In 2025 we're working our way through the gospels and invite you to join us as we seek to learn from Jesus. Find all our notes, from this year and past years, at the Faith Food tab. And if you'd like ideas for suggested pacing, download our April calendar. Welcome, friends, we're so glad you're journeying with us. Let's grow together!

Our notes on Matthew 26 include:

An Overview: Topic, Themes, and Summary.
An Outline Of our thoughts and questions.
Exploration That connects Passover with the crucifixion.
A Reflection On being broken.
An Invitation to Respond To God's supremacy.

Matthew 26

Olive Grove by dimitrisvetsikas at Pixabay

Overview

General Topic

Jesus prepares His disciples for His betrayal and arrest.

Key Themes

Covenant Relationship. Worship. Truth.

Summary

Though Jesus' story is foretold, the disciples continue to miss what is coming. They do not understand why Jesus would praise a woman for anointing Him with expensive oil. Judas schemes with the priests. They celebrate Passover and Jesus explains the bread and cup as a symbol of His impending covenant sacrifice. They insist they would die with Jesus before denying Him. Then, they sleep as three times Jesus begs God to find another way. Yet, as foretold, Jesus is betrayed and arrested while His disciples scatter. False witnesses attempt to persecute Jesus with phony charges, but it's the truth that seals His arrest: He is the Son of God who will return with power and glory. As foretold, Peter denies Jesus three times and deeply regrets not telling the truth.

Outline

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, ! a connection, and x a cross reference. Researched answers are in italics. *R communicates that in-depth research follows. Behold requires our attention; it marks our partnership with God.

On Laying the Path to the Cross (Matthew 26:1-5)

Jesus makes another prediction of His death, which will happen during Passover.

! The Passover, first observed the night before the enslaved Israelites escaped from Egypt, involved slaying a lamb and using the blood to mark your doorposts. Marking your doorposts showed you chose to follow God's ways and are asking for a rescuer. (Exodus 12)

x The next day [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 ESV
x Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10 KJV
x [God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13 ESV

The original Passover symbolizes being born again. The Israelites must pass through a bloodied door as they did when they were first born. - BEMA Podcast, "A Strengthened Heart"
x Jesus answered [Nicodemus], "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 ESV

And the chief priests plotted to kill Him after the feast so they don't draw as much attention.

On Jesus' Anointing (Matthew 26:6-13)

As Jesus dined at a leper's house, a woman poured oil on His head.

! Simon the leper? I thought it was a rich man's house and they ridiculed her for being there?

There are different versions of this story. Matthew and Mark both mention "Simon the Leper", Luke mentions "Simon the Pharisee", and John names the woman as "Mary of Bethany", while Luke refers to her as "sinner".
It could be that Simon was Mary, Martha, and Lazarus' father, and that this Mary was the one who anointed Jesus. - Got Questions, "Who was Simon the Leper?"

? Is there significance to the alabaster flask and expensive ointment? Do we know what ointment it was or if it matters that the flask was made of alabaster?

Alabaster is similar to white marble and considered a precious stone. Used in the decoration of Solomon's temple (I Chronicles 29:2). Commonly used for carrying perfumes. - Got Questions, "What is an alabaster box?"

! Ten young women with the oil lamps waiting for Christ's return. I wonder if there's a connection there. (Matthew 25:1-13 & see our Matthew 25 notes.)
x You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5 ESV

The disciples criticized the wastefulness.

? Yet would they if it was being done for them?

But Jesus praised her for the anointing - after all, His time was drawing near...

? What do I do to show my high regard of Jesus?

...and now His body is ready for burial.

? Would you anoint a person at a random event instead of at an official ceremony?
? Did she know her anointing was a preparation for burial, or was she just performing an affectionate act?

Jesus foretells that as the good news of God's kingdom spreads, so will her story.

! Reminds me of the pearl merchant who sold everything he had when he recognized the value of the kingdom. (Matthew 13:45-46 & see our Matthew 13 notes.)

On Judas' Betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16)

Judas arranges Jesus' betrayal with the high priests.

? I remember 30 pieces of silver as significant, but I don't remember why? Price for freedom? Silver represents purification from sin?

The slave price. Exodus 21:32
Also the wage to a reliable shepherd. Zechariah 11:12-13 and Matthew 27:9-10.
Approximately equivalent to 100 days' wages. - NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Bible

* How challenging it must have been for Jesus to walk and talk day in and day out with the person He knew would betray Him. But then again, did He know? Did Jesus know from the beginning that Judas would be the one to betray Him, or did God reveal it to Him later on?

On Passover Preparations (Matthew 26:17-25)

Jesus' disciples make preparations for Passover.

