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Matthew Chapter Twenty-six

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The King was forsaken finally

I. The prologue:

  A. The Lord’s foreknowledge (v.1-2).

  B. Men’s premeditation (v.3-5).

II. The evaluation of the Lord’s being forsaken:

  A. She “wasted” three hundred denarii for Him------Mary anointed the Lord (v.6-13).

  B. He “betrayed” Him for thirty pieces of silver------Judas betrayed the Lord (v.14-16).

III. The sign of the Lord’s being forsaken:

  A. The feast of the Passover (v.17-25).

  B. The bread and the cup symbolize the body and blood of the Lord (v.26-30).

IV. The loneliness of the king when He was forsaken:

  A. He was sorrowful for “the cup” (being forsaken by God the Father) that He was about to drink (v.31-39).

  B. His disciples were unable to watch with Him because they were weak in the flesh (v.40-46).

V. The king was forsaken by leaders of Judaism:

  A. He was taken (v.47-56).

  B. He was judged and humiliated (v.57-68).

VI. The king was forsaken by the disciples------Peter denied Him three times (v.69-75).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Matt. 26:1 “Now it came to pass when Jesus had finished all these sayings that He said to His disciples

   YLT: “And it came to pass when Jesus finished all these words he said to his disciples ”

   Literal Meaning: “all these sayings” indicate the prophecies that He had said to His disciples concerning His second coming and the rewards and punishments of kingdom (See Matt. 24:3-25:51).

 

Matt. 26:2You know that after two days is the Passover and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.’”

   YLT: “`Ye have known that after two days the passover cometh and the Son of Man is delivered up to be crucified.’”

   The Background: “Passover” is the day on which God saved Israel from the bondage of Egypt. At that night they killed lambs and spread the blood on the lintel and the two side posts and they were delivered from being killed by God’s angels (see Exod. 12:21-23).

   Spiritual Meaning: lambs should be delivered up and killed on the Passover originally and now the Son of Man was delivered and crucified. This shows that Christ crucified is the lamb of the Passover (See 1Cor. 5:7) who has been killed for us in order to take away our sin (See John. 1:29).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1)   After the Lord had talked about the reality of the kingdom He mentioned that He would be killed on the Passover. It shows that cross is the necessary way to bring in the reality of kingdom.

2) The lamb of Passover is the type of Christ. And in like manner all ceremonies of the Old Testament are the shadow of Christ (See Col. 2:16-17); Christ is the reality and meaning of all sacred things.

 

Matt. 26:3 “Then the chief priests the scribes and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest who was called Caiaphas

   YLT: “Then were gathered together the chief priests and the scribes and the elders of the people to the court of the chief priest who was called Caiaphas;”

   Literal Meaning: “assembled at the palace of the high priest who was called Caiaphas” “Caiaphas” was the high priest that same year (A.D. 18-36) and he was also the son-in-law to Annas who had been high priest before (See John. 18:13).

 

Matt. 26:4 “and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.

   YLT: “and they consulted together that they might take Jesus by guile and kill [him] ”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Unexpectedly the high priest and the elders of the people were utilized by Satan and they wanted to kill the Lord Jesus; Satan utilized not only the common worldly sinners but also clergymen. It shows that the whole world lies in the wicked (1John. 5:19).

2) Without the participation of men the type of the lamb of the Passover still cannot be fulfilled in the Lord. Those who rejected the Lord were used by God to help Himself to fulfill His plan.

 

Matt. 26:5 “But they said Not during the feast lest there be an uproar among the people.’”

   YLT: “and they said `Not in the feast that there may not be a tumult among the people.’”

   Literal Meaning: “during the feast” indicates the period which starts from the supper of the Passover and includes the following seven days of the feast of the unleavened bread (See Exod. 12:17-18).

  “Lest there be an uproar among the people” During the period of the Passover thousands upon thousands Jews in all parts went to Jerusalem to feast and the population rose sharply and suddenly and this makes it difficult to keep the order. Their words also show that they admitted that the Lord Jesus had enjoyed popular support.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Though men had not planed to kill the Lord on the Passover later their plan were failed (See John. 19:14-16); God’s words must be fulfilled.

2) The Lord Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (See John. 1:29) and was killed on the Passover.

3) All men’s plans that are beside the will of God will be falsehood (See Ps. 119:118).

 

Matt. 26:6 “And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper

   YLT: “And Jesus having been in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper ”

   Spiritual Meaning: Bethany” typifies the church (See the spiritual meaning in Matt. 21:17); “leprosy” typifies sin; “the leper” typifies the sinner.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers in the church were originally sinners however they have been cleansed by the precious blood. Therefore the Lord likes to dwell in their places and sit at the table with them. 

2) Anyone who truly knows himself as a sinner will thank the Lord love the Lord open his house to the Lord receive the Lord and dedicate treasure to Him.

 

Matt. 26:7 “a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.

   YLT: “there came to him a woman having an alabaster box of ointment very precious and she poured on his head as he is reclining (at meat).”

   The Background: anointment of oil is a kind of ceremony to show welcome and honor in the society at that time and usually the oil was used to anoint the head and feet (See John. 12:3; Luke. 7:38 46).

   Literal Meaning: “a woman” this woman is Mary (See John. 12:3).

   Spiritual Meaning: “alabaster flask” symbolizes “the outward man” of a believer; “fragrant oil” symbolizes “the inner man” of a believer and the virtue that is manifested from the inner heart.

  Mary symbolizes all those who love the Lord. They seeing that Christ was crucified for us are deeply moved and therefore dedicate all to the Lord and pour their whole persons on the Lord.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The alabaster flask must be broken and then the fragrant oil will be able to be poured out (See Mark. 14:3); if the outward men were delivered unto death the inward treasure will be manifested (See 2Cor. 4:7-16).

2) Once the fragrant oil was poured out the whole house was full of the fragrance; anyone dedicates all to the Lord for the sake of loving the Lord is a witness of fragrance to others who are around him.

3) Here the Bible only mentioned “a woman” and did not mention her name. This tells us that any believer could do what this woman does and the problem is that whether we know the preciousness of the Lord as her.

4) Many people need the salvation of the Lord instead of the Lord Himself; many people value the Lord’s blessings and do not value the Lord Himself. What do we seek? All things that are beside the Lord? Or the Lord Himself?

 

Matt. 26:8 “But when His disciples saw it they were indignant saying Why this waste?

   YLT: “And having seen [it] his disciples were much displeased saying `To what purpose [is] this waste?”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who truly love the Lord usually do something which seems to be “excessive” (“why this…”) in the sight of others however we should not please men and we should please the Lord (See Gal. 1:10).

2) If men lack the knowledge of the Lord the Savior they will think that the dedication to the Lord is a “waste”. However we would rather let others say that we are “waste” than let the Lord say that we are “wicked and lazy” (See Matt. 25:26).

 

Matt. 26:9 “For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.’”

   YLT: “for this ointment could have been sold for much and given to the poor.’”

