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26:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
26:3 Then 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,
26:4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.
26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
26:7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
26:13 Verily 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.
26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
26:15 And 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.
26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
26:17 Now 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?
26:18 And 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.
26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
26:23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
26:24 The 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.
26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26:26 And 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.
26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
26:29 But 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.
26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
26:31 Then 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.
26:32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
26:39 And 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.
26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
26:42 He 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.
26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
26:45 Then 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.
26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
26:47 And 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.
26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
26:51 And, 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.
26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
26:55 In 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.
26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
26:60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
26:62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
26:63 But 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.
26:64 Jesus 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.
26:65 Then 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.
26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
26:68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
26:71 And 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.
26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
26:73 And 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.
26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
26:75 And 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.

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Everything King James Bible:Matthew

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Matthew
Book: Matthew
Chapter: 26

Overview:
The rulers conspire against Christ. (1-5) Christ anointed at
Bethany. (6-13) Judas bargains to betray Christ. (14-16) The
Passover. (17-25) Christ institutes his holy Supper. (26-30) He
warns his disciples. (31-35) His Agony in the garden. (36-46) He
is betrayed. (47-56) Christ before Caiaphas. (57-68) Peter
denies him. (69-75)

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.

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.

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.

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.

26-30 This ordinance of the Lord's Supper is to us the Passover
Supper, By which we commemorate a much greater deliverance than
that of Israel out of Egypt. Take, eat; accept of Christ as he
is offered to you; receive the Atonement, approve of it, submit
to his Grace and his government. Meat looked upon, be the Dish
ever So Well garnished, will not nourish; it must be fed upon:
So must the doctrine of Christ. This is my body; that is,
spiritually, it signifies and represents his body. We partake of
the Sun, not By having the Sun Put into our hands, but the beams
of it darted down upon us; So we partake of Christ By partaking
of his Grace, and the blessed fruits of the breaking of his
body. The Blood of Christ is signified and represented By the
Wine. He gave thanks, to teach us to look to God in every part
of the ordinance. This Cup he gave to the disciples with a
command, Drink ye all of it. The Pardon of Sin is that great
blessing which is, in the Lord's Supper, conferred On all true
believers; it is the foundation of all other blessings. He takes
leave of such Communion; and assures them of a happy meeting
again at last; "Until that Day when I Drink it new with you", may
be understood of the joys and glories of the future state, which
the saints shall partake with the Lord Jesus. That will be the
kingdom of his Father; the Wine of consolation will there be
always new. While we look at the outward signs of Christ's body
broken and his Blood shed for the remission of our sins, let us
recollect that the Feast cost him as much as though he had
literally given his Flesh to be eaten and his Blood for us to
Drink.

31-35 Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the
first step to a fall. There is a proneness in all of us to be
over-confident. But those fall soonest and foulest, who are the
most confident in themselves. Those are least safe, who think
themselves most secure. Satan is active to lead such astray;
they are most off their Guard: God leaves them to themselves, to
humble them.

36-46 He who made Atonement for the sins of mankind, submitted
himself in a garden of suffering, to the will of God, from which
Man had revolted in a garden of pleasure. Christ took with him
into that part of the garden where he suffered his Agony, only
those who had witnessed his Glory in his Transfiguration. Those
are best prepared to suffer with Christ, who have By Faith
beheld his Glory. The words used denote the most entire
dejection, amazement, anguish, and horror of mind; the state of
one surrounded with sorrows, overwhelmed with miseries, and
almost swallowed up with terror and dismay. He now began to be
sorrowful, and never ceased to be So till he said, It is
finished. He prayed that, if possible, the Cup might pass from
him. But he also showed his perfect readiness to Bear the load
of his sufferings; he was willing to submit to all for our
Redemption and Salvation. According to this Example of Christ,
we must Drink of the bitterest Cup which God puts into our
hands; though nature struggle, it must submit. It should be more
our care to get troubles sanctified, and our hearts satisfied
under them, than to get them taken away. It is Well for us that
our Salvation is in the Hand of One who neither slumbers nor
sleeps. All are tempted, but we should be much afraid of
entering into Temptation. To be secured from this, we should
watch and pray, and continually look unto the Lord to Hold us up
that we may be safe. Doubtless our Lord had a clear and full
view of the sufferings he was to endure, yet he spoke with the
greatest calmness till this time. Christ was a Surety, who
undertook to be answerable for our sins. Accordingly he was made
Sin for us, and suffered for our sins, the Just for the unjust;
and Scripture ascribes his heaviest sufferings to the Hand of
God. He had full knowledge of the infinite evil of Sin, and of
the immense extent of that guilt for which he was to atone; with
awful views of the Divine Justice and Holiness, and the
Punishment deserved By the sins of men, such as No tongue can
express, or mind conceive. At the same time, Christ suffered
being tempted; probably horrible thoughts were suggested By
Satan that tended to gloom and every dreadful conclusion: these
would be the more hard to Bear from his perfect Holiness. And
did the load of imputed guilt So weigh down the soul of Him of
whom it is said, He upholdeth all things By the Word of his
power? into what misery then must those sink whose sins are left
upon their own heads! How will those escape who neglect So great
Salvation?

47-56 No enemies are So much to be abhorred as those professed
disciples that betray Christ with a Kiss. God has No need of our
services, much less of our sins, to bring about his purposes.
Though Christ was crucified through weakness, it was voluntary
weakness; he submitted to Death. If he had not been willing to
suffer, they could not conquer him. It was a great Sin for those
who had left all to follow Jesus; now to leave him for they knew
not what. What folly, for fear of Death to flee from Him, whom
they knew and acknowledged to be the Fountain of Life!

57-68 Jesus was hurried into Jerusalem. It looks ill, and bodes
worse, when those who are willing to be Christ's disciples, are
not willing to be known to be So. Here began Peter's denying
him: for to follow Christ afar off, is to begin to go back from
him. It is more our concern to prepare for the End, whatever it
may be, than curiously to ask what the End will be. The event is
God's, but the duty is ours. Now the Scriptures were fulfilled,
which said, False witnesses are risen up against me. Christ was
accused, that we might not be condemned; and if at any time we
suffer thus, let us remember we cannot expect to fare better
than our Master. When Christ was made Sin for us, he was silent,
and left it to his Blood to speak. Hitherto Jesus had seldom
professed expressly to be the Christ, the Son of God; the tenor
of his doctrine spoke it, and his miracles proved it; but now he
would not omit to make an open Confession of it. It would have
looked like declining his sufferings. He thus confessed, as an
Example and encouragement to his followers, to confess him
before men, whatever hazard they ran. Disdain, cruel mocking,
and abhorrence, are the sure portion of the Disciple as they
were of the Master, from such as would buffet and deride the
Lord of Glory. These things were exactly foretold in the
fiftieth Chapter of Isaiah. Let us confess Christ's name, and
Bear the reproach, and he will confess us before his Father's
Throne.

69-75 Peter's Sin is truly related, for the Scriptures Deal
faithfully. Bad company leads to Sin: those who needlessly
thrust themselves into it, may expect to be tempted and
ensnared, as Peter. They scarcely can come out of such company
without guilt or grief, or both. It is a great fault to be shy
of Christ; and to dissemble our knowledge of him, when we are
called to own him, is, in effect, to deny him. Peter's Sin was
aggravated; but he fell into the Sin By surprise, not as Judas,
with design. But Conscience should be to us as the crowing of
the cock, to Put us in mind of the sins we had forgotten. Peter
was thus left to fall, to abate his self-confidence, and render
him more modest, humble, compassionate, and useful to others.
The event has taught believers many things ever since, and if
infidels, Pharisees, and hypocrites stumble at it or abuse it,
it is at their peril. Little do we know how we should act in
very difficult situations, if we were left to ourselves. Let
him, therefore, that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he
fall; let us all distrust our own hearts, and rely wholly On the
Lord. Peter wept bitterly. Sorrow for Sin must not be slight,
but great and Deep. Peter, who wept So bitterly for denying
Christ, never denied him again, but confessed him often in the
Face of danger. True Repentance for any Sin will be shown By the
contrary Grace and duty; that is a sign of our sorrowing not
only bitterly, but sincerely.

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