? Was the upper room they went to prepare the one where the resurrected Jesus appears to them?

Jesus foretells His betrayal by Judas.

Read prophecies of how the Son of Man is slain in Isaiah 53 and Daniel 9:26.

On Symbols of the Covenant Relationship (Matthew 26:26-29)

Jesus uses bread and wine to symbolize His body and blood.

* Jesus uses physical objects to explain a spiritual transformation.

They eat and drink it.
He explains that it is covenant blood which forgives sins.

! Just as they once sacrificed sheep for purification, Jesus' blood would purify them once and for all.
! Just as God walked the blood path for Abraham because Abraham could not fulfill his end of the covenant, Jesus offers Himself as a sacrifice for our sins because we cannot do it ourselves. (Listen to the BEMA podcast episode, "Walking the Blood Path", to learn more.)
! Also, a traditional marriage proposal. - Brant Hansen in Blessed are the Misfits (See our notes on the marriage proposal; listen to the BEMA Podcast, "Under the Chuppah".)

On Being Scattered (Matthew 26:30-35)

They sang then journeyed to Mount Olives where Jesus foretells of their scattering,...

? I wonder what hymn they sang, perhaps one of the Psalms? Traditionally, Jews would sing the remaining songs of the Hallel, Psalm 113-118. - NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Bible
? Where is this prophecy written? Zechariah 13:7

...His return,...
...and Peter's betrayal.

* We don't really know how we will react until the actual event happens.

Every disciple insisted they would die with Jesus and not deny Him.

* We perceive ourselves as better than we actually are. (See our Matthew 7 notes on judging others.)

On Jesus' Gethsemane Prayer (Matthew 26:36-46)

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to Gethsemane...
...where He experienced unbearable sorrow.
He asked them to keep watch with Him.

? What were they watching for? The betrayer?
! On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent... Isaiah 62:6 ESV (See our Isaiah 62 notes.)

Then, Jesus prayed that God would remove the need for the required task that He would soon undertake, but accepted God's will.

? Why cup? Prophets used to symbolize suffering from divine judgment.

Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering. Isaiah 51:17 ESV (See also Zechariah 12:2 and our Isaiah 51 notes.)
Thus the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: "Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them. So I took the cup from the LORD's hand, and made all the nations to whom the LORD sent me drink it: Jeremiah 25:15-17 ESV
You will have your fill of shame instead of glory. Drink yourself, and show your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD's right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory! Habakkuk 2:16 ESV

? God couldn't, right? Jesus dying for our sins was the only solution. Didn't Jesus know that? Still, if it were me, I would wish for another solution, especially knowing what I was about to go through.

He returned to find the disciples sleeping, woke them, and again asked them to watch and pray.

x As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. Matthew 25:5 ESV (See our Matthew 25 notes.)
? What temptation is overtaking them? Sleep?
...You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, and give [God] no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. Isaiah 62:6 ESV (See our Isaiah 62 notes.)

Then, Jesus prayed a second time. He returned to find them sleeping again.
He prayed a third time and awakened the disciples to Judas' arrival.

* If Jesus was persistent in prayer, we should be too.

On Jesus' Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)

Accompanied by a large, armed crowd of priests and elders, Judas kissed Jesus.
Jesus surrendered to the betrayal and arrest.

! Interestingly, Jesus calls Judas "friend". "Friend" is also the title used for the underdressed man at the wedding feast (Matthew 22:12) as well as the field worker who complained about his wages (Matthew 20:13). (See our Matthew 20 and Matthew 22 notes.)

He even scolds the disciples for defending Him...

[Elisha] said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17 ESV

...and questions His arrestors regarding the need for force.

? What scriptures were fulfilled?

And all of the disciples scattered.

On Jesus' Trial (Matthew 26:57-68)

Jesus was led to Caiaphas where the accusers convened.
Peter stayed in the background.

* This is frequently my sin: inaction, timidity.
x For [your sincere faith] I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Many false witnesses offered faulty testimony and none held water until two mentioned that Jesus said He could destroy and rebuild God's temple.
The high priest asked for an explanation, but Jesus refused to answer.
The high priest asked if He was the Son of God.
Jesus responded by saying it was the high priest himself who acknowledged it. Then, continued to say it would be the Son of Man who would be honored with Power and return in the clouds.

* A picture of Jesus' resurrection and return.

x The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." Psalm 110:1 ESV
x "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. Daniel 7:13 ESV
x Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:7 ESV

? What's the difference between the "Son of Man" and "Son of God"? One physical and one spiritual?

The high priest denounced the blasphemy and asked the crowd for judgment.
"Death!" was the answer.
Then they struck and mocked Him.