   Literal Meaning: “this fragrant oil might have been sold for much” The fragrant oil is worth three hundred denarii (See John. 12:5). It is not only costly (See v.7) but also “very precious” (See Mark. 14:3).

  “Given to the poor” This is the good thing that men should do when they return to Jerusalem to feast and indeed it is also what believers are forward to do (See Gal. 2:10).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) It is a “waste” that the fragrant oil was poured on the Lord and it is not so if it was given to the poor. In the eyes of many believers the Lord is not equal to “the poor”.

2) How easy it is for believers to let some holy and spiritual reason usurp the position in our hearts that the Lord deserves to have.

3) Today in the church there are a group of people who like Mary give all to Christ and hold that Christ is worthy of everything. However there are another group of people who take “pragmatism” into consideration and hold that they should pay attention to economic benefits in everything otherwise it is a “waste” or ruin.

4) Few believers are attracted by the Lord’s love and the majority of believers walk by rationality and they do not approve things that others do by love.

5) Many times reason comes and loves is out; the moment economy assumes leadership the will of the Lord will bring up the rear.

6) Those who are truly touched by the Lord’s love will only regard the Lord’s pleasure and they disregard right or wrong gain or loss and success or failure. Therefore they are willing to do the things that are unprofitable in the eyes of others.

7) If we could see things from the view of loving the Lord nothing that is done for the Lord is unworthy and none of the money which is spent for the Lord is waste.

8) Today many of our works are done not for pleasing the Lord (anointing the Lord) but for the needs of works (giving to the poor). It shows that many works in the church today seem to be for the Lord but actually they are not.

 

Matt. 26:10 “But when Jesus was aware of it He said to them Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.

   YLT: “And Jesus having known said to them `Why do ye give trouble to the woman? for a good work she wrought for me;”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord’s view is different from ours------men said that it was “waste” however the Lord unexpectedly said that “it is a good work”.

2) We should not care about others’ views too much in our works. What’s important is our evaluation towards the Lord: whether He is worthy of our works.

3) Though we may be misunderstood by others for the things that we do for the sake of loving the Lord however the Lord is able to know our hearts and He Himself will clear up everything for us.

4) As long as the Lord says that “it is a good work” others’ talking is unimportant. Then no matter how others “trouble” us we should be glad and rejoice.

 

Matt. 26:11 “For you have the poor with you always but Me you do not have always.

   YLT: “for the poor always ye have with you and me ye have not always;”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers should learn to discern what one has “always” and what one does “not have always”; otherwise we may lose chances that we do not always have because of chances that we always have.

2) The common trouble of those who are of the Lord is that they are too busy to get rid of things for “the poor” (for example: the targets of glad tidings brothers who are offended or fall works of social welfare works in the church and etc.) and neglect the Lord Himself.

 

Matt. 26:12 “For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body she did it for My burial.

   YLT: “for she having put this ointment on my body for my burial she did [it].”

   The Background: the manner of the ancient Jews for burial is using fragrant oil to anoint the body of the dead and winding it in linen clothes (See Mark. 16:1; John. 19:40).

   Literal Meaning:       Mary must know that He was about to be crucified (See v.2) from His words and knew that the days were not long. Therefore she seized a chance to show her grateful thanks to His death while He was alive.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Mary poured all her good things on the Lord because she had received the revelation. We must have the revelation first and then we are able to love Him with good love.

2) Mary Bethany seized a chance to anoint the Lord before His death; Mary Magdalene wanted to anoint the Lord after His the Lord’s death however she did not have the chance to do so (See Mark. 16:1-6). We should seize chances to love and serve the Lord.

 

Matt. 26:13 “Assuredly I say to you wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.’”

   YLT: “Verily I say to you Wherever this good news may be proclaimed in the whole world what this [one] did shall also be spoken of for a memorial of her.’”

   Literal Meaning: “this gospel is preached” indicates to preach that how the Lord Jesus loved sinners and even poured out His life; “what this woman had done will also be told” indicates to state how she loved the Lord Jesus and also poured her life on the Lord.

  “Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world also…” It means that wherever preaching the gospel there must be someone who is touched by the Lord’s love and thus he loves the Lord recklessly.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) For the love of Christ constrained us; because we thus judge that He died for all that we who should not henceforth live unto ourselves but unto Him which died for us and rose again (See 2Cor. 5:14-15).

2) Preaching the gospel is to make men believe in the Lord Jesus and it is for men’s gain. Stating what this woman has done is the Lord’s gain. Salvation is both for men and Christ.

3) Salvation must bring in dedication; the salvation that has not brought in dedication is not complete.

4) Gospel is that the Lord is men’s satisfaction and rest and anointing the Lord is that men are the Lord’s satisfaction and rest; we need the Lord and the Lord also needs us.

 

Matt. 26:14 “Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests

   YLT: “Then one of the twelve who is called Judas Iscariot having gone unto the chief priests said ”

   Literal Meaning: “then” means the time when Mary poured the fragrant oil on the Lord Jesus showing that Mary was in contrast to Judas. One loved the Lord and the other betrayed Him.

 

Matt. 26:15 “and said What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you? And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.

   YLT: “`What are ye willing to give me and I will deliver him up to you?` and they weighed out to him thirty silverlings ”

   Literal Meaning: “thirty pieces of silver” Every piece of silver weighs one shekel and the whole is thirty shekel which is equal to an evaluation of a slave (See Exod. 21:32).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Mary did not stint the fragrant oil which costs thirty denarii because she loved the Lord; Judas sold the Lord for thirty pieces of sliver because he loved money. Whether one acts as Mary or Judas depends on whether he loves money or the Lord (See John. 12:4-6).

2) In the eyes of Judas and the chief priests the Lord Jesus was like a slave who is worthy of thirty pieces of silver. If our evaluation towards the Lord is the same with them and we regard the Lord as usual we may sell Him out in some circumstances (for example: someone denies the Lord in order to save his own life and someone sells truth and witness for status fame and gain and etc).

3) Apparently Judas sold the Lord out for thirty pieces of silver; but actually he sold out his own soul for thirty piece of silver (See Matt. 27:3-5; Acts. 1:18).

4) Judas sold himself out to the devil for thirty pieces of silver; Mary dedicated herself to the Lord in the fragrant oil which is worthy of thirty denarii.

5) Judas made merchandise of Christ; anyone who supposes that gain is godliness (1Tim. 6:5) and barters Christ’s grace for his own gain falls in the principle of Judas.

 

Matt. 26:16 “So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

   YLT: “and from that time he was seeking a convenient season to deliver him up.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Mary “seized an opportunity” to give herself to the Lord. Judas “sought opportunity” to deliver the Lord to the power of darkness.

2) “Seize the opportunity” is to cherish the time (See Eph. 5:16). However “sought opportunity” is to waste time.

 

Matt. 26:17 “Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus saying to Him Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’”

   YLT: “And on the first [day] of the unleavened food came the disciples near to Jesus saying to him `Where wilt thou [that] we may prepare for thee to eat the passover?’”

