20:9 Pr 27:6 Mk 14:45,46 Lu 7:45 1Th 5:26 

Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him

Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.  

• Friend: Rather, "Companion, [hetairos <Strong's G2083>,] against whom ([eph ho] the reading of all the best MSS.) art thou come?" Mt 20:13 2Sa 16:17 Ps 41:9 55:13,14 Lu 22:48 

And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him

Matthew 26:51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

• Mt 26:35 Mk 14:47 Lu 9:55 22:36-38,49-51  Jn 18:10,11,36 2Co 10:4 

And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Matthew 26:52 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.

• Put: Mt 5:39 Ro 12:19 1Co 4:11,12 1Th 5:15 1Pe 2:21-23 3:9 
• they: Mt 23:34-36 Ge 9:6 Ps 55:23 Eze 35:5,6 Rev 13:10 16:6 

Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword

Henry Morris - Jesus' message here to Peter (John 18:11) is worth heeding. For defense and order, God has ordained the powers of government to bear "the sword" (Romans 13:1-4). His angels are well able to protect His people when it is His will. Note the following verse and also Psalm 34:7; 91:11.

Matthew 26:53“ Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

• and he: Mt 4:11 25:31 2Ki 6:17 Da 7:10 2Th 1:7 Jude 1:14 
• twelve: Mt 10:1,2 
• legions: (A legion, [legeon <Strong's G3003>,] for the Latin legio, from lego, to collect or choose was a particular division or battalion of the Roman army, which at different times contained different numbers.  In the time of our Saviour it probably consisted of 6,200 foot and 300 horse, twelve of which would amount to 78,000 men.) Lu 8:30 

Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels

Matthew 26:54 “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”  

• Mt 26:24 Ps 22:1-31 69:1-36 Isa 53:1-12 Da 9:24-26 Zec 13:7 Lu 24:25,26,44-46 Jn 10:35 Ac 1:16 

How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way

Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me.

• Are: Mk 14:48-50 Lu 22:52,53 
• I sat: Mk 12:35 Lu 21:37,38 Jn 8:2 18:20,21 

At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me

Matthew 26:56 “But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

• that: Mt 26:54 Ge 3:15 Isa 44:26 La 4:20 Da 9:24,26 Zec 13:7 Ac 1:16 2:23 
• Then: Mt 26:31 Mk 14:50-52  Jn 16:32 18:8,9,15,16 2Ti 4:16 

But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled

Matthew 26:57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

• Ps 56:5,6 Mk 14:53,54 Lu 22:54,55 Jn 11:49 18:12-14,24 

Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

Henry Morris - Caiaphas the high priest.  Caiaphas' father-in-law was Annas (John 18:13). Acts 4:6 and Luke 3:2 support the fact that both were high priests. This position of high priest had become a political position. Annas had been deposed by Rome, with Caiaphas appointed in his place, but Annas still managed to exercise much of the power of the position. It is sad that both were Sadducees, rejecting the supernatural, and wanting the prestigious position for political and financial reasons only. They were intensely hostile to Jesus for these reasons, rather than for their manufactured charge of blasphemy against God.

Matthew 26:58 But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.  

• and went: Jn 18:15,16,25 

But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome

Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death.

• sought: De 19:16-21 1Ki 21:8-13 Ps 27:12 35:11,12 94:20,21 Pr 25:18 Mk 14:55,56 Ac 6:11-13 24:1-13 

Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death

Believer's Study Bible -  Jewish tradition maintains that Ezra established a synod of teachers, known as the hakeneseth hagedolah (Heb.), which functioned to adapt and develop the oral tradition (cf. 15:2) to meet contemporary needs. They consTitus uted the channel through which the knowledge of the Torah was transmitted. On this theory, when the Great Assembly ceased sometime in the third century B.C., the Sanhedrin (sunedrion, Heb.) arose to deliberate community concerns in Judea. According to Josephus, it was known as the gerousia (Gk.), "Council," during the Seleucid period (198-167 B.C.) and Sanhedrin, "Court," during the Roman occupation. It consisted of 71 members, including the acting high priest, who presided over the other 70 members from two parties, the Sadducees and Pharisees (26:3, 57; Mark 14:53; 15:1; Luke 22:66). Former high priests, the acting high priest, scribes, possibly members of the more privileged families from which the high priests were selected, and the elders (i.e., tribal and family representatives of the people and the priesthood) also served. During the Roman period, many local courts existed because the Romans permitted the Jews to handle many of their own domestic and religious matters. At least three judges made up the local courts which convened on the second and third days of the week. Courts in large towns had 23 members, the number needed to decide cases of capital punishment. The Sanhedrin consTitus uted the Jewish supreme court and met in the temple area each day, except on holy days and on Sabbaths. Sanhedrins existed in several communities of Judea during the rule of the Roman procurators (A.D. 6-66). The Jerusalem Sanhedrin, however, exercised considerable authority, which varied with different monarchs. Herod the Great tried to limit its powers, but under the Roman procurators its powers extended to free regulation of religious matters and controlled regulation of civil matters. Beginning with the rule of Archelaus (4 B.C.-A.D. 6), the powers of the Sanhedrin were evidently limited to Judea, since it could not exercise authority over Jesus when He was in Galilee. After the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, the Sanhedrin was abolished. During its existence, it had direct authority over its own police force and could order arrests (26:47; Mark 14:43), and in capital cases had the power of life and death, provided that the Roman governor gave his consent. His judgment, however, usually complied with the Sanhedrin's demands. The Sanhedrin also heard charges of blasphemy (26:57ff.; John 19:7), transgression of the Law of Moses (Acts 22-24), and false doctrine (Acts 4). Members sat facing one another in a semicircle. Two clerks of the court, one at each end, stood to record votes of condemnation and of acquittal. Condemnation required a two-thirds majority; acquittal, a simple majority. In cases involving capital punishment, arguments for acquittal were presented first, then those for condemnation. Acquittal could be declared on the day of the trial, but condemnation awaited the following day. Disciples of the scribes attended the courts, sat in front, and argued in favor of acquittal, but not for condemnation. Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin (26:59; John 11:47), but due to His not being granted the benefit of the doubt which usually lay with the accused, the legality of His trial has been the subject of great deliberation.
 

Matthew 26:60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward,

• found none: Da 6:4,5 Titus 2:8 1Pe 3:16 
• At: De 19:15 Mk 14:57-59 

They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward

Matthew 26:61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”

• This: Mt 26:71 12:24 Ge 19:9 1Ki 22:27 2Ki 9:11 Ps 22:6,7 Isa 49:7 53:3 Lu 23:2  Jn 9:29 Ac 17:18 18:13 22:22 
• I am: The words of our Lord were widely different from this statement of them; so that the testimony of these witnesses was false, though it had the semblance of truth. Mt 27:40 Jer 26:8-11,16-19 Mk 15:29 Jn 2:19-21 Ac 6:13 

and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days

Henry Morris - three days.  This was a distortion of Jesus' words in John 2:19, but it was the best evidence the illegally assembled kangaroo court of Caiaphas could produce in this infamous travesty of a trial.

Matthew 26:62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?”

• Answerest: Mt 27:12-14 Mk 14:60 Lu 23:9 Jn 18:19-24 19:9-11 

The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You

Matthew 26:63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

• Jesus: Ps 38:12-14 Isa 53:7 Da 3:16 Ac 8:32-35 1Pe 2:23 
• I adjure: Lev 5:1 Nu 5:19-21 1Sa 14:24,26,28 1Ki 22:16 2Ch 18:15 Pr 29:24 
• that: Mk 14:61 Lu 22:66-71  Jn 8:25 10:24 18:37 
• the Christ: Mt 16:16 27:40,43,54 Ps 2:6,7 Isa 9:6,7 Jn 1:34,49 3:16-18 Jn 5:18-25 6:69 10:30,36 19:7 20:31 1Jn 5:11-13 

Related Passages:

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 

But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God

Matthew 26:64 Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”  

• Thou: Mt 26:25 27:11 Mk 14:62 Lu 22:70 Jn 18:37 
• Hereafter: Mt 16:27 24:30 25:31 Da 7:13 Lu 21:27 Jn 1:50,51 Ac 1:11 Ro 14:10 1Th 4:16 Rev 1:7 20:11 
• the right: Ps 110:1 Ac 7:55,56 Heb 1:3 12:2 

Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN

Henry Morris - Caiaphas had no legal right to ask this question, but Jesus answered it anyway. When asked if He were the Messiah and the Son of God, He said yes. However, He persisted in calling Himself the Son of Man.

Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy;

• the high priest: Lev 21:20 2Ki 18:37 19:1-3 Jer 36:24 Mk 14:63,64 
• He: Mt 9:3 1Ki 21:10-13 Lu 5:21  Jn 10:33,36 

Then the high priest tore his robes - An expression of horror at what Jesus had just declared, which he considered to be blasphemy (which it was not because Jesus is God)! 

and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy

Matthew 26:66 what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!”  

• He: Lev 24:11-16 Jn 19:7 Ac 7:52 13:27,28 Jas 5:6 

what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death

Matthew 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him,

• did: Mt 27:30 Nu 12:14 De 25:9 Job 30:9-11 Isa 50:6 52:14 53:3 Mk 14:65 15:19 1Co 4:13 Heb 12:2 
• buffeted him: [Kolaphizo <Strong's G2852>,] "smote him with their fists," as Theophylact interprets.
• and others: Mt 5:39 1Ki 22:24 Jer 20:2 La 3:30,45 Lu 22:63  Jn 18:22 19:3 Ac 23:2,3 2Co 11:20,21 
• smote him: [Rhapizo <Strong's G4474>,] "smote him on the cheek with the open hand," as Suidas renders.  They offered him every indignity, in all its various and vexatious forms.
• the palms of their hands: or, rods, Mic 5:1 

Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him

Henry Morris - The buffeting consisted of the judges all encircling Him and then striking Him with their fists, one after the other. But they were all the while fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 50:6; 52:14).

Matthew 26:68 and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

• Prophesy: Mt 27:39-44 Ge 37:19,20 Jdg 16:25 Mk 14:65 Lu 22:63-65 
• thou: Mt 27:28,29 Mk 15:18,19 Jn 19:2,3,14,15 1Pe 2:4-8 

and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You

Matthew 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.”

• Peter: Mt 26:58 1Ki 19:9,13 Ps 1:1 Mk 14:66-68 Lu 22:55-57 Jn 18:16,17,25 2Pe 2:7-9 
• Jesus: Mt 26:71 2:22,23 21:11  Jn 1:46 7:41,52 Ac 5:37 

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean

Matthew 26:70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”

• Mt 26:34,35,40-43,51,56,58 Ps 119:115-117 Pr 28:26 29:23,25 Isa 57:11 Jer 17:9 Ro 11:20 1Co 10:12 Rev 21:8 

But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.

Henry Morris - Yet this same Peter, only a few hours before, had said: "If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise" (Mark 14:31). We need to be careful before boasting of what we intend to do spiritually.

Matthew 26:71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

• when: Mk 14:68,69 Lu 22:58 Jn 18:25-27 
• This: Mt 26:61 

When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth

Matthew 26:72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.”

• with: Mt 5:34-36 Ex 20:7 Isa 48:1 Zec 5:3,4 8:17 Mal 3:5 Ac 5:3,4 
• I do not: Mt 26:74 Lu 22:34 

And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man

Matthew 26:73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.”

• Surely: Lu 22:59,60 Jn 18:26,27 
• for: Jdg 12:6 Ne 13:24 

A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away

Matthew 26:74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.

• began: Mt 27:25 Jdg 17:2 21:18 1Sa 14:24-28 Mk 14:71 Ac 23:12-14 Ro 9:3 1Co 16:22 
• saying: Mt 10:28,32,33  Jn 21:15-17 Rev 3:19 
• And: Mk 14:30,68,72 Lu 22:60 Jn 18:27 

Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.

Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

• remembered: Mt 26:34 Lu 22:61,62  Jn 13:38 
• And he: Mt 27:3-5 Lu 22:31-34 Ro 7:18-20 1Co 4:7 Ga 6:1 1Pe 1:5 

And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly