Matthew 26 - The Last Supper and Betrayal of Jesus
Jesus was finished with His sermon on the mount of olives, now it would be time for Him to complete His mission. Jesus would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave at this time.
1And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Finished with His sermon on the mount of olives. Now it would be time for Him to complete His mission.
2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Christ is that Passover lamb slain and has become our Passover. (I Corinthians 5:7-8). It was time for Him to be betrayed and crucified. (Matthew 17:22).
3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, This was the head church at the time, and Caiaphas was the high priest. Caiaphas: This was Joseph, surnamed Caiaphas, who succeeded Simon son of Camith, in the high-priesthood, about ad 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 ad 35.
4And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. They were thinking of ways to capture and take Jesus quietly to kill Him.
5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. But not during the Passover celebration (to many people from around the world), they did not want to upset the people, so they put off their first attempt to capture Him.
6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, Bethany means "house of misery."
7There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. Jesus was being anointed by Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus), for His burial. (John 11:1-2). This would be very expensive perfume worth about "three hundred denarii," about a years worth of wages. (John 12:5).
8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? They were all angered and complained because they thought this was a waste of good ointment that could have been sold and given to the poor. (Well, at least that's what they said, not sure it would have been given to the poor). Very little donation money actual goes to a charity. Someone is always dipping in to fill their pockets. (John 12:4-6).
9For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. Always thinking of the money and missing the deeper meaning. Yes, it is always good to give to the poor, but what was being done here, and where it would lead to, "was for all mankind." (Always keep an open mind and look for the deeper meaning).
10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. Why criticize the woman, she has done a good thing.
11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. Jesus didn't say forget about the poor; He simply meant that they have plenty of time for the poor, but His time here was about to end. Christ was about to be crucified and they still didn't get it.
12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. She did it to prepare Christ for His burial. How could anyone deny Him that?
13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. This woman will always be remembered for what she has done throughout the whole world, wherever the the Good News is preached. (Mark 14:9). You can bet that this woman was guided by the "Holy Spirit" for this anointing. She was the only one who came forward at that moment to do what needed to be done.
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, He went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. No one really knows the mind of Judas or why he betrayed Jesus. Some believe that he wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders and others believe that he wanted to gain favor in the Kingdom of God by figuring that God would send His angels to protect Christ after being betrayed. Another point to consider is that Judas Iscariot was a builder of cities, just as the tribes of Cain. (Genesis 4:17). Could he have been a descendant of Cain? He could have very well been a Kenite. But, remember that Judas repented. Also remember that Judas was murdered by the church, he did not commit suicide. (Acts 1:18). The church did not want anyone to know what they have done.
15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. How much will you pay to get Jesus in your hands? And they gave him thirty silver coins. Why thirty pieces of silver? Because it was written 600 years before this took place. (Zechariah 11:10-17). Thirty pieces of silver was also the going price for a slave at this time. (Exodus 21:32).
16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Judas watched for the opportunity to betray Jesus.
17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? The feast of unleavened bread is what you see in the picture of the twelve apostles and Jesus. We call it the last supper. (Luke 22:8-9).
18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. This was a pre-arranged event about to take place. Christ's time was at hand and He was about to die.
19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Feast of the unleavened bread.
20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. Again, these are the twelve apostles we see in the picture of the last supper.
21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. It is written that a friend would betray me. (Psalm 55:12-14).
22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? They were not sure which one of them would betray Jesus. (We all have a little weakness at times). However, Jesus knew all along who it was. (John 6:64).
23And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. It is the one I served first.
24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Where is it written of Him? (Psalm 22). Written one thousand years before the actual crucifixion.
25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. It was not Christ who accused Judas, it was Judas himself.
26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Representing the body of Christ that would receive the stripes at the crucifixion.
27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; He gave thanks to the cup of His own blood. This is a spiritual representation of the body and blood of Christ. This is not transubstantiation (the belief that the bread and wine given at Communion become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ when they are blessed by a priest), like many want you to believe. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35). It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63).
28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. The blood of the new covenant between God and His people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The old covenant, and all blood ordinances were nailed to the cross at the crucifixion. (Exodus 24:8, Hebrews 10, Hosea 6:6), All God desires is your love.