   The Background: there are seven days in the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. It starts from the sunset of the fourteenth day of the first month of the Jewish calendar (the month Nisan) to the sunset of the twenty-first day. “The first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread” indicates the night of the fourteenth day of the first month (Thursday) to six o’clock in the next evening i.e. the Passover (See Exod. 12:15-20).

  “The Feast of the Passover” The Jews started to kill the lamb of the Passover in the afternoon of the fourteenth day of the first month and at nightfall each family ate the Feast of the Passover together. 

   Spiritual Meaning: “the Unleavened Bread” typifies that Christ is the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth and He makes those who believe in Him be a new lump and live a holy life (See 1Cor. 5:7-8); “the Feast of the Unleavened Bread” typifies that Christ is our enjoyment of life which gives us strength to walk on the heavenly way (See Exod. 12:8-11).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) On one hand we must cleanse ourselves (“the first day of the Unleavened Bread”) and then we are able to come to the Lord (See Heb. 12:14) and enjoy Him as the provision of our life.

2) On the other we must enjoy the Lord as the provision of our life (“where…to eat the Passover”) and then we are able to live a holy life before God (“the Unleavened Bread” extends for seven days).

 

Matt. 26:18 “And He said Go into the city to a certain man and say to him The Teacher says My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.’”

   YLT: “and he said `Go away to the city unto such a one and say to him The Teacher saith My time is nigh; near thee I keep the passover with my disciples;’”

   Literal Meaning: “go to a certain man” According to the research of Bible scholars “a certain man” may be the father or mother of Mark (the author of the Gospel of Mark) (See Mark. 14:12-16); however the Bible did not directly show us who it was indicating that we should know that everything is arranged by God and God Himself has prepared the feast of the Passover.

  “My time is at hand.” It indicates that the time that the Lord Jesus was crucified was about to come (See John. 7:6 8 30; 8:20).

  “I will keep the Passover at your house.” “Your house” may be the house where one hundred and twenty disciples gathered together and prayed before the Pentecost (See Luke. 22:12; Acts. 1:13-15) and men in later ages called the house as “the house of Mark”.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord is the lord of all and He is able to dominate everything to work for Him (See Matt. 17:27; 21:2-3).

2) The Lord had left for Himself many people who loved and served Him (See Rom. 11:4) and therefore we should not see the outward appearance of things and we should trust the Lord absolutely------He Himself must have prepared everything.

 

Matt. 26:19 “So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

   YLT: “and the disciples did as Jesus appointed them and prepared the passover.”

   Enlightenment in the Word: as long as we listen to the Lord’s “direction” we will enjoy Him as “the Passover”------the provision of spiritual life.

 

Matt. 26:20 “When evening had come He sat down with the twelve.

   YLT: “And evening having come he was reclining (at meat) with the twelve ”

   Spiritual Meaning: the Lord “sat down” with the disciples symbolizing that the Lord has fellowship with the disciples and shares Himself to them (See 1Cor. 10:16-22).

 

Matt. 26:21 “Now as they were eating He said Assuredly I say to you one of you will betray Me.’”

   YLT: “and while they are eating he said `Verily I say to you that one of you shall deliver me up.’”

   Literal Meaning: the purpose of the Lord’s word is to hope that Judas could pull back before it is too late and He did not want to see him perish. Actually the council would also arrest Jesus without the help of Judas and they only wanted to find an “opportunity” when the multitudes were absent.

 

Matt. 26:22 “And they were exceedingly sorrowful and each of them began to say to Him Lord is it I?’”

   YLT: “And being grieved exceedingly they began to say to him each of them `Is it I Sir?’”

   Enlightenment in the Word: selling out the Lord------supposing gain is godliness------is the thing that makes those who are of the Lord exceedingly sorrowful.

 

Matt. 26:23 “He answered and said He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.

   YLT: “And he answering said `He who did dip with me the hand in the dish he will deliver me up;”

   The Background: “he who dipped his hand with Me” On the Passover of the Jews every one was reunited and they shared mutton bread bitter herbs and other food together; during the dinner there was a plate of sauce which is boiled by fruits vinegar and etc. Everyone took a small piece of bread (or meat sandwich) and dipped into the sauce in the plate.

  According to customs at that time when someone had dinner with others it meant to state that “you are my friend and I will never do something that hurts you.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord obviously knew that Judas was about to betray Him. But He still dipped His hand with him showing that how tolerant and merciful He is.

2) Today in the church those with whom we have the closest fellowship may become the drastic opposers.

 

Matt. 26:24 “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.’”

   YLT: “the Son of Man doth indeed go as it hath been written concerning him but wo to that man through whom the Son of Man is delivered up! good it were for him if that man had not been born.’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) God is able to use positive man to fulfill His will and He is also able to use negative man (Judas) to facilitate His will; however we would rather be “vessels” which were made by firewood than the firewood which were used to make vessels.

2) What the Lord takes care about is not His own safety but the soul of the one who betrayed Him.

 

Matt. 26:25 “Then Judas who was betraying Him answered and said Rabbi is it I? He said to him You have said it.’”

   YLT: “And Judas he who delivered him up answering said `Is it I Rabbi?’ He saith to him `Thou hast said.’”

   Literal Meaning: “Rabbi is it I?” “Rabbi” is the common wording used by students to call teachers; please note that Judas never called Jesus the Lord.

  “You have said it” is alse “what you said is right”. 

 

Matt. 26:26 “And as they were eating Jesus took bread blessed and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said Take eat; this is My body.’”

   YLT: “And while they were eating Jesus having taken the bread and having blessed did brake and was giving to the disciples and said `Take eat this is my body;’”

   The Background: in the Feast of the Passover usually the householder was responsible to break the bread. When breaking the bread the householder took the bread in his hand and said “This is the bread of suffering that our ancestors had eaten in Egypt” which means that “the bread in the hand” represents “the bread of that day”.

   Literal Meaning: “this is My body.” “This is” indicates that this represents or this means.

   Spiritual Meaning: “bread” symbolizes the body of the Lord Jesus; “broke it” symbolizes that His body was rent for us on the cross; “eat” symbolizes to share the being of Christ.

  According to other records in the Bible at this time Judas who had betrayed the Lord had gone out and He was not present (See John. 13:26-30). From that time the Lord set His desk (the New Testament) to replace the Feast of the Passover (the Old Testament) directly indicating that He is our true Passover (See 1Cor. 5:7).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christ was “broken” for us and gave His holy life to us so that we are able to share His life (“Take eat.”) by this and we will become a mysterious body (See 1Cor. 12:17 27).

2) The Lord gives Himself to us and what do we give to Him?

3) Since it is the communion of the blood of Christ and the body of Christ (See 1Cor. 10:16-17) and therefore we should be bound up with each other and take care of each other (See 1Cor. 12:12-27).

 

Matt. 26:27 “Then He took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them saying Drink from it all of you.

   YLT: “and having taken the cup and having given thanks he gave to them saying `Drink ye of it all;”

   The Background: according to the manner of eating the supper of the Passover of the Jews they eat bitter herbs before eating the unleavened bread and also give the cup to each other and this cup symbolizes “the cup of pain”; when they eat the unleavened bread and mutton they give the cup to each other again and this cup symbolizes “the cup of blessing”.

