V1-5    Jesus has already prophesied His death at the Feast of Passover. The religious leaders, although keen to have Him killed, do not plan to do so at the Feast. It is the treachery of Judas Iscariot who changes their minds.

V6       Even in telling where Jesus is staying, we see His grace, staying at the house of “Simon the Leper.” Whether Jesus had previously healed him we do not know, but here is identification with the outcasts of the day.

V7       The sacrifice of worship; like David’s offering (1 Chr 11.18-19) it is used up, but not wasted. We note the contrast with Judas’ words, “What are you willing to give me?” (v15), for he is willing to sacrifice his ‘friend’ for a bag of money. Ultimately, of course, he loses out (27.5).

V8-9    The disciples, led by Judas, criticise the woman.

V10-12            We must learn to commend what the Lord commends. By His words, He silences the disciples.

V13     The special blessing for the woman; the incident is recorded for all the world to read.

V14-16            Judas grasps, while the woman gives; such contrast! The betrayal of Jesus is linked with the Passover meal and the Lord’s supper, 1 Cor 11.23. The means of Jesus’ death is, humanly, betrayal, injustice, and cruelty. Yet ultimately, Judas’ life and death is fruitless, yet Jesus’ brings fruit beyond measure. Judas, once a friend of the friends of Jesus, now shows himself an enemy, looking for the opportunity to lead His enemies to capture Him.

V17     The borrowed room; for the one who had a borrowed coin (Luke 22.19), a borrowed tomb (27.59-60); see also Luke 2.7; 9.58. Such challenge our covetous attitudes.

V18-19            The time has come; Jesus was born at the proper time (Gal 4.4), and He will come again at the proper time (24.36); and He died at the proper time. God has time in His control.

            There seems to be a prior arrangement for Jesus to use the room at the man’s house.

V20-21            The last time there are “twelve.” Soon one will betray Him (v25), and later all will forsake Him (v56).

V22     “Surely not I, Lord;” each one is conscious of personal weakness. We must avoid complacency, for each one of us can let Him down.

V23-24            There are predestined events, but there is still personal responsibility, 18.7; Acts 2.23. This presents a paradox, but both ‘wings’ are still true.

V25            “Rabbi,” for Judas does not address Jesus as ‘Lord’ as the others do. Here is difference between respect and worship; v49; 22.16, 24, 36; for Jesus’ enemies also call Him Rabbi. If we do not recognise Him as worthy of worship, then our lives will lack blessing. Judas here has the heart of the traitor.

V26-30            Jesus’ purpose in His time of sorrow; promise for the Eleven, a future and a hope; there is forgiveness and a kingdom awaiting.

V31-32            Jesus’ clear prediction, of their falling away, but of His resurrection, through which they will never again depart from Him.

V33-35            Peter’s declaration of loyalty, but relying on His own strength. His tendency to speak hastily brings him to make a rash promise, 21.28-32.

            Having addressed the issue of faithful service, Matthew takes us deeper still, and raises the issue of loyalty. This is the basis of effective and fruitful service, and for deeper communion.

V36            Gethsemane, just “a place,” but the ‘olive press,’ its literal meaning. For the Lord, a place of intense suffering; reflected in Ps 42, 43. We see also that the Lord is separate from the disciples, for here is a battle that He alone could face.

V37            “Sorrowful and troubled,” Luke 22.46, “in agony.” Here is Christ the man of sorrows, Is 53.3. the Passover lamb was kept for four days before being killed; and here Christ’s suffering as the lamb has begun, Is 53.7; death is inevitable for the chosen lamb.

V38            “Overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” and the disciples cannot share in his sufferings, but they can stay with Him.

V39     Jesus prays concerning the cup He is bearing at that point, rather than looking forward to the cross. Here are the waves and billows, Ps 42.7. This prayer continues for an hour.

V40     His disappointment as the disciples sleep.

V41     The willing spirit; true particularly of Peter, but also of all eleven. “Watch and pray,” to prevent weariness.

V42-44            Repeated prayer and conversations with the weary disciples. Such sorrow in the Saviour’s heart as His friends slept on.

V45-46            Time is up, His prayer finished, the disciples’ sleep about to be shattered by Judas’ arrival. Jesus refers to him as “my betrayer.”

V47            Matthew refers to Judas as “one of the Twelve,” indicating his treachery.

            Judas brings soldiers with swords and clubs, expecting a fight.

V48-50            The sign of the betrayer, the kiss of deceit.

V51-53            Jesus’ non-retaliation, having utter confidence in His Father. His road to the cross started in 16.21-23, and He is never deviated from it. He had no doubt, nor second thought.

V54     The Scripture has to be fulfilled, even at the cost of His life. But the Scriptures also prophesy His resurrection, which also has to follow.

V55-56            Jesus takes the opportunity to speak of His own character, that He is not fomenting rebellion, that his teaching has been in public, open to scrutiny. But here He is betrayed, away from the crowds.

V57-61            These events continue into the night, see v20, where the Passover is celebrated at night, and v31; Luke 22.53. It seems the Sanhedrin is specially convened at night to deal with Jesus. This in itself is strange. Later, 27.1, Jesus is delivered early in the morning to Pilate. On top of everything else, Jesus has no sleep all night.

            The Sanhedrin, having made its decision, seeks evidence to support that decision. This indicates the emptiness of their spirituality.

V62-66            Jesus answers nothing. Only when the high priest insists, “I charge you under oath by the living God,” does He respond. His words simply confirm their prejudices. He speaks of His return bringing judgment. Such blasphemy, they claim, deserves death.

            The Lord does not cast His pearls before the swine; he will not waste precious words on such prejudiced people.

V67-68            Their response is to mock Him cruelly. Here again there is no retaliation, and utter self-control.

V69-75            While Jesus faces the Sanhedrin, Peter sits with ordinary people. His own testimony might be bolder if he were before the Sanhedrin as well. We do not all face courts where we have to testify. Our ownership or denial of Jesus is generally before ordinary people.

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