VV.1-5 - “The Passover Approaches”
The beginning of Chapter 26 marks the end of Jesus’s end times teaching. Matthew’s Gospel then transitions to the final days before the crucifixion. Verse 2 reveals that the passover is only two days away. Leviticus 23:4-5 designates the passover as the 14th day of the first month. In the Jewish calendar, this is the month of Nissan. There has been some debate concerning the timeline. How was Jesus able to eat the passover meal if he was crucified the morning of passover? The timeline will start to make more sense further in the passage.
Verses 3 and 4 explain that at this time the Jewish leaders had determined to put Jesus to death. They began conspiring with the high priest, Caiaphas, who was appointed high priest by the Roman governor of Judea. In verse 5, they determined they would not put him to death on the day of the passover because this would be in blatant disrespect of the Torah. The 14th of Nissan was to be dedicated to passover preparation. Therefore, it was likely they were hoping to put Jesus to death before the feast.
VV.6-13 - “Jesus Prepared For Burial”
According to John’s Gospel, this event took place six days before the Passover. Therefore, Matthew went back several days, just before the triumphant entry. Verse 6 explains they were eating at Simon the Leper’s house. This is the first time that he is mentioned. One would imagine that the audience Matthew would have been writing to would have been very familiar with Simon.
John chapter 12 gives the account of this same event. From John’s Gospel, we know that Mary Magdalene was the woman. The alabaster box was used to preserve the ointment within it. John records that the ointment was made of spikenard, nardos in the Greek language. It is made from a plant of East India. It gives off a very sweet fragrance. Luke records a similar event with an unnamed woman much earlier than the other Gospels. It is possible that this event had happened once before. In Song of Songs chapter four, spikenard is mentioned as a scent coming from Solomon’s bride. Perhaps this is painting a picture of Christ being united with his bride, Jerusalem.
Verses 8-12 describe a contentious moment with the disciples concerning this act. John records it was Judas who complains, but it's extremely likely he managed to stir up the other disciples as well. Judas Iscariot was likely very deceptive and could persuade the others. Despite the protests, Jesus vindicates Mary in verse 13, and proclaims her act will be remembered wherever “this gospel” is proclaimed. The challenging part of this verse is we want to insert our gospel into this passage. However, the context is still the kingdom message. Paul has not yet received the mystery gospel of the age of grace.
VV.14-19 - “Plotting and Passover Preparation”
Verses 14-16 reveal Judas’s conspiring to betray Jesus. This has not been a shocking revelation. Matthew has been telling us Judas would betray him since chapter 10. However, none of the Gospel’s really explore his motivation. The events with the alabaster box seems to have been the turning point. Perhaps he thought he would get wealthy. However, the true fact is that Judas was prophesied of long before these events. He is a mysterious figure in the Bible. Acts 1:15-20 provide the prophetic background of Judas. As we progress in the passage, we will see these prophecies unfold. The value of the 30 pieces of silver recalls the prophecy of judgment to come in Zechariah 11:12. The 30 pieces of silver reflected what the people of Israel valued the word of the Lord.
Verse 17 increases some confusion regarding the timeline because the feast of unleavened bread takes place on the 15th day of Nissan, the day after the preparation of the passover. All four gospels hold that Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation. Therefore, how were they able to have the Last Supper on the day of the feast of unleavened bread? Verses 18 and 19 certainly seem to affirm they were having the passover meal. However, the truest interpretation of the Greek words are “I will have passover with you.” It is strange that the man is not present, because scripture records it was only Jesus and the disciples. Furthermore, during the passover Jews are not to have any leaven in their houses. They are to only eat unleavened bread. However, in verse 26, the word for bread is not the same word used in verse 17. Verse 17 uses azymos which is unleavened. Verse 26 uses artos which is leavened bread. What is going on? The answer is simple. Verse 17 is revealing this is the week in which the passover begins. Jesus and the disciple’s last supper was not actually the passover meal. What is more significant? Jesus eating the passover meal? Or Jesus being the passover lamb?
VV.20-25 - “The Last Supper”
Verses 20 and 21 find Jesus and the twelve preparing to eat when he reveals his betrayal is near. Verse 22 shows how deceptive Judas has been. They do not immediately realize who the betrayer is. They are actually fearful that they themselves will betray him. One can imagine the fear that gripped them to begin wondering what could possibly cause them to betray him. Verses 23 and 24 reveal the fulfillment of the prophecy of Judas’s betrayal. Verse 23 is in reference to Psalm 41:9. However, verse 24 is treated by Jesus as a direct quote. However, we do not find it in the Old Testament. Is it possible it is written in one of the books kept by God in heaven?
The passage ends with verse 25. Judas, always being deceptive, asks Jesus the same question. John’s gospel gives an even darker and more disturbing account. John 13:26-31 provides the rest of the detail. The betrayer has gone out. The last evening before the crucifixion has come. The hour is soon approaching.