   Spiritual Meaning: “cup” symbolizes the “portion” that we deserve before God. In Adam what a sinner deserves is “the cup of God’s wrath” (See Rev. 14:10). However the Lord Jesus had drunk the cup (See John. 18:11). Therefore the nature of the cup has changed from “the cup of pain” to “the cup of blessing” (See 1Cor. 10:16; Ps. 23:5). The blood of the Lord shed on the cross made the sins of those who believe in Him be remitted and from then on all blessing of God and even Himself become the portion of our cup (See Ps. 16:5). Therefore it is called “the cup of salvation” (See Ps. 116:13).

  Believers share the cup of salvation showing that it is the communion of the blood of Christ (See 1Cor. 10:16) i.e. partaking in the fellowship of the blood of Christ.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “The curse endured He the blessing enjoy we.” He bore the punishment of sins for us and made us enjoy the good blessing.

2) “He took the cup and gave thanks.” The Lord received the cross with thanksgiving unlike our usual complaints in similar situations. 

 

Matt. 26:28 “For this is My blood of the new covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

   YLT: “for this is my blood of the new covenant that for many is being poured out to remission of sins;”

   Literal Meaning: “this is My blood of the new covenant.” “Covenant” indicates contract or will.

  “Which is shed for many” “Many” indicate “all men” according to the Jewish common usage (See Matt. 20:28; Is. 53:12).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The body of the Lord is broken for us and His blood is shed for us and becomes the proof of the new covenant------the crucified Christ is the foundation of all blessing of the New Testament.

2) Believers break the bread and drink the cup to announce the death of the Lord; we do so in remembrance of Him (See 1Cor. 11:24-26).

 

Matt. 26:29 “But I say to you I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.’”

   YLT: “and I say to you that I may not drink henceforth on this produce of the vine till that day when I may drink it with you new in the reign of my Father.’”

   Literal Meaning: “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on.” “The fruit of the vine” includes the juice of grape grape wine and etc.

  “That day when I drink it new with you” indicates the day when overcomers sit with the Lord in the kingdom of a thousand years (See Matt. 25:10).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Though the Lord no longer drinks with us in the flesh He will share the unlimited and abundant blessing with us in the eternal life. Therefore we break the bread drink the cup today and these are only the foretaste of “the day when we drink it new”. The blessing (cup) that we have lasts forever.

2) The hope of our breaking of bread and drinking of cup is to drink new with the Lord in the kingdom of God the Father; the way to enter into the kingdom and enjoy blessing forever for believers is to have frequent fellowship with Christ’s death of the cross today------through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts. 14:22).

 

Matt. 26:30 “And when they had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives.

   YLT: “And having sung a hymn they went forth to the mount of the Olives;”

   The Background: “they had sung a hymn” The Jews sang the psalm of “Hallel” during the dinner of the Passover. It includes the Ps. 104 to Ps. 105 Ps. 113 to Ps. 118. During the dinner they sang the first part of Hallel i.e. from Ps. 104 to Ps. 105 from Ps. 113 to Ps. 114; after dinner they sang the second part of Hallel i.e. from Ps. 115 to Ps. 118.

   Enlightenment in the Word: every time after we have broken the bread the Lord Himself will lead us to sing songs to praise (See Heb. 2:12) and worship God the Father.

 

Matt. 26:31 “Then Jesus said to them All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night for it is written: I will strike the Shepherd And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

   YLT: “then saith Jesus to them `All ye shall be stumbled at me this night; for it hath been written I will smite the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad;”

   Literal Meaning: “be made to stumble” indicates that the disciples forsake Him and fled (See v.56) and Peter denied the Lord (See v.69-75).

  “I will strike the Shepherd And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” This sentence is quoted from the prophecy in Zech. 13:7. Usually the flock follows the shepherd. Now the shepherd is gone and the sheep of the flock will flee because they do not know the voice of strangers (See John. 10:4-5).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The reason why many believers are made to stumble is that the Lord seeming to be a common person has not shown miraculous works before them to deliver them from danger. However the Lord’s “doing nothing” has His own goodwill.

2) “I will strike the Shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” If Christ is struck the church must be broken up; if we want to keep the true oneness of the church we have to hold high Christ and let Him receive the position that He deserves.

3) The Lord is the element of the oneness of believers. If someone in the church holds high men and lets the position of the Lord suffer loss this will lead to division.

 

Matt. 26:32 “But after I have been raised I will go before you to Galilee.’”

   YLT: “but after my having risen I will go before you to Galilee.’”

   Literal Meaning: “I will go before you to Galilee” could be translated as “I will lead you to Galilee”.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord reveals not only His death but also His resurrection; we should know both Christ’s death for the remission of sins and Christ’s life of resurrection.

2) The promise of the Lord’s resurrection gives us unlimited encouragement and death will be swallowed up in victory (See 1Cor. 15:54). Therefore we should not dare death because we have the hope of resurrection.

3) The Lord reveals that the sheep of the flock will be scattered (v.31) and the sheep of the flock will be gathered together; we should never stay in the condition of the negative darkness and we should move on to light positively.

4) The Lord goes before us and we all follow Him (See John. 10:4 27).

 

Matt. 26:33 “Peter answered and said to Him Even if all are made to stumble because of You I will never be made to stumble.’”

   YLT: “And Peter answering said to him `Even if all shall be stumbled at thee I will never be stumbled.’”

   Literal Meaning: “are made to stumble” in the original means to give up because of disappointment.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who do not know themselves always think that they are stronger and love the Lord more than others and consequently those who think themselves as strong are usually made to stumble the most seriously.

2) Each should esteem other better than themselves (Pill. 2:3).

3) Wherefore let him that thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (1Cor. 10:12).

 

Matt. 26:34 “Jesus said to him Assuredly I say to you that this night before the rooster crows you will deny Me three times.’”

   YLT: “Jesus said to him `Verily I say to thee that this night before cock-crowing thrice thou wilt deny me.’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Environment is the best tool of God to manifest our “selves”; sometimes the Lord arranges for us some dark environment (“this night before the rooster crows”) and permits us to experience frustrations and stumble (“you will deny Me three times”) in order to make us know ourselves.

2) The experience of failure is still advantageous to us------it makes us no longer trust in ourselves but fully in Him (See 2Cor. 1:9).

 

Matt. 26:35 “Peter said to Him Even if I have to die with You I will not deny You!And so said all the disciples.

   YLT: “Peter saith to him `Even if it may be necessary for me to die with thee I will not deny thee;’ in like manner also said all the disciples.”

   Literal Meaning: Peter and all the disciples indeed have the will to die with the Lord. Simply they do not know their own weakness and they said the irresponsible words.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Many times the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak. Therefore we should watch and pray (See v.41).

2) “One is unable to do what he wants very much to do.”------one still cannot do something if he only has willingness and does not have power; believers should never work by the flesh.

