------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Jesus_teachings, #passion_of_christ, #kingdom_of_heaven #Matthew # An Exegesis of Matthew 26 ## Introduction Matthew 26 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Matthew, marking the beginning of the [[Passion of Christ]], which includes His betrayal, arrest, and trials leading to His crucifixion. The events in this chapter are filled with theological significance, as they reveal [[Jesus]]' submission to the will of the Father, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the start of the final phase of His earthly mission. From the anointing at Bethany to the betrayal by Judas, this chapter highlights the themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the inauguration of the [[New Covenant]]. This exegesis will cover each significant event in the chapter, exploring its historical context, performing a lexical analysis of key terms, and highlighting the theological themes. The authorial intent behind the text will also be discussed, emphasizing its relevance for contemporary readers. --- ## The Plot to Kill Jesus **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 26:1-5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26.1-5&version=AMP) ### Historical Context As the Passover approached, the religious leaders, including the chief priests and elders, conspired to kill [[Jesus]]. The Passover, a festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, serves as a profound backdrop for the unfolding events, as [[Jesus]] would soon become the ultimate Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. The leaders' fear of an uprising during the festival underscores their concern for maintaining order under Roman rule while executing their plot against [[Jesus]]. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Passover” (Πάσχα)**: The Passover is a significant Jewish festival that commemorates [[God]]'s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. In this chapter, it also symbolizes the deliverance [[Jesus]] offers through His sacrificial death. - **“Chief priests and elders” (ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ πρεσβύτεροι)**: These religious leaders held positions of power and influence within Jewish society. Their conspiracy against [[Jesus]] reveals the corrupt nature of their leadership. ### Textual Variants There are no major textual variants in this passage that affect the meaning. The plot to kill [[Jesus]] remains consistent across manuscript traditions. ### Theological Themes - **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**: Although the religious leaders plot to kill [[Jesus]], their actions ultimately fulfill [[God]]'s sovereign plan for salvation. [[Jesus]]' crucifixion was not a tragedy outside of [[God]]'s control but a necessary step in His redemptive plan. - **The Passover and Sacrifice**: The Passover context highlights the sacrificial nature of [[Jesus]]' mission. As the ultimate Passover Lamb, His death would provide deliverance from sin for all who believe. ### Authorial Intent Matthew emphasizes the tension between the religious leaders' desire to maintain power and the divine plan for [[Jesus]]' death. By presenting the Passover as the setting for these events, Matthew shows that [[Jesus]]' death is the fulfillment of [[Old Testament]] prophecies and types, particularly those related to the sacrificial system. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on the sovereignty of [[God]] in orchestrating His redemptive plan, even through the sinful actions of others. - Consider the significance of the Passover and how [[Jesus]] fulfills its meaning as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. - Trust in [[God]]'s plan, knowing that even in times of betrayal and suffering, His purposes are being fulfilled. --- ## The Anointing at Bethany **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 26:6-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26.6-13&version=AMP) ### Historical Context [[Jesus]]' anointing at Bethany takes place in the home of Simon the leper. An unnamed woman anoints [[Jesus]] with expensive perfume, prompting criticism from the disciples, particularly Judas, for what they see as a waste of resources. However, [[Jesus]] defends the woman’s actions, recognizing them as a preparation for His burial. This event highlights the themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the recognition of [[Jesus]]' impending death. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Anoint” (χρίω)**: The act of anointing in Jewish culture was often associated with consecration and preparation for significant events, such as a burial or the installation of a king. Here, the woman’s act points to both the royal and sacrificial aspects of [[Jesus]]' identity. - **“Expensive perfume” (μύρον πολυτελές)**: The use of costly perfume symbolizes the woman’s deep devotion and recognition of [[Jesus]]' worth, as well as the significance of His upcoming death. ### Textual Variants There are minor variations in some manuscripts regarding the details of the woman’s actions, but these do not affect the overall meaning of the passage. ### Theological Themes - **Devotion and Worship**: The woman’s act of anointing [[Jesus]] demonstrates her recognition of His identity and her willingness to give extravagantly in worship. Her actions contrast sharply with the greed of Judas, who later betrays [[Jesus]] for financial gain. - **Preparation for Sacrifice**: [[Jesus]] interprets the anointing as preparation for His burial, foreshadowing His death and emphasizing the sacrificial nature of His mission. - **Recognition of [[Jesus]]' Identity**: The woman’s actions reveal a deeper understanding of [[Jesus]]' identity and mission than that of the disciples. While they focus on practical concerns, she perceives the spiritual significance of the moment. ### Authorial Intent Matthew includes this story to highlight the contrast between true devotion to [[Jesus]] and the self-centered motives of others, such as Judas. The anointing serves as both an act of worship and a prophetic sign pointing to [[Jesus]]' impending death and burial. #### Call to Action: - Consider the value you place on [[Jesus]], and reflect on how your actions demonstrate your devotion to Him. - Worship [[Jesus]] extravagantly, recognizing that no sacrifice is too great in light of His worth. - Reflect on the anointing as a preparation for [[Jesus]]' death, and consider how His sacrifice impacts your life. --- ## The Betrayal by Judas **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 26:14-16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26.14-16&version=AMP) ### Historical Context Judas, one of the twelve disciples, secretly meets with the chief priests and agrees to betray [[Jesus]] for thirty pieces of silver. This act of betrayal, foretold in [[Old Testament]] prophecies such as [Psalm 41:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+41.9&version=AMP), marks the beginning of [[Jesus]]' path to the cross. Judas’ motivations are likely complex, involving greed, disillusionment, and spiritual blindness. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Betray” (παραδίδωμι)**: The Greek word for "betray" implies handing someone over into the hands of enemies. Judas' betrayal is a deliberate act of turning over [[Jesus]] to those who seek to kill Him. - **“Thirty pieces of silver” (τριάκοντα ἀργύρια)**: This amount of money reflects the value of a slave in [[Old Testament]] law (see [Exodus 21:32](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+21.32&version=AMP)), symbolizing the contempt with which Judas and the religious leaders view [[Jesus]]. ### Textual Variants The number of pieces of silver is consistent across manuscripts, reinforcing the symbolic significance of the betrayal amount. ### Theological Themes - **The Price of Betrayal**: Judas’ decision to betray [[Jesus]] for thirty pieces of silver reveals the depth of his spiritual blindness and greed. His actions serve as a warning about the dangers of placing material gain above loyalty to [[God]]. - **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: Judas’ betrayal fulfills several [[Old Testament]] prophecies, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, [[God]]'s redemptive plan is at work. - **Human Free Will and Divine Sovereignty**: While Judas freely chooses to betray [[Jesus]], his actions ultimately serve [[God]]'s purposes. This tension between human agency and divine sovereignty is a key theme in the [[Passion of Christ]]. ### Authorial Intent Matthew presents Judas’ betrayal as both a tragic act of human sin and a necessary part of [[God]]'s redemptive plan. By including the detail of the thirty pieces of silver, Matthew underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the deep contrast between the value Judas places on [[Jesus]] and the true worth of the [[Messiah]]. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on areas in your life where you may be tempted to betray your loyalty to [[Jesus]] for material gain or personal advantage. - Consider the fulfillment of prophecy in the betrayal of [[Jesus]] and how [[God]]'s plan unfolds even in the midst of human sinfulness. - Commit to following [[Jesus]] faithfully, regardless of the cost, recognizing the eternal value of His sacrifice. --- ## The Institution of the Lord’s Supper **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 26:17-30](https://www.biblegateway.co/passage/?search=Matthew+26.17-30&version=AMP) ### Historical Context The institution of the Lord’s Supper takes place during the Passover meal, a celebration that commemorated [[God]]'s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. During the meal, [[Jesus]] reinterprets the traditional elements of the Passover, declaring that the bread represents His body and the wine represents His blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This moment marks the establishment of the [[New Covenant]], fulfilling the promises of the [[Old Testament]] prophets and inaugurating a new way for [[God]]'s people to relate to Him through the sacrifice of [[Jesus]]. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Body” (σῶμα)**: The bread represents [[Jesus]]' body, which will be broken in His sacrificial death. This symbolizes His full participation in human suffering and His offering of Himself for the salvation of humanity. - **“Blood of the covenant” (αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης)**: The wine represents [[Jesus]]' blood, which will be poured out to establish the [[New Covenant]]. This phrase echoes the [[Old Testament]] sacrificial system, where blood was necessary for the atonement of sins (see [Leviticus 17:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+17.11&version=AMP)). ### Textual Variants Some manuscripts vary slightly in the wording of [[Jesus]]' statements during the supper, but the meaning remains consistent: the elements of bread and wine represent His body and blood, signifying the establishment of the [[New Covenant]]. ### Theological Themes - **The [[New Covenant]]**: [[Jesus]]' words during the supper signify the inauguration of the [[New Covenant]], fulfilling [Jeremiah 31:31-34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31.31-34&version={{AMP}}) and establishing a new way for [[God]]'s people to relate to Him through faith in [[Jesus]]. - **Sacrifice and Atonement**: The breaking of the bread and the pouring of the wine represent [[Jesus]]' sacrificial death, through which He provides atonement for sin and reconciliation between [[God]] and humanity. - **Communion with [[Jesus]]**: The Lord’s Supper symbolizes the intimate communion believers share with [[Jesus]] through His death and resurrection. It serves as a reminder of His sacrifice and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet in the [[Kingdom of Heaven]]. ### Authorial Intent Matthew includes the institution of the Lord’s Supper to emphasize the theological significance of [[Jesus]]' death as the fulfillment of [[Old Testament]] prophecies and the establishment of the [[New Covenant]]. The Lord’s Supper is presented as a means of grace, through which believers remember and participate in the sacrificial work of [[Jesus]]. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper and its significance in your relationship with [[Jesus]]. - Participate in the Lord’s Supper with a deep sense of gratitude for [[Jesus]]' sacrifice and the establishment of the [[New Covenant]]. - Live in the reality of the [[New Covenant]], knowing that through [[Jesus]]' sacrifice, you are forgiven and reconciled to [[God]]. --- ## Related Concepts: - [[New Covenant]] - [[Atonement]] - [[Passover]] - [[Sovereignty of God]] - [[Sacrifice of Christ]]