Christ now confirms again what we have seen that he had sometimes predicted to his disciples; but this last prediction clearly shows how willingly he offered himself to die; and it was necessary that he should do so, because God could not be appeased but by a sacrifice of obedience. He intended, at... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:3._Then were assembled the chief priests. Matthew _does not mean that they assembled during the _two days, _but introduces this narrative to show, that Christ was not led by any opinion of man to fix the day of his death; for by what conjectures could he have been led to it, since his ene... [ Continue Reading ]
5._But they said, Not during the festival. _They did not think it a fit season, till _the festival _was past, and the crowd was dispersed. Hence we infer that, although those hungry dogs eagerly opened their mouths to devour Christ, or rather, rushed furiously upon him, still God withheld them, by a... [ Continue Reading ]
6._And when Jesus was in Bethany. _What the Evangelist now relates had happened a little before Christ came to Jerusalem, but is here introduced seasonably, in order to inform us what was the occasion that suddenly drove the priests to make haste. They did not venture to attack Christ by open violen... [ Continue Reading ]
8._And when the disciples saw it. _This also is not unusual with the Evangelists, when a thing has been done by one, to attribute it to many persons, if they give their consent to it. John says that the _murmur _proceeded from _Judeas, who betrayed Christ, _(John 12:4.) Matthew and Mark include all... [ Continue Reading ]
10._Why do you trouble the woman? _It is wonderful that Christ, whose whole life was a rule and pattern of temperance and frugality, now approves of immoderate expense, which appears to have been closely allied to luxury and superfluous indulgence. But we must observe the kind of defense which he em... [ Continue Reading ]
11._For you have the poor always with you. _Christ does not simply defend the anointing, so that we may imitate it, but assures us that it pleases God on some particular account. This must be carefully weighed, that we may not fall into the error of contriving expensive modes of worshipping God, as... [ Continue Reading ]
12_She hath done it to bury me. _By these words Christ confirms what we have said, that the _precious ointment _was not valued by him on account of its odor, but solely in reference to his _burial. _It was because he wished to testify by this symbol, that his grave would yield a sweet odor, as it br... [ Continue Reading ]
13._Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached. _He says that this action will do honor to _Mary, _because it will be praised by the doctrine of the gospel. Hence we infer, that we ought to estimate our works not by the opinion of men, but by the testimony of the word of God. When he says that she wi... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:14._Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot. _Christ’s admonition was so far from being of any avail for softening the heart of _Judeas, _or producing any change in it for the better, that he immediately went away, without any concern, to transact an infamous bargain with hi... [ Continue Reading ]
17._Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus. _It is first inquired, Why does the day which preceded the sacrificing of the lamb receive the name of _the day of unleavened bread? _For the Law did not forbid the use of leaven till the lamb was eaten, (Exodus 12:18.) But t... [ Continue Reading ]
18._Go into the city to such a man. _Matthew specifies a certain man; the other two Evangelists relate that _the disciples _were sent as to an unknown individual, because a sign was given to them of a man _carrying a pitcher of water. _But this difference is easily reconciled; for Matthew passing by... [ Continue Reading ]
19._And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them. _The readiness with which the disciples comply ought to be observed as a proof of their holy submission; for a doubt might naturally arise, when in search of an unknown man, whether they would obtain from _the master of the house _what they aske... [ Continue Reading ]
20._When the evening was come, he sat down at table. _Not to eat _the passover, _which they were bound to do standing, as travelers, when they are in haste, are wont to take food hastily, with shoes on their feet, and a staff in their hand, (Exodus 12:11;) but I consider the meaning to be, that af... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:21._One of you will betray me. _To render the treachery of Judas more detestable, he points out the aggravated baseness of it by this circumstance, that he was meditating the act of _betraying _him while he _sat with him at the _holy _table. _For if a stranger had done this, it would have... [ Continue Reading ]
22._They began every one of them to say to him. _I do not think that the disciples were alarmed, as persons struck with terror are wont to give themselves uneasiness without any reason; but, abhorring the crime, they are desirous to clear themselves from the suspicion of it. It is, indeed, a mark of... [ Continue Reading ]
23._But he answering said. _Christ, by his reply, neither removes their doubt, nor points out the person of Judas, but only confirms what he said a little before, that _one of his friends sitting at the table _is the traitor. And though they thought it hard to be left in suspense and perplexity for... [ Continue Reading ]
24._The Son of man indeed goeth. _Here Christ meets an offense, which might otherwise have greatly shaken pious minds. For what could be more unreasonable than that the Son of God should be infamously betrayed by a disciple, and abandoned to the rage of enemies, in order to be dragged to an ignomini... [ Continue Reading ]
25._And Judas who betrayed him. _Though we often see persons trembling, who are conscious of doing wrong, yet along with dread and secret torments there is mingled such stupidity, that they boldly make a fiat denial; but in the end they gain nothing by their impudence but to expose their hidden wick... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:26._And while they were eating, Jesus took bread. _I do not understand these words to mean that with the paschal supper was mixed this new and more excellent supper, but rather that an end was then put to the former banquet. This is still more clearly expressed by Luke, when he says that,... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:27._Drink you all of it. _As it was the design of Christ to keep our faith wholly fixed on himself, that we may not seek any thing apart from him, he employed two symbols to show that our life is shut up in him. This body needs to be nourished and supported by meat and drink. Christ, in o... [ Continue Reading ]
29._But I tell you. _This sentence is put by Matthew and Mark immediately after the Holy Supper, when Christ had given the symbol of his _blood _in the _cup; _from which some infer that Luke relates here the same thing which we shall find him repeating shortly afterwards. But this difficulty is easi... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:31._You will all be offended at me. _What Matthew and Mark extend to all the disciples alike is related by Luke as having been spoken to Peter only. But though the statement was equally addressed to all, yet it is probable that Christ spoke to them in the person of one man, who was to be... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:31._For it is written. _By this prediction he encourages them to rise above the offense, because God does not cease to recognize as his _sheep _those who are driven out and scattered in every direction for a time. After having treated of the restoration of the Church, the prophet, in orde... [ Continue Reading ]
33._Peter answering. _Though _Peter _uses no hypocrisy, but speaks with sincere affection, yet as a false confidence in his virtue carries him away into foolish boasting, he is justly reproved by Christ, and shortly afterwards is severely punished for his rashness. Thus the event showed, that _Peter... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:36._Then Jesus cometh with them. _Luke mentions _the mountain of Olives _only. Mark and Matthew add a more minute description of the place. But Luke expresses what is still more to the purpose, that Christ came there _according to his custom. _Hence we infer, that he did not seek retireme... [ Continue Reading ]
37._He began to be affected with grief. _We have seen that our Lord formerly contended with the fear of death; but as he now fights face to face with temptation, such an attack is called the _beginning _of _grief _and _sorrow. _Hence we infer that the true test of virtue is only to be found when the... [ Continue Reading ]
38._My soul is sorrowful. _He communicates to them his _sorrow, _in order to arouse them to sympathy; not that he was unacquainted with their weakness, but in order that they might afterwards be more ashamed of their carelessness. This phrase expresses a deadly wound of grief; as if he had said, tha... [ Continue Reading ]
39._And he went forward a little. _We have seen in other passages, that in order to excite himself to greater earnestness of prayer, the Lord prayed in the absence of witnesses; for when we are withdrawn from the gaze of men, we succeed better in collecting our senses, so as to attend more closely t... [ Continue Reading ]
40._And he came to his disciples. _Though he was neither delivered from fear, nor freed from anxiety, yet he interrupted the ardor of prayer, and administered this consolation. For believers are not required to be so constant in prayer as never to cease from conversing with God; but on the contrary,... [ Continue Reading ]
41._Watch and pray. _As the disciples were unmoved by their Master’s danger, their attention is directed to themselves, that a conviction of their own danger may arouse them. Christ therefore threatens that, if they do not _watch and pray, _they may be soon overwhelmed by _temptation. _As if he had... [ Continue Reading ]
42._Again he went away a second time. _By these words Christ seems as if, having subdued fear, he came with greater freedom and courage to submit to the will of _the Father; _for he no longer asks to have _the cup removed from him, _but, leaving out this prayer, insists rather on obeying the purpose... [ Continue Reading ]
43._And found them sleeping again. _This drowsiness arose neither from excessive eating and drinking, nor from gross stupidity, nor even from effeminate indulgence of the flesh, but rather—as Luke tells us—from immoderate _sorrow. _Hence we perceive more clearly how strong is the tendency of our fle... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:45._Sleep on now, and take your rest. _It is plain enough, that Christ now speaks ironically, but we must, at the same time, attend to the object of the irony. For Christ, having gained nothing by warning his disciples, not only gives an indirect reproof of their indifference, but threate... [ Continue Reading ]
46._Arise, let us go. _By these words he declares that, after having prayed, he was furnished with new arms. He had formerly, indeed, been sufficiently voluntary as to dying; but, when he came to the point, he had a hard struggle with the weakness of the flesh, so that he would willingly have withdr... [ Continue Reading ]
47._While he was still speaking. _The Evangelists are careful to state that our Lord foresaw what happened; from which it might be inferred, that he was not dragged to death by external violence, except so far as wicked men carried into execution the secret purpose of God. Although, therefore, a mel... [ Continue Reading ]
48._Now he who betrayed him. _I have no doubt that Judas was restrained, either by reverence for our Lord, or by shame for his crime, from venturing openly to avow himself as one of the enemies; and the warning which, Mark tells us, he gave the soldiers — to _lead the away cautiously, _was given, I... [ Continue Reading ]
49._Hail, Rabbi. _I have no doubt that Judas, as if trembling for his Master’s danger, pretended by these words to have some feeling of compassion; and, accordingly, in Mark a pathetic repetition is expressed, (213) _Rabbi, Rabbi. _For though he was impressed with the majesty of Christ, still the de... [ Continue Reading ]
50._Friend, for what purpose comest thou? _Luke expresses it more fully: _Judeas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? _except that there is greater force in this reproof, that the benevolence of his Master, and the very high honor conferred on him, are wickedly abused for the purpose of the b... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:51._And, lo, one of those who were with Jesus. _Luke says, that all the disciples made an agreement together to fight for their Master. Hence it is again evident, that we are much more courageous and ready for fighting than for bearing the cross; and, therefore, we ought always to deliber... [ Continue Reading ]
52._Put thy sword again into its place. _By these words, Christ confirms the precept of the Law, which forbids private individuals to use the sword. And above all, we ought to attend to the threatening of punishment which is immediately added; for men did not, at their own pleasure, appoint this pun... [ Continue Reading ]
53._Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father? _Now follows that special reason which I mentioned a little ago; for Christ reminds them, that he would have at his command a better and more legitimate kind of defense, were it not that he must obey the decree of the Father. The substance of wh... [ Continue Reading ]
54._How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled? _By this expression Christ means, that he ought not to attempt any method of escaping death, to which he knew that he was called by the Father. For himself, indeed, he had no need of _the Scriptures _to inform him that God had appointed that he should... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:55._Are you come out, as against a robber? _By these words Christ expostulates with his enemies for having intended to bring odium upon him, by coming provided with a great body of soldiers; for the meaning is this, “What necessity was there for making such a display of arms against me, a... [ Continue Reading ]
56._Now all this was done. _The other two Evangelists express it somewhat differently; for what Matthew relates in his own person, Mark appears to attribute to Christ.Luke employs even different words: _this is your hour, and the power of darkness. _But the design of the Holy Spirit is, beyond all d... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke follows a different order from Matthew and Mark in the narrative; but when we come to the proper place, we will endeavor to reconcile the points in which they differ. It will be proper, in the meantime, to glance briefly at those things which claim our attention in the words of Matthew and Mark... [ Continue Reading ]
59._Sought false witness. _By these words the Evangelists remark, that nothing was farther from the design of the priests than to inquire into the cause, so that, when the matter was thoroughly understood, they might decide what was proper. For they had previously resolved to put Christ to death, an... [ Continue Reading ]
It ought to be observed, also, that the appellation of _false witnesses _is applied not to those who contrive a lie which had no foundation, but to those who calumniously pervert what was justly said, and turn it into a crime; an instance of which is here expressly related as to _the destruction and... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:62._And the high priest, rising up. _It is certain that Christ was _silent _when _false witnesses _pressed hard upon him, not only because they did not deserve a reply, but because he did not seek to be now acquitted, knowing that his hour was come. But Caiaphas triumphs over him on accou... [ Continue Reading ]
63._I adjure thee by the living God. The high priest _thought that this alone was a crime sufficient to condemn Christ, if he professed that he was _the Christ. _But since they all boasted of expecting redemption from Christ, he ought first to have inquired if such was the fact. That there would be... [ Continue Reading ]
64._Thou hast said it. _Luke inserts another reply, by which Christ reproves the malice of the priests, in not inquiring with a desire to know. _If I tell you, _says he, _you will not believe: _by which words he means, that though he were to prove to them a hundred times that he was _the Christ, _it... [ Continue Reading ]
65._Then the high priest rent his garments. _By this we see how little advantage was derived by wicked men from the miracles by which Christ had proved his Divinity. But we need not wonder, that under the mean garb of a servant, the Son of God was despised by those who were unmoved by any anxiety ab... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 26:69._A maid came to him. _Here we see that there is no necessity for a severe contest, or for many forces or implements of war, to overpower a man; for any man, who is not supported by the hand of God, will instantly fall by a slight gale or the rustling of a falling leaf. Peter undoubtedl... [ Continue Reading ]
70._But he denied before them all. _This circumstance aggravates the criminality of Peter, that, in denying his Master, he did not even dread a multitude of witnesses. (236) And the Spirit intended expressly to state this, that even the presence of men may excite us to hold fast the confession of fa... [ Continue Reading ]
71._Another maid saw him. _From the words of Mark we are rather led to conjecture that it was the same _maid; _at least he doesn’t state that it was a different maid from the former one. But there is no contradiction here; for it is probable that the statement which proceeded from one maid, flew fro... [ Continue Reading ]
72._And the second time he denied with an oath. _It deserves attention, that Peter, after finding that he could not escape by a simple denial, doubles his crime by adding _an oath; _and a little after, when he is still more vehemently pressed, he proceeds even to _cursing. _Hence we infer that a sin... [ Continue Reading ]
74._Then he began to curse and to swear. _In this third denial, Peter’s unfaithfulness to his Master reached its utmost height. Not satisfied with _swearing, _he breaks out into _cursing, _by which he abandons his body and soul to destruction; for he prays that the curse of God may fall upon him, if... [ Continue Reading ]
75._And Peter remembered the word of Jesus. _To the voice of _the cock, _Luke informs us, there was also added the _look _of Christ; for previously — as we learn from Mark — he had paid no attention to the _cock _when _crowing. _He must, therefore, have received the _look _from Christ, in order that... [ Continue Reading ]