 

Matt. 26:36 “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to the disciples Sit here while I go and pray over there.’”

   YLT: “Then come with them doth Jesus to a place called Gethsemane and he saith to the disciples `Sit ye here till having gone away I shall pray yonder.’”

   Meaning of Words: Gethsemane”: the place to press oil olive oil press.

   Literal Meaning: “called Gethsemane” is a garden of olive. It is on the other side of the valley of Kidron which is about one point two kilometer away from the city wall of Jerusalem. It is the place where Jesus often restored with His disciples (See John. 18:1-2).

   Spiritual Meaning: the prayer of the Lord Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane typifies that He was pressed and tortured alone there and spread the oil (which typifies the Holy Spirit) to be our Comforter (See John. 7:39; 16:7).

 

Matt. 26:37 “And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.

   YLT: “And having taken Peter and the two sons of Zebedee he began to be sorrowful and to be very heavy;”

   Literal Meaning: “the two sons of Zebedee” indicate Jacob and John (See Matt. 10:2; 20:20).

  “He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.” The Lord Jesus is both God and man. In His humanity He was a man subject to like passions as we are (See James. 5:17) and therefore He would weep and be troubled (See John. 11:33 35). However the reason why the Lord was distressed is that He feared to be forsaken by God because of bearing our sins instead of death (See Matt. 27:46).

   Enlightenment in the Word: the Lord Himself has suffered being tempted and therefore He is able to be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (See Heb. 2:18; 4:15).

 

Matt. 26:38 “Then He said to them My soul is exceedingly sorrowful even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’”

   YLT: “then saith he to them `Exceedingly sorrowful is my soul unto death; abide ye here and watch with me.’”

   Enlightenment in the Word: “watch with Me” shows that even the Lord Jesus also needs others’ support. Furthermore believers should care about each other (See 1Cor. 12:25; Heb. 10:24).

 

Matt. 26:39 “He went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed saying O My Father if it is possible let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless not as I will but as You will.’”

   YLT: “And having gone forward a little he fell on his face praying and saying `My Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will but as Thou.’”

   Spiritual Meaning: “let this cup pass from Me” “cup” means suffering and death (See Matt. 20:22). “This cup” is the cup of God’s wrath (See Rev. 14:10) and originally it is the portion that we deserve. However God sent the Lord Jesus to the earth to let Him replace us to drink this cup i.e. letting Him bear sins and die on the cross. Therefore the cup indicates the death of the cross.

  The Lord there touched the heart of God the Father in order to make sure whether there is another way besides “the death of the cross” to fulfill God’s will.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “My Father” The Lord’s shout shows that all our environments and misfortune are measured to us by God the Father and He never treats us badly without reason.

2) “Not as I will but as You will.” The key for the Lord to overcome is to fully obey the will of God the Father.

3) If there is not the obedience in the garden of Gethsemane there won’t be the death of the cross in Golgotha. Obedience should be before the cross.

4) The true experience of the cross is to make one’s soul suffer pain in order to obey the will of God (See v.37-38).

5) God’s will to believers is letting us deny ourselves take up our crosses and follow the Lord (See Matt. 16:24).

 

Matt. 26:40 “Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping and said to Peter What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?

   YLT: “And he cometh unto the disciples and findeth them sleeping and he saith to Peter `So! ye were not able one hour to watch with me!”

   Enlightenment in the Word: Peter was willing to die with the Lord (See v.35) however he was unable to watch one hour with the Lord; those who are unable to watch one hour will be unable to face death.

 

Matt. 26:41 “Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.’”

   YLT: “watch and pray that ye may not enter into temptation: the spirit indeed is forward but the flesh weak.’”

   Literal Meaning: “temptation” here indicates to give chance to the enemy to take advantage of the crack to enter in.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The only way to avoid the temptation of Satan is to “watch and pray”.

2) The condition of men’s “body” usually cannot catch up with men’s “willingness” and therefore we have to exercise our bodies until we could keep under our bodies and bring them into subjection (1Cor. 9:27).

 

Matt. 26:42 “Again a second time He went away and prayed saying O My Father if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it Your will be done.’”

   YLT: “Again a second time having gone away he prayed saying `My Father if this cup cannot pass away from me except I drink it Thy will be done;’”

 

Matt. 26:43 “And He came and found them asleep again for their eyes were heavy.

   YLT: “and having come he findeth them again sleeping for their eyes were heavy.”

   Meaning of Words: “heavy”: burden tired.

   Enlightenment in the Word: if our spiritual eyes are blurred and “heavy” these will bring in a deep sleep of spirit and even death (See Acts. 20:9).

 

Matt. 26:44 “So He left them went away again and prayed the third time saying the same words.

   YLT: “And having left them having gone away again he prayed a third time saying the same word;”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord Jesus prayed God three times and the words of His prayers were the same. It reveals us a principle of prayer: prayer must be sufficient thorough and to the point and we should keep praying until we receive God’s answer.

2) There is no doubt that we should not use vain repetitions when praying (See Matt. 6:7) however when we pray and seek the will of God for one thing we should ask Him again and again until we clearly understand the will of God.

 

Matt. 26:45 “Then He came to His disciples and said to them Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

   YLT: “then cometh he unto his disciples and saith to them `Sleep on henceforth and rest! lo the hour hath come nigh and the Son of Man is delivered up to the hands of sinners.”

   Literal Meaning: “Are you still sleeping and resting?” in the original is “sleep on now and take your rest.” It means that the thing was settled finally and the time to watch and pray has passed by.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Every time when the Lord had finished the prayer He returned to the disciples. At this time He was tortured and the most painful however He was still concerned about the disciples. What the bowels of Christ!

2) The Lord’s disciples were unable to watch with Him and share the suffering because of their weakness. However the Lord did not force them to pray with Him and He departed from them and prayed alone. This shows that though the corporate prayer is important sometimes the individual prayer on the contrary touches the feeling of God more.

 

Matt. 26:46 “Rise let us be going. See My betrayer is at hand.’”

   YLT: “Rise let us go; lo he hath come nigh who is delivering me up.’”

   Literal Meaning: “rise let us be going.” It is not escape but to face that group of forces.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) After we clear know the will of God through prayer we should rise and observe the will of God (“rise let us be going”).

2) The Lord likes us to rise walk on the way of the cross with Him follow the steps of the Lamb and have fellowship with His sufferings.

 

Matt. 26:47 “And while He was still speaking behold Judas one of the twelve with a great multitude with swords and clubs came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

   YLT: “And while he is yet speaking lo Judas one of the twelve did come and with him a great multitude with swords and sticks from the chief priests and elders of the people.”

   Literal Meaning: “Judas one of the twelve”; the Bible uses “one of the twelve” to call Judas (See v.14).

  “The chief priests and elders of the people” were main members to make up the Sanhedrin.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The way of the world is “a great multitude” and “with swords and clubs” however we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (See Eph. 6:12). Therefore those who rely on the strength of many people and fleshly weapons will fall under the fleshly principle. Maybe men think that they win a victory but actually they suffer a crushing defeat.

