Matthew 26

Matthew 26 is a major turning point in the Gospel of Matthew because it describes the events leading directly to the crucifixion of Jesus. The chapter begins with Jesus predicting His death during Passover, showing that He is the true sacrificial Lamb. It then shows the religious leaders plotting to kill Him, the woman anointing Him for burial, Judas agreeing to betray Him, the Last Supper, Jesus’ prayers in Gethsemane, His arrest, His trial before the Sanhedrin, and Peter’s denial. This chapter reveals the fulfillment of prophecy, the weakness of human loyalty, the danger of greed and self-confidence, and the perfect submission of Jesus to the Father’s will. While the disciples fail and the leaders act wickedly, Jesus remains faithful, calm, and surrendered to God’s saving purpose.

Matthew 26:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples,
2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.
5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

After Jesus finishes His teachings, He tells His disciples plainly that after two days, during the Passover, the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified. This shows that His death was not an accident or surprise; He knew what was coming and willingly walked toward it. The timing during Passover is deeply meaningful because Passover remembered Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb. Jesus’ death would fulfill this symbolism in a greater way, as He would become the true Lamb through whom deliverance from sin is provided. Meanwhile, the chief priests, scribes, and elders gather at the palace of Caiaphas and plot to arrest Jesus by trickery and kill Him. They do not want to do it during the feast because they fear an uproar among the people. Yet through Judas’ betrayal, they find a quiet opportunity to arrest Him at night. Even though they act with evil motives, God’s purpose is still being fulfilled, and Jesus’ death takes place in connection with the Passover, showing Him as the sacrifice of deliverance and redemption.

Matthew 26:6-13 (NKJV)
6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,
7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.
8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.
11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.
12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.
13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

While Jesus is in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman comes with very costly fragrant oil and pours it on His head. The disciples see this as a waste because the oil could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Their concern may sound practical, but they miss the spiritual meaning of her act. Jesus defends the woman and says she has done a good work for Him. He is not saying the poor are unimportant, because He always cared for the poor, but He is showing that this moment is unique because His death is near. By anointing Him, the woman is unknowingly preparing His body for burial. Her act reveals love, devotion, sacrifice, and spiritual sensitivity. While the leaders are plotting His death and Judas is preparing to betray Him, this woman honors Him with what is precious. Jesus says her act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached, showing that true love for Christ is never forgotten by God. This passage teaches that devotion to Jesus may look wasteful to others, but when it comes from love and faith, it is precious in heaven.

Matthew 26:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, goes to the chief priests and asks what they are willing to give him if he delivers Jesus to them. They give him thirty pieces of silver. This amount connects with Exodus 21:32, where thirty pieces of silver was the price connected with a slave, showing how cheaply Judas valued Jesus. It also connects with Zechariah 11:12-13, which speaks of thirty pieces of silver being weighed out. Judas’ betrayal stands in sharp contrast to the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil. She poured out what was precious because she loved Him, while Judas sold Him because of greed and a corrupted heart. This shows that people close to Jesus outwardly may still turn away inwardly if they love money, self-interest, or the world more than Christ. Yet even Judas’ wicked act does not defeat God’s plan; it becomes part of the prophetic path by which Jesus goes to the cross.

Matthew 26:17-25 (NKJV)
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “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 at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’”
19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.
21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.
24 The Son of Man indeed goes 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 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”

The disciples ask Jesus where they should prepare the Passover, and He directs them to a certain man in the city, saying, “My time is at hand.” This shows that Jesus is fully aware of the hour before Him and is moving according to the Father’s plan. As He eats the Passover meal with the twelve, He announces that one of them will betray Him. The disciples are deeply sorrowful and each asks, “Lord, is it I?” This question shows that they are troubled and uncertain of themselves, which is better than prideful confidence. Jesus identifies the betrayer as one who dips his hand with Him in the dish, showing the painful closeness of Judas’ betrayal. Judas is not a distant enemy, but one who shares the table with Jesus. Jesus says the Son of Man goes as it is written, meaning His death fulfills prophecy, but He also pronounces woe on the betrayer, showing that human responsibility remains real. God’s plan does not excuse Judas’ sin. Judas then asks, “Rabbi, is it I?” and Jesus answers, “You have said it.” This moment reveals the tragedy of a heart that can sit near Christ, hear His words, share His meal, and still choose betrayal.

Matthew 26:26-30 (NKJV)
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
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.”
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

During the Passover meal, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. He takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is My body.” He then takes the cup and says, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” The bread and the cup are symbols of His body and blood, pointing to His coming sacrifice. Jesus is showing that the old Passover finds its true meaning in Him. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb pointed to deliverance, His blood establishes the New Covenant and brings remission of sins. This meal teaches believers to remember His sacrifice, receive His life by faith, and live in covenant relationship with Him. His words about drinking it new in His Father’s kingdom point to future hope and reunion, when the work of redemption is complete and His people share joy with Him in the kingdom. After singing a hymn, they go out to the Mount of Olives, showing that even as Jesus faces suffering, He moves forward in worship and obedience.

