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Matthew 26

75 verses

TL;DR

The chapter chronicles the events surrounding Jesus' betrayal, the Last Supper, and his arrest, highlighting themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of Scripture.

Summary

Matthew 26 opens with Jesus warning His disciples about His imminent betrayal and the upcoming Passover. In Bethany, a woman anoints Him with expensive ointment, provoking a discussion about the value of her act. Jesus then prepares for the Passover, predicting that one of His disciples will betray Him. He institutes the new covenant during the Last Supper, declaring His body and blood. Jesus retreats to Gethsemane, where He prays repeatedly and experiences profound sorrow, yet ultimately submits to God's will. Judas, the betrayer, is identified and brings soldiers to seize Jesus, using a kiss as a signal. Peter defends Jesus initially but later denies Him thrice, as Jesus foretold. The chapter concludes with the arrest, trial before Caiaphas, and the denial of the high priest’s witnesses, culminating in Peter’s remorse after the rooster crowed.

Outline
  1. Jesus warns of betrayal and prepares for the Passover.
  2. The Last Supper establishes the new covenant and foretells betrayal.
  3. Agony, arrest, trial, Peter’s denial, and fulfillment of prophecy.
Themes
Betrayal and human weaknessSacrifice and the new covenantFulfillment of Scripture
Keywords
Passoverbetrayalnew covenantGethsemanedenialJesusdisciplesCaiaphas
People
JesusJudas IscariotPeterCaiaphasSimon the leperthe woman with the ointmentthe disciples
Places
Bethanyhouse of Simon the leperpalace of the high priestMount of OlivesGethsemaneJerusalem
Things
alabaster jar of precious ointmentbreadcupnew testamentswordsstaveskissbloodthree silver coins
Key Verses
  • Matthew 26:24: Jesus explicitly identifies the betrayer, setting the scene for the climax.
  • Matthew 26:28: Establishment of the new covenant through the bread and cup.
  • Matthew 26:39: Jesus' intimate prayer in Gethsemane reveals His human anguish.
  • Matthew 26:45: Peter’s denial is foretold and witnessed, underscoring human frailty.
  • Matthew 26:49: The symbolic kiss that marks the betrayal.
Questions
  • What is the theological significance of the woman’s ointment act?
  • How does the Last Supper anticipate the institution of the Church?
  • In what ways does Peter’s denial illustrate the human condition?
  • What does Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane reveal about His relationship with God?
  • How is Scripture fulfilled through the events of this chapter?
Sentiment

negative
The narrative is marked by sorrow, betrayal, and impending death.