Matthew Chapter 26 — The Betrayal and Trial of Jesus
Matthew 26 details the final events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, including the Last Supper, his arrest in Gethsemane, and his trial before the high priest.
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Notable Verses
Matthew 26:26-28
“As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, 'All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.'”
This marks the institution of the Lord's Supper, a central practice in Christian worship.
Matthew 26:39
“He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.'”
This verse highlights Jesus' humanity and his absolute submission to God's will.
Matthew 26:75
“Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.' Then he went out and wept bitterly.”
It depicts the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy and the deep remorse of one of his closest followers.
Chapter Summary
Matthew 26 documents the beginning of the Passion of Jesus. The chapter opens with the religious leaders plotting to kill Jesus and the anointing at Bethany, which Jesus describes as preparation for his burial. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. During the Passover meal, Jesus identifies his betrayer and institutes the Lord's Supper, identifying the bread and wine as his body and blood. Following the meal, Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane to pray in deep distress while his disciples fail to stay awake. Judas leads a multitude to arrest Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is then brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, where he is accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. The chapter ends with Peter fulfilling Jesus' prophecy by denying him three times before the rooster crows.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a woman pours expensive ointment on Jesus' head at Bethany, he defends her against the disciples' criticism, stating she has done a good work to prepare his body for burial.
The chief priests weighed out thirty pieces of silver for Judas in exchange for his help in delivering Jesus to them.
Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray in extreme sorrow, asking God if his suffering could be avoided but ultimately submitting to God's will, while his disciples repeatedly fell asleep instead of keeping watch.
After Jesus affirmed that he was the Christ and the Son of God, the high priest accused him of blasphemy, leading the council to declare him deserving of death.
Study Note
The thirty pieces of silver mentioned in verse 15 was the legally prescribed compensation for a slave's life in the Old Testament law.
Related Chapters
Mark Chapter 14
Mark 14 provides a parallel account of the Last Supper and the arrest in Gethsemane.
Exodus Chapter 12
Exodus 12 establishes the original Passover festival which Jesus and his disciples were celebrating.
Zechariah Chapter 11
This Old Testament book contains the prophecy regarding the thirty pieces of silver.
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