Matthew Chapter 26: Betrayal, Supper, and Trial

Matthew chapter 26 marks the beginning of the Passion narrative in the Gospel of Matthew, detailing the plot to kill Jesus, the Last Supper, His agony in Gethsemane, His betrayal and arrest, and His trial before the Sanhedrin. This chapter portrays Jesus as the obedient Messiah who fulfills Scripture, faces betrayal and rejection, and willingly embraces His suffering for redemption. Set in Jerusalem during Passover, it sets the stage for the crucifixion. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for scriptural references, this article explores Matthew 26, breaking it into key sections and providing cross-references to deepen its meaning.

Context and Setting

Matthew chapter 26 follows Jesus’ teachings on the end times and judgment (Matthew 24–25), occurring two days before Passover (Matthew 26:2). The events unfold in Jerusalem, Bethany, an upper room, Gethsemane, and the high priest’s courtyard. Matthew, written primarily for a Jewish audience, emphasizes Jesus as the Messianic King who fulfills Old Testament prophecies (Matthew 1:1; 26:54). The chapter intensifies the conflict with religious leaders, preparing for Jesus’ death and resurrection (Matthew 27–28). Its purpose is to affirm Jesus as the Christ, calling readers to faith and obedience (Matthew 7:21).

Key Sections and Themes

1. The Plot to Kill Jesus and the Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:1-16)

Jesus predicts His crucifixion, saying, “The Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2, ESV). The chief priests and elders, gathered at Caiaphas’ palace, plot to arrest Jesus secretly to avoid a riot during Passover (Matthew 26:3-5). In Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus’ head with costly ointment at Simon the leper’s house (Matthew 26:6-7). The disciples, indignant, protest the waste, suggesting the money could help the poor (Matthew 26:8-9). Jesus defends her, saying, “She has done a beautiful thing to me… In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial” (Matthew 26:10-12, ESV). He adds that her act will be remembered globally (Matthew 26:13). Meanwhile, Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus’ prediction affirms His foreknowledge and willingness to face the cross. The leaders’ plot reveals their rejection of the Messiah, while the woman’s anointing honors Jesus, prophetically preparing Him for burial. Judas’ betrayal, contrasted with her devotion, fulfills prophecy and highlights the cost of disloyalty, setting the Passion in motion.

2. The Last Supper and Betrayal Prediction (Matthew 26:17-30)

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, the disciples prepare the Passover meal in an upper room as Jesus directs (Matthew 26:17-19). During the meal, Jesus announces, “One of you will betray me” (Matthew 26:21, ESV), causing distress among the disciples, each asking, “Is it I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22, ESV). Jesus confirms, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me” (Matthew 26:23, ESV), and warns that the betrayer’s fate is dire, fulfilling Scripture (Matthew 26:24). Judas asks, “Is it I, Rabbi?” and Jesus replies, “You have said so” (Matthew 26:25, ESV).

Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, taking bread, blessing it, and saying, “Take, eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26, ESV). He takes a cup, gives thanks, and says, “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 26:27-28, ESV). He predicts He will not drink wine again until the kingdom’s fulfillment (Matthew 26:29). They sing a hymn and depart for the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30).

Cross-References:

Significance: The Last Supper redefines Passover, with Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb whose body and blood establish a new covenant for forgiveness (Hebrews 9:15). His prediction of betrayal reveals His omniscience and the fulfillment of Scripture. The meal’s eschatological promise points to the kingdom’s consummation, strengthening disciples for the trials ahead.

3. Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial and Prays in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:31-46)

Jesus tells the disciples, “You will all fall away because of me this night,” quoting Zechariah 13:7: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered” (Matthew 26:31, ESV). Peter insists he will never fall away, but Jesus predicts, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times” (Matthew 26:33-34, ESV). Peter and the others vow loyalty (Matthew 26:35).

In Gethsemane, Jesus, deeply sorrowful, takes Peter, James, and John, asking them to watch and pray (Matthew 26:36-38). He prays, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39, ESV). Finding the disciples asleep, He urges them to pray against temptation (Matthew 26:40-41). He prays twice more, accepting the Father’s will (Matthew 26:42-44). Returning to sleeping disciples, He says, “The hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed” (Matthew 26:45-46, ESV).

Cross-References:

Significance: Jesus’ predictions reveal His control over events and the disciples’ frailty, fulfilling prophecy. His Gethsemane prayer displays His humanity, wrestling with suffering, and His divinity, submitting to the Father’s will. The disciples’ failure to watch contrasts with Jesus’ vigilance, highlighting human weakness and His unique resolve.

4. Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)

Judas arrives with a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47). He betrays Jesus with a kiss, greeting Him as “Rabbi” (Matthew 26:48-49). Jesus responds, “Friend, do what you came to do” (Matthew 26:50, ESV). A disciple (Peter, per John 18:10) strikes the high priest’s servant’s ear, but Jesus rebukes him, saying, “Put your sword back… Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53, ESV). He adds, “All this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled” (Matthew 26:56, ESV). The disciples flee (Matthew 26:56).

Cross-References:

Significance: Judas’ betrayal and the crowd’s arrest fulfill prophecy, while Jesus’ response demonstrates His voluntary submission to God’s plan, rejecting violence. His mention of angelic legions affirms His divine power, yet He chooses the cross. The disciples’ flight fulfills Scripture, underscoring their weakness and Jesus’ solitary obedience.

5. Jesus’ Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)

Jesus is led to Caiaphas’ house, where the Sanhedrin seeks false testimony to condemn Him (Matthew 26:57-59). Witnesses falsely claim Jesus said He would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, but their testimony falters (Matthew 26:60-61). Caiaphas demands, “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God” (Matthew 26:63, ESV). Jesus replies, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64, ESV), echoing Daniel 7:13. Caiaphas tears his robes, accusing Jesus of blasphemy, and the council condemns Him to death, spitting on and striking Him (Matthew 26:65-68).

Cross-References:

Significance: The Sanhedrin’s false trial reveals their determination to reject the Messiah, fulfilling prophecy. Jesus’ affirmation of His divine identity and future glory provokes their condemnation, yet it declares His ultimate victory. The abuse He endures aligns with the suffering servant, preparing for His atoning death.

6. Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)

Outside, Peter faces three accusations. A servant girl says, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” but he denies it (Matthew 26:69-70, ESV). Another girl identifies him, and he denies with an oath (Matthew 26:71-72). Bystanders note his Galilean accent, and Peter curses, denying Jesus a third time (Matthew 26:73-74). A rooster crows, and Peter, remembering Jesus’ prediction, weeps bitterly (Matthew 26:75).

Cross-References:

Significance: Peter’s denials, despite his earlier vows, reveal human frailty under pressure, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy. His bitter weeping shows genuine remorse, setting the stage for restoration (John 21:15-19). The contrast with Jesus’ steadfastness highlights Christ’s unique obedience in facing the cross.

Theological Themes

Matthew 26 weaves together several key themes:

Application for Today

Matthew 26 calls us to trust Jesus’ obedient sacrifice, embracing His new covenant for forgiveness. The woman’s anointing inspires extravagant devotion, while Judas’ betrayal warns against disloyalty for gain. Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer encourages submission to God’s will in trials. Peter’s failure assures us of grace for restoration after sin. The Sanhedrin’s rejection urges us to accept Jesus as the Christ. As we reflect, may we worship the suffering Messiah, submit to His will, and await His redemptive victory.

Conclusion

Matthew chapter 26 reveals Jesus as the obedient Messiah who faces betrayal, suffering, and trial to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. Through the anointing, Last Supper, Gethsemane, arrest, and trial, Jesus demonstrates His divine resolve amidst human failure. As we study Matthew 26, may we trust His sacrifice, follow His example, and prepare for His triumph on the cross.

Matthew 25 - Matthew 27