This was a grave violation of ethics. -NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Bible
*The Voice's rendering of Matthew 26:67-68 offers a depiction of the scene: Then they spat in his face and hit him. Some of them smacked Him, slapped Him across the cheeks, and jeered: "Well, Anointed One, prophesy for us, if You can - who hit You? And who is about to hit you next?

On Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)

Peter denies knowing Jesus to two servant girls who both saw Peter with Jesus. Then again to bystanders who insist Peter is from Galilee by his accent.

x Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Matthew 25:11-12 ESV (See our Matthew 25 notes.)
x But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:33 ESV (See our Matthew 10 notes.)

After the third denial, the cock crows, and Peter is reminded of Jesus' prediction and weeps bitterly.

* 3 times Peter denies Jesus, 3 times Jesus prays; 3 times the disciples fall asleep; 3 days Jesus remains in the tomb; 3 times Peter is asked if he loves Jesus.

The number 3 represents community. - BEMA podcast, "With All Your Heart"
Three is required to achieve completeness. - Albert Tours

Exploration

How does the Passover connect to Jesus' crucifixion and to the symbols He gave us of bread and wine?

Passover

Passover, or The Feast of Unleavened Bread, is a weeklong observance that begins the evening before the official week starts. While technically it should be called, "The Feast of Unleavened Bread", it was (and is) common to refer to the whole week as "Passover". (Leviticus 23:5-8)
On the evening before Passover starts, participants dine on the seder, or Passover supper. (Leviticus 23:5)

The seder supper memorializes the Passover in Egypt. Israelites outlined their doorposts in blood to mark their faith in God, and feasted on the spotless lamb that was slain as they awaited their promised rescue. (Exodus 12)
This is the meal the disciples ate when Jesus presented bread and wine as symbols for the new covenant.

Sabbath is observed the first and last days of Passover week. (Leviticus 23:7-8)
Unleavened bread is eaten the entire week to remind the Israelites that they had to leave Egypt in haste and could not wait for the bread to leaven. (Leviticus 23:6)

Bread and Wine

The unleavened bread that Jesus broke, or matzah, is striped with piercings and makes an audible "click" when broken.

The stripes and piercings draw to mind Jesus' suffering and *the "click" our bonds breaking as His body is given.

But he was wounded [pierced] for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 KJV [ESV]
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." Matthew 26:26 ESV
He brought them out of the darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Psalm 107:14 ESV

Being unleavened is synonymous with sinlessness and *reminds us of the haste of the Israelites' rescue from Egypt.

Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I Corinthians 5:7 ESV
You shall eat no leavened bread with [the sacrificial lamb]. Seven days you shall eat it with unleavened bread, the bread of affliction - for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste - that all the days of your life you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 16:3 ESV

The wine, likely the third cup from the seder supper, represents redemption by the blood of a Spotless Lamb.

Say therefore to the people of Israel, "I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians (Cup of Sanctification), and I will deliver you from slavery to them (Cup of Plagues/Judgment), and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment (Cup of Redemption). I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians (Cup of Praise, or Hallel). I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord (Elijah's Cup, poured out) " Exodus 6:6-8 ESV
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27 ESV
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, But with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. I Peter 1:18-19 ESV

*Thoughts: Jesus used the Passover symbolism to explain His fulfillment of it, which we recognize when we partake in communion. The bread represents His sinless body that underwent suffering for our rescue from captivity. The wine celebrates our redemption in Him as we walk into new life through the bloodied door where the veil is torn and forgiveness flows freely. While you could work to find meaning in the timeline of the path to Jesus' crucifixion, I think you miss the bigger picture: Jesus made a way for us! Eat; know your bonds are broken. Drink; enter into a covenantal life of righteousness.

Sources:

BEMA Podcast, "A Strengthened Heart"
CBN Israel, "Passover: The Feast of Unleavened Bread"
Got Questions, "If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal?"
Inductive Bible, "Matthew 26:26-28 (The Four Cups of Passover)"
Knowing Scripture, "Was Jesus' Body 'Broken' for You?"

Reflection

This is a tough chapter, and I know the next one is even tougher. Those closest to Jesus were unprepared for the tragedy that was about to befall Him. How must that have felt, to know these were His final days and to watch as He saw the people closest to Him didn't get it?

How often can we relate? We feel the weightiness of an experience and try to share it with others, but they just don't get it. Each of us has a unique perspective, each of us have uniquely designed experiences, but I think in taking the time to try to understand someone else's perspective, to hear the unique journey others are undertaking, our own lives are made richer.

The woman who anointed Jesus, seemed to better understand what was happening than His disciples did. I think she knew Jesus' value more than they did. The disciples followed protocol: "Of course I won't deny you." "I would never betray you." because that was what was expected of them. But, when push came to shove, they do deny Him. They do betray Him. They all scatter.