2) The principle of the Lamb is that who when he was reviled did not revile again; when he suffered he did not threaten (1Pet. 2:23).

3) When the church hears the voice of the Lord revives and is willing to work with the Lord the enemy comes and wants to hold back the church from going forth.

 

Matt. 26:48 “Now His betrayer had given them a sign saying Whomever I kiss He is the One; seize Him.’”

   YLT: “And he who did deliver him up did give them a sign saying `Whomsoever I will kiss it is he: lay hold on him;’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) According to the customs of the Jews “kiss” is an expression of intimacy and honor. Unexpectedly it is used as a secret sign to betray the Lord; many intimate expressions and sweat words are horrible and may even “betray” us.

2) Some leaders of the church like to be flattered by praise of his followers however they will be harmed seriously by adulators sooner or later.

 

Matt. 26:49 “Immediately he went up to Jesus and said Greetings Rabbi! and kissed Him.

   YLT: “and immediately having come to Jesus he said `Hail Rabbi ’ and kissed him;”

   Literal Meaning: “and kissed Him” “Kiss” is a way of greeting from disciples to teachers (rabbi) in the Jewish society. Therefore after he had said “greetings Rabbi!” it is common to kiss Him. However the “kissed” in this verse is different from the “kiss” in previous verse in the original. The tone of emphasis in this verse shows the very intimate act (See Luke. 15:20; Acts. 20:37). From this Judas’s pretense and affectation are more obviously shown.

 

Matt. 26:50 “But Jesus said to him Friend why have you come? Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.

   YLT: “and Jesus said to him `Comrade for what art thou present?’ Then having come near they laid hands on Jesus and took hold on him.”

   Meaning of Words: “friend”: companion.

   Literal Meaning: “friend” is usually used to call those whose names are unknown (See Matt.20:13; 22:12).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Even under this condition the Lord still called Judas “friend”. Bitter words cannot be found out of the mouth of the Lord.

2) Let no bitter hateful indignant noisy slanderous and corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying (See Eph. 4:29 31).

 

Matt. 26:51 “And suddenly one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

   YLT: “And lo one of those with Jesus having stretched forth the hand drew his sword and having struck the servant of the chief priest he took off his ear.”

   Literal Meaning: “one of those who were with Jesus” The one is Peter (See John. 18:10).

   Spiritual Meaning: “sword” symbolizes fleshly warfare (See 2Cor. 10:4).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who do not know the meaning of the cross always stretches out his “hand” of flesh and draws the “sword” of flesh tempting to protect the Lord and things that are of the Lord. It is of no effect and contrarily it is harmful.

2) The fleshly warfare could cut off men’s “ear” at most and contrarily let men not listen to the words of God.

 

Matt. 26:52 “But Jesus said to him Put your sword in its place for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

   YLT: “Then saith Jesus to him `Turn back thy sword to its place; for all who did take the sword by the sword shall perish;”

   Spiritual Meaning: “put your sword in its place” means that do not wrestle by the flesh and blood.

  “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” indicates that those who want to do things by the flesh will fall into spiritual death (See Rom. 8:6). 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The good aim must be achieved by good means; even if we have achieved the best aim through wrong means we won’t be praised by the Lord.

2) Any spiritual motive or aim should never be facilitated by natural power.

 

Matt. 26:53 “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

   YLT: “dost thou think that I am not able now to call upon my Father and He will place beside me more than twelve legions of messengers?”

   Meaning of Words: “provide”: stand beside present.

   Literal Meaning: “He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels” “Legion” is the common military word in Rome at that time. According to the establishment of the Roman army at that time the number of a legion of soldiers is from three thousand to six thousand; “twelve legions of angels” mean “many angels”. It also could be compared to “twelve disciples”.

   Spiritual Meaning: in this verse the Lord meant that if He wanted to avoid drinking this cup (the bitterness of the cross) He has heavenly way to keep Himself and there is no need for men to do something for Him.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord is not “unable” to save Himself. He is “unwilling” to disobey the will of God and force God to preserve Him.

2) Though the Lord has good way to save Himself He would rather not use the way in order to achieve the fulfillment of the will of God; it shows that what’s important is not the safety or smoothness of things but whether things are fulfilled according to the will of God.

 

Matt. 26:54 “How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must happen thus?’”

   YLT: “how then may the Writings be fulfilled that thus it behoveth to happen?’”

   Enlightenment in the Word: the Lord would rather not use any mean to preserve Himself in order to make the will of God be fulfilled.

 

Matt. 26:55 “In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple and you did not seize Me.

   YLT: “In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes ‘As against a robber ye did come forth with swords and sticks to take me! daily with you I was sitting teaching in the temple and ye did not lay hold on me;”

   Literal Meaning: the words of the Lord exposed the unrighteousness of religious believers on one hand on the other He also pointed out that He will be crucified with “robbers” (See Matt. 27:38). This word that “He was numbered with the transgressors” is fulfilled (See Is. 53:12).

 

Matt. 26:56 “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

   YLT: “but all this hath come to pass that the Writings of the prophets may be fulfilled;’ then all the disciples having left him fled.”

   Literal Meaning: “all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” The words of disciples that they pledged to die with Him (See v.35) are still ringing in our ears. Now when the trial comes men’s actual states are revealed. 

   Enlightenment in the Word: when the trial came all the disciples failed; however all spiritual virtue must be tried and then will be much precious (See 1Pet. 1:7; 1Cor. 3:13).

 

Matt. 26:57 “And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

   YLT: “And those laying hold on Jesus led [him] away unto Caiaphas the chief priest where the scribes and the elders were gathered together ”

   Spiritual Meaning: this is to fulfill that the Lord Himself is the Lamb of the Passover and before He was killed He must be sent to the priests to look on and identify that He is the one without blemish and then He could be sacrifice unto God (See Exod. 12:5; Deut. 17:1).

   Enlightenment in the Word: the Lord Jesus did not know sin and was made be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (See 2Cor. 5:21).

 

Matt. 26:58 “But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

  YLT: “and Peter was following him afar off unto the court of the chief priest and having gone in within he was sitting with the officers to see the end.”

   Literal Meaning: “the high priest’s courtyard” “courtyard” indicates the outdoor yard around which there are buildings.

  “He sat with the servants” “Servants” indicate the servants of the high priest or they may be security guarders who maintain the order of the Holy Temple.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Anyone who follows the Lord by natural strength all “follows Him at a distance” and finally he will show the real situation when forced by environment.

2) Today many believers seem to follow the Lord apparently. But actually they “follow Jesus at a distance” keep a distance look on the situation and get ready to abandon the Lord to flee at any time.

 

Matt. 26:59 “Now the chief priests the elders and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death

   YLT: “And the chief priests and the elders and all the council were seeking false witness against Jesus that they might put him to death ”

   The Background: “all the council” The Jewish Sanhedrin is the supreme governing office of the Jews and the high priest is the chairman. In the age of Jesus the Sanhedrin was the council of seventy-one members which was made up of the high priest the elders and scribes. Twenty-three is the effective and legal number of people.