Matthew 26:31-35 (NKJV)
31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.

Jesus tells the disciples that all of them will stumble because of Him that night, fulfilling Zechariah 13:7: “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” This shows again that the events of His suffering are not outside God’s prophetic plan. Yet Jesus also gives hope, saying that after He is raised, He will go before them to Galilee. The failure of the disciples will not be the end, because His resurrection will open the way for restoration. Peter responds with confidence, saying that even if all others stumble, he will never stumble. But Jesus tells him plainly that before the rooster crows, Peter will deny Him three times. Peter insists that he would die with Jesus rather than deny Him, and the other disciples say the same. This passage shows the weakness of human self-confidence. Peter truly loved Jesus, but he did not yet understand his own weakness. Good intentions are not enough without watchfulness, prayer, and dependence on God.

Matthew 26:36-46 (NKJV)
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”
37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then He came to His 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.
46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Jesus goes with His disciples to Gethsemane, where the weight of what is coming presses heavily upon Him. He takes Peter, James, and John farther with Him and says, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” This shows the real humanity of Jesus and the depth of His suffering. He does not face the cross with shallow emotion, but with deep anguish. He falls on His face and prays, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” The “cup” represents the suffering, shame, rejection, and death He is about to endure. Yet Jesus fully submits to the Father’s will. This is the opposite of human rebellion: where Adam failed in a garden, Christ overcomes in a garden through surrender. The disciples, however, fall asleep, showing human weakness even after strong promises of loyalty. Jesus tells them, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This is a key lesson for all believers: desire and sincerity are not enough; we must watch and pray because our flesh is weak. Jesus prays three times, each time surrendering to the Father’s will. When He rises, He is ready to face betrayal and death. Gethsemane reveals both the cost of salvation and the perfect obedience of Christ.

Matthew 26:47-56 (NKJV)
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.”
49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.
56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

Judas arrives in Gethsemane with a crowd carrying swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders. He betrays Jesus with a kiss, using a sign of affection to hand Him over to His enemies. This makes the betrayal especially painful because it comes from one of the twelve. Jesus calls him “Friend,” showing calmness and sorrow rather than hatred. When the crowd seizes Jesus, one of the disciples, identified in John’s Gospel as Peter, draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus rebukes him and says, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” This teaches that Christ’s kingdom is not advanced by violence, force, or human weapons. Jesus also says He could ask His Father for more than twelve legions of angels, showing that He is not helpless. He is not arrested because He lacks power, but because He chooses to submit so the Scriptures may be fulfilled. Jesus questions why they come with weapons as if He were a robber, when He had taught openly in the temple every day. Their secret nighttime arrest exposes their fear and injustice. Yet all this fulfills the Scriptures of the prophets. Then all the disciples forsake Him and flee, fulfilling His earlier warning and revealing the weakness of human courage apart from God’s strength.

Matthew 26:57-68 (NKJV)
57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,
60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’”
62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?”
63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”
64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!
66 What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”
67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands,
68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

Jesus is taken to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders are gathered. Peter follows at a distance, already showing the danger of fear and divided loyalty. The council seeks false testimony against Jesus so they can put Him to death, but their witnesses do not agree. This shows that the trial is unjust from the beginning; they are not seeking truth, but a reason to condemn Him. Finally, two false witnesses twist His words about the temple. Jesus remains silent, fulfilling the spirit of Isaiah 53:7, where the suffering Servant does not open His mouth in self-defense. When the high priest puts Him under oath and asks if He is the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus answers directly and declares that they will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. This is a clear claim to messianic authority and exaltation at God’s right hand. The high priest calls it blasphemy, but in reality Jesus is speaking the truth. They condemn Him to death, then spit in His face, beat Him, mock Him, and strike Him. The One who is truly the Christ and Son of God is treated with shame by the very leaders who should have recognized Him. This scene shows the blindness of false religion and the willing suffering of Jesus as He bears rejection, injustice, and humiliation.

Matthew 26:69-75 (NKJV)
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.

While Jesus is confessing the truth before the council, Peter is outside denying Him. First, a servant girl says Peter was with Jesus, and he denies it. Then another identifies him, and he denies again with an oath. Finally, others say his speech gives him away, and Peter begins to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately the rooster crows, and Peter remembers Jesus’ words: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” He then goes out and weeps bitterly. This is one of the clearest pictures of human weakness in the Gospels. Peter truly loved Jesus and had promised loyalty even unto death, but when fear came, he failed. His fall warns us not to trust in our own courage, emotions, or promises, but to depend on God through watchfulness and prayer. Yet Peter’s bitter weeping also shows repentance. His failure was terrible, but it was not the end of his story. Jesus had already spoken of resurrection and restoration, and Peter would later be restored and strengthened to serve. This passage gives both warning and hope: warning against self-confidence, and hope that sincere repentance can lead to restoration through Christ’s mercy.