How do I become more like the woman who sees The Prize that is before her and gives everything for it, and less like the disciples who vow to do everything right, but falter?

It, once again, seems to come down to the heart. If you know God's value, you treasure Him in your life by honoring Him in front of others through your actions, choices, words, and thought patterns. You are willing to pour out your oil of love for Him constantly, no matter the cost. You always choose Him and His ways.

If you're desperate to prove your loyalty, your heart is on what others think or is set on following expectations. Your heart is not truly surrendered to Jesus. If you say with your lips, "He is Lord", but deny Him in your heart, then when you bump into trouble, you'll leave because you never surrendered.

The disciples' true test* was now. Now the pieces start falling into place. Now they begin to see who He really is and how their hearts have not fully surrendered. Now they break so He can remake them in His love. Now they start to release their will and come to acknowledge their need to surrender to His will. Now they can stop working to prove they deserve His love and start celebrating that they already have it.

Being human is being subject to breaking. We are frail. We spend so many resources - time, money, worry - trying to prevent being broken - physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally. What if we accepted the truth: that we are all broken and in need of a Savior? What if we celebrated our brokenness because we know what He can make from it? What if instead of hiding ourselves, we smashed the boxes of our pride and offered Jesus the one priceless gift we have to give: all of who we are, completely surrendered, hiding nothing. We must be broken so His light can shine through.

He gave His life to save us from our brokenness; it's time we let Him.

*Note: This test is not a pass/fail test, as we tend to think about tests, but a test for God to learn more about them as they learn more about Him - BEMA Podcast, "With All Your Heart"

Songs I'm Singing:

"I Will Offer Up My Life" by Matt Redman. 🎶I will offer up my life in spirit and truth / Pouring out the oil of love as my worship to You / In surrender I must give my every part / Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart. 🎵
"Keep Making Me" by Sidewalk Prophets. 🎵Make me broken / So I can be healed...Make me empty / So I can be filled...'Til You are my one desire / 'Til you are my one true love🎶

Respond

Connect

God is supreme. Jesus surrendered to His will; so should I.

Reflect

How do I show that Jesus is everything to me? What "alabaster box" must I shatter so all of who I am can be poured out before Him?
Name one habitual behavior or thought pattern that betrays your personal relationship with God. What steps can you take to turn it around, or repent?
Where in your life have you fallen asleep? How will you awaken and stay awake?

Act

Arise, worship Him with everything you have to give. (Your "very". - BEMA Podcast, "With All Your Soul & Very")
Arise, identify and repent of thoughts and behaviors that betray your Maker.
Arise, awaken to a purposeful walk in the fullness of life that is before you.

In Closing

Father God, we don't fully get how powerful, purposeful, and intricate You are. Our job is to worship You, but we don't do it well. We don't even fully understand what worship to You means. More than the songs we sing, You want all of us - our everything. As we journey through life, seeking to know You more, awaken us to the thoughts and behaviors that keep You out. Guide us onto the path of a purposeful walk in the fullness of You. May we come to know what it means to worship You in spirit and truth. May we learn to live a life of worship.

Ready for Matthew 26?

Sample these related posts:

Matthew 25 | The Wolfe Notes

Review our Matthew 25 notes. Includes research on watching carefully, a reflection on not tarrying, and an invitation to respond to God who knows you.

Isaiah 30 | The Wolfe Notes

Discover God's intricately designed plan to use worship as a weapon in our Isaiah 30 notes. Includes KJV/NKJV version comparisons, an outline of our thoughts, cross references of Isaiah 30:29, and an invitation to respond to a God who is trustworthy, full of blessing, and lives in the praise of His people.

Isaiah 24 | The Wolfe Notes

Recommit to living within the boundaries God sets, to praise Him for it, and to look unceasingly for His glory. Includes NRSVA/NCB version comparisons, an outline of our thoughts, research on God's expectations that we have broken, a chapter summary, and cross-references of Isaiah 24:23.

Examining My Inner Sluggard | The Wisdom of Ants

Self-reflect with us to answer the question, "Where in my life am I being a sluggard" and find encouragement to turn it around. Includes a companion guide to help you think through your responsibilities, relationships, future, life fulfillment, and trust.

Hot Air Balloon Day | JOY for Today

Practice surrender by thinking of life as a hot air balloon ride. Includes facts, quotes, scripture, and activity suggestions.

Interested in more faith-related blogs? Then you're looking for Faith Food. At Faith Food, you'll find links to all our faith-related blogs and a short description of each.

Search This Blog

Wolfe Stew

Matthew 26 | The Wolfe Notes