29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. When the Kingdom of God is reestablished at Christ's return. (Maybe we will all enjoy a nice glass of Chardonnay with Jesus).
30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. What hymn did they sing? The traditional Passover Psalms, better know as the hallelujah Psalms. (Psalms 113-118).
31Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. Tonight you will all desert me, for it is written in the scriptures. (Zechariah 13:6-7). Everything planned by God. Isaiah wrote that God would strike the shepherd. (Isaiah 53:10).
32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Christ told the disciples He would rise from the dead and meet them in Galilee, but they were still surprised when He showed up there.
33Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Offend used here is Strong's G4624 "skandalizo" to entrap, trip up, entice to sin. Peter declared, "if everyone else deserts you, I won't." Peter was strong, but would still deny Christ. (How weak we can become when enticed to sin).
34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Christ told Peter straight up that this very night, he would deny Him three times. Do you think this might have offended Peter? I'm sure it did.
35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. "I would die first" Peter insisted, and all the other apostles said the same thing. Just like we hear Christians say today, "I'll never sin again." Yea right! Don't get to puffed up in this flesh body because it is bound to fail you sooner or later. (Proverbs 16:18, 28:14, 29:23).
36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. Sit and wait till I go and pray. Gethsemane was a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, beyond the brook Cedron.
37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. He began to feel anguish and distressed. "A Man of sorrows." (Isaiah 53:3). Would you have some sorrow and anguish if you were facing death by crucifixion?
38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. My soul is crushed with horror and sadness to the point of death. "Stay here awake with me He asked Peter." (Not a very demanding request).
39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Jesus was speaking of the cup of wrath He would need to deliver in the end times. When Christ returns at the second advent, He comes back with a rod of iron, pouring out the fury of the cup of God's wrath. It is written in the old testament. (Isaiah 51:21-23).
40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? The three disciples did not stay awake to watch, not even Peter who He trusted to stay awake and watch. For the deeper student, the one hour Christ asked them to stay awake and watch is symbolic of that hour of temptation in (Revelation 17:12-13), when we are delivered up to antichrist. This is the five month period of (Revelation 9:5). We are to be the watchmen for that one hour. (Revelation 3:10-11). The lesson here is that If it happened to Peter, it could happen to you. We must remain spiritually awake in the end times as the watchmen.
41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. We are to remain spiritually awake and pray, otherwise temptation will overpower us. Especially during that hour of temptation of antichrist. Remember that the flesh is weak, but the spirit remains strong. (Don't fall asleep like Peter).
42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. That is the way that it has to be. The wicked will drink from the cup of wrath at the return of Christ.
43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. No discipline! You must remain disciplined in the word, or you will fall into a spiritual sleep, just as the disciples did.
44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Three times Christ prayed that He could spare the "cup of wrath" that would be delivered, but it is the will of God that it be done.
45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Christ told the disciples that He would be betrayed into the hands of men. That hour is coming soon for us all. Are you going to betray Him? The disciples walked with Christ and could not stay awake at His time of need. This is an example to us. We did not even see Christ, but we believe and live by faith. Are you going to stand in the end times, or are you going to be spiritually asleep?
46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. Lets go guys, look, here comes the man that will betray Me.
47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. At that moment He was speaking, Judas arrived with a crowd of people with swords and clubs, sent by the Jewish leaders. These were common people led by the priests, not Caesar's army. (Watch being a follower of man, they can get you in real trouble).
48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. Judas had told them to arrest the man that he would greet with the kiss. (Psalm 55:20-21).
49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. This was a firm affectionate kiss. The kiss of death! (Proverbs 27:6).
50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. Jesus knew what Judas and the crowd had come for. It was written. (Psalms 41:9). Kissed and betrayed by His friend. If your up their in age like myself, you know how it is to be betrayed by a family member or friend.
51And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Yes, the disciples were armed because of danger in the streets in those days. (Just as we need to protect ourselves in these days). It was Peter who drew his sword and cut the ear off of the high priests servant. (John 18:10-11).
52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Put away your sword Christ said. "Those using swords will get killed." (Revelation 13:10). We must resist the temptation, because it will be the religious beast that we face in the end times. (Revelation 13:11-14). Our sword is the "sword of the Lord." (Revelation 1:16). Which is the Word of God.
53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? Christ said to the disciples; Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly. Remember Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). Christ did not need an army of angels. This was meant to be. Yes, Christ could have prevented the crucifixion, but He did it for you and the sins of the world.
54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? The scriptures must be fulfilled that describe what is happening now. Where is it written? (Isaiah 53:4-6).
55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. You come to me with weapons like I was a criminal; I haven't been hiding, and I taught with you in the temple. This was the religious community that was coming for Him. When you teach truth in the word, the religious community won't like you either. (Most of them don't know the truth, or could not handle the truth).
56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. Again, the scriptures must be fulfilled. Now all the disciples deserted Him and fled. Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. (Zechariah 13:7) Why? This was an example to us of what will happen in the end times when antichrist appears. We are to remain and stand in the end times against the antichrist when he appears on the scene. Not run like a bunch of scattered sheep. Yes, it may be tough, but you can handle it if your a true Christian. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
57And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. They brought Him to the head church where all the Jewish leaders were gathering.
58But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Peter followed from behind (Jesus being in trouble, he didn't want to follow to close), but he did sit with the soldiers to see what was going to happen to Jesus. Most people will desert you in your time of need, but they still want to know what's going down.
59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; "These are church leaders." They were looking for a bunch of "Liars" in the church that would testify against Jesus. They wanted to kill Him based on lies, not truth! Usually when people come against another, the lies will start to come out.
60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, Many false witnesses came forward, but they all contradicted themselves and none of their stories held up. (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 3:16). But, here comes a couple of the higher-ups. "Holier than thou people."
61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. Was this written? Yes... But they twisted the scripture. Jesus never said "I would destroy the temple," but rather "you would destroy the temple," speaking of His body as the temple of God. (John 2:18-21). This was the temple that He would raise up in three days, and He did. "Beware of false witnesses."
62And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? Won't you defend yourself the high priest asked Jesus?
63But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus remained silent. "But the high priest demanded in the name of the living God that Jesus tell them if He claims to be the Messiah, the Son of God."
64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Yep, you said it! And in the future you will see me sitting at the right hand of God, and returning on the clouds of heaven. They understood who the Son of Man was, it was written of long ago. (Daniel 7:13).
65Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. It was considered blasphemous for one to claim that they were the Messiah (unless He was). However, they didn't need any false witnesses, their minds were already made up to kill Jesus.
66What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. These religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus no matter what. "Nice religious people." Making themselves judge and executioner when only God is judge.
67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, "A bunch of hypocrites and phonies." Remember that Satan works the best through churches and pulpits.
68Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? Now some of the Roman soldiers join in playing games slapping Jesus on the back of the head to see if He can tell who hit Him. (Very degrading way to slap someone).
69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. Peter was sitting in the courtyard, probably heart broken from what he just saw, and a young girl came over to accuse him of being with Jesus. Remember, Peter said he would rather die than deny Christ back in verses 34 and 35.
70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. Here comes the first time Peter denies he was seen with Christ.
71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. Another young girl accuses Peter. (Beware of little snitches).
72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. Here comes the second time Peter denies being with Christ, and this time with an oath.
73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Now a couple of men that were standing there came over and accused Peter of being one of Christ's disciples and said; we know you are because you speak with a Galilean accent. (Sometimes the things you say, will give you away). If you walk like a Christian, you will talk like a Christian. If you walk in the ways of the world, you will talk that way. "People know your heart by the way you speak."
74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Peter was angry now and denied he even knew Christ. This was the third time, and the cock crowed. This is an example to us. Peter was spiritually strong, but his flesh took over. Even a Spiritually strong Christian can be taken over by the flesh, if you let it happen. Will you deny Christ when the time comes like Peter did?
75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Peter was crushed and went away crying bitterly. It happened just as Christ said it would happen with Peter. Can you understand what Peter must have went through? Barjona (son of a dove), as Christ called him at times. As it was written he denied Christ three times, but later would be one of the apostles used to establish the Christian church. (Galatians 6:1, 1 Peter 1:5).
Keep the faith,
Barton