 

Matt. 26:60 “but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward

   YLT: “and they did not find; and many false witnesses having come near they did not find; and at last two false witnesses having come near ”

   The Background: according to the regulations of the Law of Moses judgment should be done when there is witness of “two” at least.

   Enlightenment in the Word: Religious believers had used up all lies (“false witnesses”) and still cannot condemn the Lord; the Lord is indeed the lamb without blemish and without spot (See 1Pet. 1:19; Heb. 9:14).

 

Matt. 26:61 “and said This fellow said I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’”

   YLT: “said ‘This one said I am able to throw down the sanctuary of God and after three days to build it.’”

   The Background: the Holy Temple is the most sacred religious body in the mind of the Jews and it symbolizes the center of the whole service and individual life. Any impious word towards the Holy Temple constitutes the blasphemy though one does not blaspheme God directly.

   Literal Meaning: the accusation in this verse purposely distorted the words of the Lord (See John. 2:19).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Religious believers did not care that they had made the temple of God into the den of thieves (See Matt. 21:13) however here they distorted the words of the Lord to show their concern to the Holy Temple. Religious believers only seek the appearance of the Holy Temple and do not seek the reality of the Holy Temple.

2) Today sins are brought into the church by many believers and they are greatly fervent for the mere name of the church.

 

Matt. 26:62 “And the high priest arose and said to Him Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?’”

   YLT: “And the chief priest having stood up said to him `Nothing thou dost answer! what do these witness against thee?”

   Literal Meaning: the Lord did not defend Himself before the council and this fulfills the words that “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so He did not open His mouth” (Is. 53:7).

 

Matt. 26:63 “But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ the Son of God!’”

  YLT: “and Jesus was silent. And the chief priest answering said to him `I adjure thee by the living God that thou mayest say to us if thou art the Christ the Son of God.’”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “But Jesus kept silent.” There is no need for us to pay attention to the unfaithful accusation from the enemy.

2) Christ is “the Son of God” and it is the pivotal witness of Christians and we should never make a concession to this witness. If we make a concession all truth will become vain.

 

Matt. 26:64 “Jesus said to him It is as you said. Nevertheless I say to you hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’”

   YLT: “Jesus saith to him `Thou hast said; nevertheless I say to you hereafter ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the power and coming upon the clouds of the heaven.’”

   Literal Meaning: “you will see the Son of Man” “The Son of Man” is the Lord’s position and identity through incarnation. The high priest asked Him whether He is the Son of God. The Lord’s answer presented Himself as the Son of Man because He suffered pain in Humanity and He also overcame standing on the position of the Son of Man (See Matt. 4:4) arose from the dead (See v.2; Matt. 20:18-19) was carried up into heaven (See Acts. 7:56) and will come again.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) When men bring false charge against Him He kept silent. Only when He was asked whether He is the Son of God He cannot but declare His identity because He came into the world with the aim of bearing witness to Christ (See Matt. 16:15-17).

2) To other things we should hold the tolerant and yielding attitude. However we should never make a concession on the witness of Jesus Christ and contrarily we should be strong and of a good courage and we should not make a compromise at all.

3) We should learn from Paul the apostle who determined not to know any thing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1Cor. 2:2).

 

Matt. 26:65 “Then the high priest tore his clothes saying He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look now you have heard His blasphemy!

   YLT: “Then the chief priest rent his garments saying `He hath spoken evil; what need have we yet of witnesses? lo now ye heard his evil speaking;”

   Literal Meaning: “the high priest tore his clothes” “Tearing one’s clothes” originally is an expression of the Jews when they are grievous and indignant except that the high priest cannot tear his clothes even when his family members were dead (See Lev. 10:6; 21:10) and only when he hears blasphemy could he tear his clothes.

  “Blasphemy” means evil speaking and profanation.

 

Matt. 26:66 “What do you think? They answered and said He is deserving of death.’”

   YLT: “what think ye?’ and they answering said `He is worthy of death.’”

   Literal Meaning: “what do you think?” means that “how do you judge?”

  “He is deserving of death” The Jews under the dominion of the Roman Empire at that time did not have the right of executing death penalty. Therefore it is not the legal judgment indeed that the council pronounced the sentence of death upon the Lord.

  Note that the high priest and others condemned the Lord Jesus not for the reason that He “is” the Son of God but that He “testified” that He is the Son of God. They did not want to prove whether He is the Son of God at all. They only wanted to find an excuse for condemnation.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Religious believers haggle over words and names (See Acts. 18:15; 2Tim. 2:14) and neglect the spiritual reality that the Son of God was condemned for death by them.

2) The members of the council purposed to take away Jesus not because they cared about the things of God but the words and deeds of Jesus strictly threatened the rights and interests of the council. Today if any person or group put their own interest higher than the will of God they will play the role of those who kill the Lord.

3) Who condemns the Lord the very first is not the political power of the Gentiles but men of Judaism------God’s people; if believers do not have the revelation of God even those who are fervent may do things that hurt the Lord greatly.

 

Matt. 26:67 “Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands

   YLT: “Then did they spit in his face and buffet him and others did slap ”

   Enlightenment in the Word: these words and deeds of religious believers completely expose their base low unreasonable and evil nature. At the same time we could see that the Lord was actually willing to be humiliated in order to save us. Shall we not be moved and go forth therefore unto Him without the camp bearing His reproach (See Heb. 13:13).

 

Matt. 26:68 “saying Prophesy to us Christ! Who is the one who struck You?’”

   YLT: “saying `Declare to us O Christ who he is that struck thee?’”

   Literal Meaning: this verse is the mock.

 

Matt. 26:69 “Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him saying You also were with Jesus of Galilee.’”

   YLT: “And Peter without was sitting in the court and there came near to him a certain maid saying ‘And thou wast with Jesus of Galilee!’”

   Literal Meaning: “a servant girl” indicates one of the maids in the house of the high priest (See Mark. 14:66).

 

Matt. 26:70 “But he denied it before them all saying I do not know what you are saying.’”

   YLT: “And he denied before all saying `I have not known what thou sayest.’”

   Literal Meaning: “I do not know what you are saying” means that “I do not know the meaning of your words.”

   Enlightenment in the Word: Peter thought that he was strong and loved the Lord could not bear a sentence of a weak servant girl unexpectedly. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (See 1Cor. 10:12).

 

Matt. 26:71 “And when he had gone out to the gateway another girl saw him and said to those who were there This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.’”

   YLT: “And he having gone forth to the porch another female saw him and saith to those there `And this one was with Jesus of Nazareth;’”

 

Matt. 26:72 “But again he denied with an oath I do not know the Man!’”

   YLT: “and again did he deny with an oath `I have not known the man.’”

   Meaning of Words: “with an oath” It is the common oath (it is not as serious as “swear” in v.74).

   Enlightenment in the Word: Peter only said that “I do not know what you are saying” earlier (See v.70) and now he said with an oath that “I do not know the Man!” The beginning of men’s fall is always very small and unconscious. However a small failure will bring in greater and more serious failure. How should we not be alert?

 

Matt. 26:73 “And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter Surely you also are one of them for your speech betrays you.’”

   YLT: “And after a little those standing near having come said to Peter ‘Truly thou also art of them for even thy speech doth make thee manifest.’”

   The Background: Galilean spoke Aramaic and they had a broad accent of Galilean which was notably different from that of men in the land of Judah.

   Spiritual Meaning: “speech” represents the feature which is organized by the Holy Spirit in a believer in his life and experience.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) There is no need to debate that the Lord is true; however it is debated again and again that Peter is false. Concerning the true things it is clear without any debate; concerning the false things the more it is debated the more obviously the “speech” is shown.

2) One’s accumulative habits words and deeds of many years will naturally show his inner and actual state. And it is hard to disguise himself.

3) God arranges our environment and makes us be tried again and again. The trial becomes hasher and harsher until we fully realize our weakness so that we no longer rely on ourselves.

 

Matt. 26:74 “Then he began to curse and swear saying I do not know the Man! Immediately a rooster crowed.

   YLT: “Then began he to anathematise and to swear `I have not known the man;’ and immediately did a cock crow ”

   Meaning of Words: “swear”: declare on oath (“swear” is more serious than “with an oath” in v.72)

   Literal Meaning: “curse and swear” “Swear” is different from “with an oath” in v.72 and its nature is more serious showing that he used up the ways of oath to defend himself.

  When Peter denied the Lord the first time he only said something to deny Him (See v.70); the second time he use “an oath” to support his words (See v.72); the third time he cursed and swore in order to support his words. It becomes more and more serious time by time.

   Enlightenment in the Word: when men accused the Lord He did not defend Himself at all. The truth will be manifested naturally. However the more Peter defended himself the easier it is to give the show away. When men misunderstand us the best way is not defending ourselves but praying.

 

Matt. 26:75 “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him Before the rooster crows you will deny Me three times. So he went out and wept bitterly.

   YLT: “and Peter remembered the saying of Jesus he having said to him `Before cock-crowing thrice thou wilt deny me;’ and having gone without he did weep bitterly.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord through crows of the rooster reminded Peter that he owed Him; we should take care that whether the Lord had spoken to us in order to remind us that we owe Him or are unfaithful to Him through our misfortune or environment around.

2) It is unavoidably that believers may fail or be offended and what’s the most important is that we should know the word of the Lord (“remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him”) in the failing experience or and environment (“crows of the rooster”) and be touched by the word of the Lord and feel broken and contrite from heart (“he went out and wept bitterly”). In this way we could continue to go forth in the Lord.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Suffering of the King

I. The Lord Jesus was found as the Lamb of the Passover:

  A. The Lord predicted that He would be crucified (v.1-2).

  B. Men premeditated to kill Him (v.3-5).

II. Men’s evaluation towards the Lamb of the Passover:

  A. He is worthy to be anointed with fragrant oil which costs three hundred denarii (v.6-13).

  B. Judas betrayed the Lord for thirty pieces of silver (v.14-16).

III. The sign of the King’s suffering:

  A. The Feast of the Passover (v.17-25).

  B. The desk of the Lord (v.26-30).

IV. The Lord Jesus suffered alone:

  A. The sheep of the flock were scattered because the shepherd was struck (v.31-35).

  B. The Lord was tortured in the garden of Gethsemane (v. 36-46).

V. The Lamb of the Passover was looked on by the priest:

  A. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter (v.47-56).

  B. He was looked on and manifested as the lamb without blemish (v.57-68).

VI. The extreme of suffering------the Lord was denied by His close disciple (v.69-75).

 

The Death of the Lord Jesus

I. The Lord’s own description towards His death (v.1-2):

  A. His death was related to the Passover------“after two days is the Passover”.

  B. His death was the death of the flesh------“the Son of Man”.

 C. His death was due to the betrayal of men------“be delivered up”.

  D. His death was by the cross------“to be crucified”.

II. The death was due to scheme of religious believers (v.3-5):

  A. His death was the result of the plot of religious leaders.

  B. His death was caused by “trickery”.

  C. His death was not planed to be executed during the feast.

 

A Good Work

I. She poured the costly fragrant oil on the Lord’s head (v.7)------she knew the preciousness of the Lord.

II. As He sat at the table (v.7)------she seized the opportunity to love the Lord.

III. It caused others’ criticism and blame (v.8-9)------she disregarded others’ opinions.

IV. It was done for the Lord (v.10)------she only pleased the Lord.

V. It was praised by the Lord as a good work (v.10)------she knew the will of the Lord.

VI. She loved the Lord more than the poor (v.11)------she loved the Lord more than everything.

VII. It was done for the Lord’s burial (v.12)------she knew the meaning of the cross was united to the death of the Lord.

VIII. Wherever this gospel is preached what this woman has done will also be told (v.13)------this good work is the aim of the gospel.

 

Mary Anointed the Lord

I. It was done at the house of Simon the leper (v.6).

II. It was a behavior of love and faith towards the Lord (v.7).

III. It was the dedication which seemed to be “waste” and exceeded conventions (v.8-9).

IV. It was a good work done by seizing the opportunity (v.10-11).

V. It was done for the burial of the Lord (v.12).

VI. It was worthy to be told as a memorial all over the world (v.13).

 

The Lord’s Desk (i.e. the so-called Eucharist)

I. Its typification in narrow sense:

  A. The bread------the body of the Lord was broken for us (v.26).

  B. The cup------the blood of the Lord was shed for us (v.27).

II. Its typification in broad sense (See 1Cor. 10:16-17):

  A. The bread------all believers partake in the body of Christ through “eating” the bread.

  B. The cup------all believers partake in the blessing of Christ through “drinking” the cup.

 

The Prayer of the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane (v.36-48)

I. The Lord Jesus was sorrowful alone------the disciples did not understand the suffering of the cross (the cup).

II. The Lord Jesus prayed alone------the disciples were unable to watch and pray with Him because of their weakness.

III. The Lord Jesus asked the relation between the cup and the will of God------He only sought the fulfillment of the will of God the Father.

IV. The Lord Jesus prayed three times------until He clearly understood the will of God the Father.

V. The Lord Jesus faced what was going to happen calmly and composedly------because He clearly knew the will of God the Father.

 

The Spirit Indeed is Willing but the Flesh is Weak 

I. They were willing to die with the Lord in their hearts (v.35).

II. The weak conditions of their flesh:

  A. Their eyes were heavy and they were asleep (v.43).

  B. They all forsook Him and fled (v.56).

  C. Peter followed the Lord at a distance (v.58).

  D. Peter denied the Lord three times (v.69-75).

III. The way to make it up:

  A. The example of the Lord------not as I will but as you will (v.39).

  B. The teaching of the Lord------watch and pray lest you enter into temptation (v.41).

IV. Warning------one should never rely on the strength of the flesh (v.51-52).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren