Mateus 26
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 26
Guzik - Even if she did not understand the full significance of what she did, Mary’s act said something that the disciples didn’t say or do. She gave Jesus the love and attention He deserved before His great suffering. She understood more because she was in the place of greatest understanding – being at the feet of Jesus. (cf Lk 10:39+) Kings were anointed. Priests were anointed. (ED: AND SO WERE PROPHETS) Each of these would have been true in the case of Jesus, yet He claimed that she anointed Him for His burial.
Mateus 26
Guzik writes "Others think the name Iscariot is linked to the word sicarius, meaning “assassin” – a connection to the Jewish zealots who carried out underground warfare against the Roman occupiers." (I think this supposition while intriguing is unlikely). Iscariot - 11x in 11v - Matt. 10:4+; Matt. 26:14+; Mk. 3:19+; Mk. 14:10+; Lk. 6:16+; Lk. 22:3+; Jn. 6:71+; Jn. 12:4+; Jn. 13:2+; Jn. 13:26+; Jn. 14:22+ QUESTION - Who was Judas Iscariot? ANSWER - Judas Iscariot is typically remembered for one thing: his betrayal of Jesus. He was one of the twelve disciples who lived with and followed Jesus for three years. He witnessed Jesus’ ministry, His teaching, and His many miracles. He was the treasurer for the group and used this trusted position to steal from their resources (John 12:6+). Judas was a common name in that era, and there are several other Judases mentioned in the New Testament. One of the other disciples was named Judas (John 14:22+), and so was one of Jesus’ own half-brothers (Mark 6:3+). To differentiate, John 6:71+ and John 13:26+ refer to Christ’s betrayer as “Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.” Scholars have several ideas about the derivation of the surname. One is that Iscariot refers to Kerioth, a region or town in Judea. Another idea is that it refers to the Sicarii, a cadre of assassins among the Jewish rebels. The possible association with the Sicarii allows for interesting speculation about Judas’ motives for his betrayal, but the fact that he made a conscious choice to betray Jesus (Luke 22:48+) remains the same. The surname Iscariot is useful, if for no other reason, in that it leaves no doubt about which Judas is being referred to. Here are some of the facts we glean from key verses about Judas and his betrayal: Money was important to Judas. As already mentioned, he was a thief, and, according to Matthew 26:13–15+, the chief priests paid him “thirty silver coins” to betray the Lord. Jesus knew from the very beginning what Judas Iscariot would do. Jesus told His disciples, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (John 6:70+). And at the Last Supper, Jesus predicted His betrayal and identified the betrayer: “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon” (John 13:26+). Jesus said that Judas Iscariot was not “clean”; i.e., he had not been born again and was not forgiven of his sins (John 13:10–11+). In fact, Judas was empowered to do what he did by the devil himself: “As soon as Judas took the bread [that Jesus had given him], Satan entered into him” (John 13:27+). The other disciples had no clue that Judas Iscariot harbored treacherous thoughts. When Jesus mentioned a betrayer in their midst, the other disciples worried that it was they who would prove disloyal (John 13:22+). No one suspected Judas. He was a trusted member of the Twelve. Even when Jesus told Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly,” (John 13:27+), and Judas left the Last Supper, the others at the table simply thought Judas had been sent to buy more food or to give something to charity (verses 28–29). Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord with a kiss, perfectly in keeping with his brazen duplicity (Luke 22:47–48+). After committing his atrocious act, Judas “was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders” (Matthew 27:3+). But we learn that remorse does not equal repentance—rather than make amends or seek forgiveness, “he went away and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5+). Judas Iscariot fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 41:9, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me” (cf. John 13:18+). Yet Judas was fully responsible for his actions. Jesus said, “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24+). Matthew 27:6–8+ reports that the chief priests took the “blood money” from Judas and bought a potter’s field as a place for burying foreigners (thus fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 11:12–13). Acts 1:18–19+ continues the story of what happened after Judas’ death and gives some additional information. Luke reports, “With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.” The additional detail we learn from Luke is that, after Judas hanged himself, his dead body fell into the very field purchased with his ill-gotten gains. Given the fact of Judas’ close proximity to Jesus during three years of ministry, it is hard to imagine how he could follow through on such a dastardly betrayal. Judas’ story teaches us to guard against small, gradual failings that gain strength and power in our lives and that could open the door to more deadly influences. His story is also a great reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Jesus taught, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22–23+). QUESTION - Why did Judas betray Jesus? | GotQuestions.org (View Video) ANSWER - While we cannot be absolutely certain why Judas betrayed Jesus, some things are certain. First, although Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve (John 6:64), all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. He even may not have been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah (as Judas understood it). Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher. While other disciples at times made great professions of faith and loyalty (John 6:68+; John 11:16+), Judas never did so and appears to have remained silent. This lack of faith in Jesus is the foundation for all other considerations listed below. The same holds true for us. If we fail to recognize Jesus as God incarnate, and therefore the only One who can provide forgiveness for our sins—and the eternal salvation that comes with it—we will be subject to numerous other problems that stem from a wrong view of God. Second, Judas not only lacked faith in Christ, but he also had little or no personal relationship with Jesus. When the synoptic gospels list the Twelve, they are always listed in the same general order with slight variations (Matthew 10:2-4+; Mark 3:16-19+; Luke 6:14-16+). The general order is believed to indicate the relative closeness of their personal relationship with Jesus. Despite the variations, Peter and the brothers James and John are always listed first, which is consistent with their relationships with Jesus. Judas is always listed last, which may indicate his relative lack of a personal relationship with Christ. Additionally, the only documented dialogue between Jesus and Judas involves Judas being rebuked by Jesus after his greed-motivated remark to Mary (John 12:1-8+), Judas’ denial of his betrayal (Matthew 26:25+), and the betrayal itself (Luke 22:48+). Third, Judas was consumed with greed to the point of betraying the trust of not only Jesus, but also his fellow disciples, as we see in John 12:5-6+. Judas may have desired to follow Jesus simply because he saw the great following and believed he could profit from collections taken for the group. The fact that Judas was in charge of the moneybag for the group would indicate his interest in money (John 13:29+). Additionally, Judas, like most people at the time, believed the Messiah was going to overthrow Roman occupation and take a position of power ruling over the nation of Israel. Judas may have followed Jesus hoping to benefit from association with Him as the new reigning political power. No doubt he expected to be among the ruling elite after the revolution. By the time of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus had made it clear that He planned to die, not start a rebellion against Rome. So Judas may have assumed—just as the Pharisees did—that since He would not overthrow the Romans, He must not be the Messiah they were expecting. There are a few Old Testament verses that point to the betrayal, some more specifically than others. Here are two: “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9, see fulfillment in Matthew 26:14, 48-49+). Also, “I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—the handsome price at which they priced me!' So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter” (Zechariah 11:12-13; see Matthew 27:3-5+ for the fulfillment of the Zechariah prophecy). These Old Testament prophecies indicate that Judas’ betrayal was known to God and that it was sovereignly planned beforehand as the means by which Jesus would be killed. But if Judas’ betrayal was known to God, did Judas have a choice, and is he held responsible for his part in the betrayal? It is difficult for many to reconcile the concept of “free will” (as most people understand it) with God’s foreknowledge of future events, and this is largely due to our limited experience of going through time in a linear fashion. If we see God as existing outside of time, since He created everything before “time” began, then we can understand that God sees every moment in time as the present. We experience time in a linear way—we see time as a straight line, and we pass from one point gradually to another, remembering the past we have already traveled through, but unable to see the future we are approaching. However, God, being the eternal Creator of the construct of time, is not “in time” or on the timeline, but outside of it. It might help to think of time (in relation to God) as a circle with God being the center and therefore equally close to all points. In any case, Judas had the full capacity of making his choice—at least up to the point where “Satan entered into him” (John 13:27)—and God’s foreknowledge (John 13:10, 18, 21+) in no way supersedes Judas’ ability to make any given choice. Rather, what Judas would choose eventually, God saw as if it was a present observation, and Jesus made it clear that Judas was responsible for his choice and would be held accountable for it. “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me” (Mark 14:18+). Notice that Jesus characterizes Judas’ participation as a betrayal. And regarding accountability for this betrayal Jesus said, “Woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born” (Mark 14:21+). Satan, too, had a part in this, as we see in John 13:26-27+, and he, too, will be held accountable for his deeds. God in His wisdom was able, as always, to manipulate even Satan’s rebellion for the benefit of mankind. Satan helped send Jesus to the cross, and on the cross sin and death were defeated, and now God’s provision of salvation is freely available to all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior. QUESTION - Why did Jesus choose Judas? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - Jesus chose Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve disciples. Judas was “a devil” (John 6:70–71+), “a thief” (John 12:6+), an unbeliever (John 6:64+), and spiritually unclean (John 13:10+), yet he held a respected position within the group (John 13:29+). Since Jesus “knew what was in each person” (John 2:25+), it may seem puzzling that He would select Judas, the one who would later betray Him. Jesus chose Judas as a disciple because, ultimately, Judas fit into the plan of God. Jesus had come to earth to die for the redemption of sinners. That death, “the just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18+, NKJV), was not an accident but was God’s intended purpose. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming for baptism, he spoke of Jesus as a sacrifice: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29+, ESV). Jesus was not fooled by Judas. He knew exactly what Judas was like and what he was going to do: “Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him” (John 6:64+). In Judas, we have a clear example of how a person can be religious, hear the Word of God taught, witness genuine miracles, and for all appearances seem to be saved, and yet not be born again. One of the reasons Jesus chose Judas was that prophecy had to be fulfilled. Speaking of His imminent betrayal, Jesus says, “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him” (Matthew 26:24+; cf. John 13:18+). After Christ’s resurrection, Peter also points to fulfilled prophecy in relation to Judas: “Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus” (Acts 1:16+, ESV). He also links Judas’s actions to Psalms 69:25 and 109:8 (Acts 1:20+). Another reason that Jesus chose Judas was that God’s sovereign plan had to be accomplished. In Acts 2:23+ Peter states in his sermon to the people of Jerusalem that “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23+, ESV). Not only was the betrayal of Jesus foreknown by God, but it was part of His “definite plan.” So, Jesus chose Judas to fulfill prophecy and because the plan of God required someone to betray the innocent Son of Man. However, none of this means that Judas and others who condemned and crucified Jesus were without fault. Judas Iscariot bore the responsibility for what he chose to do. Jesus said, “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born” (Mark 14:21+). Peter also speaks about the sovereign plan of God and the guilt of those who act in sinful ways. In Acts 3:17+ Peter says, “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:17–19+). Even though the people had “acted in ignorance” in the fulfilling of prophecy, and even though Christ had to suffer according to the plan of God, the people who brought about Jesus’ death were guilty and had to “repent.” Throughout the Bible, we see that God can use even the most wicked of mankind’s actions for good (see Genesis 50:20). Nothing could be more wicked than betraying and murdering the Son of God, yet in spite of that evil—even through that evil—God provided salvation and “disarmed the powers and authorities [and] . . . made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them” (Colossians 2:15+). God does not create evil, but He does control it. God does not participate in sin, but, in His power and wisdom, God can and sometimes does use the sin already existing in our world to fulfill His purpose. Judas was chosen with the foreknowledge of God that he would betray Jesus, but his betrayal, rather than stop God’s plan for salvation, actually advanced it. Matthew 26:15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. What: Ge 38:16 Jdg 16:5+ Judges 17:10+ Judges 18:19,20+ Isa 56:11 1Ti 3:3+ 1 Timothy 6:9,10+ 2Pe 2:3,14,15+ thirty: Ex 21:32+ Mt 27:3-5+ Ge 37:26-28 Zec 11:12-13 Ac 1:18+ Related Passages: Exodus 21:32+ (THE PRICE OF A SLAVE) “If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give his or her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. Matthew 27:3-5+ Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” 5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. Zechariah 11:12-13 I said to them, “If it is good in your sight, give me my wages; but if not, never mind!” So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages. 13 Then the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter, that magnificent price at which I was valued by them.” So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. JUDAS SELLS JESUS "DOWN THE RIVER" and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray (paradidomi - deliver) Him to you?” - Judas bargains for the life of Christ! His action was motivated by his avarice and desire for money. Betray is our idiom “sell him down the river," clearly something that Judas accomplished! This is just as Jesus had predicted (Mk 9:31+ = "“The Son of Man is to be delivered [paradidomi] into the hands of men...", Mk 10:33+ "the Son of Man will be delivered [paradidomi] to the chief priests and the scribes...") Notice that Judas takes the initiative to betray Jesus. Yes it was Judas choice (MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY), but the mastermind behind this evil deed was the Evil One himself (DEMONIC ACTIVITY). John 13:2+ says "During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him." Not only did the Evil One send a "flaming arrow" (Eph 6:16+), John 13:27+ records that later "After the morsel, Satan then entered into him." So Judas was actually "possessed" by Satan and that is when he apparently went off to the religious leaders.Satan operated through Judas, the unregenerate, unbelieving, greedy man. Satan fully possessed Judas. But don't miss this crucial point -- to be sure Judas was influenced by and possessed by the Devil and yet Judas clearly made a choice of his free will to betray Jesus, and for that reason he would be held fully and forever responsible for his personal choice. Mary and Judas extreme opposites: she freely spending in love, he willing to sell his Master for money -- Bruce As Edwards says "Judas is thus not a victim of circumstances or a pawn dominated by greater forces. He is a sovereign moral agent who freely chooses evil in “handing Jesus over” (Edwards adds that here we see) "the two essential truths of Jesus’ passion: the freely chosen evil of humanity, and the overarching providence of God. Divine grace uses even human evil for its saving purposes." THOUGHT- One other point to make is that while Satan had not yet entered into Judas (until in the upper room in Jn 13:27+) to "inspire" him to betray Jesus for money, it is almost certain that Judas' greed here in John 12 opened a crack in the door of his heart for Satan to enter in! Sin is deceitful and none of us can be sure exactly how far or where an initial unconfessed sin will take us (cf Pr 28:13+, Nu 32:23+b+). The following little ditty is all too true, so if you are reading this note and think "NEVER ME," then you need to read and heed Paul's command in 1Co 10:12+ "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey - blepo - continually keep your eyes wide open!!!) that he does not fall." (See also Deceitfulness of Sin, Are You Entangled? and Backsliding) Sin will take you further than you ever wanted to stray! Cost you more than you ever dreamed you would pay! Keep you longer than you ever thought you would stay! And they weighed out thirty pieces (see note) of silver to him - They placed the silver in the scales, scales not of justice but of injustice! They gave Judas 30 pieces of silver, "Blood money" in exchange for the incalculably priceless blood of the Lamb of God, the Redeemer of the world! They did not even bargain over the price of the most perfect life ever lived! The chief priests had apparently read the Old Testament but they did not have eyes to see the truth that it repeatedly pointed to Jesus. So they did not give Judas 30 pieces of silver because they had read the messianic prophecy in Zechariah 11:12 which says "So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages." They fulfilled this prophecy because God was in complete control of every detail of the drama of redemption! Marvin
Mateus 26
Guzik - Jesus has not yet celebrated a Passover in heaven. He still waits for all His people to be gathered to Him and then there will be a great supper – the Marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9+). This is the fulfillment in the kingdom of God Jesus longed for. J
Mateus 26
Guzik - It is wonderful that Jesus sang, but what did He sing? A Passover meal always ended with singing three Psalms known as the Hallel, Psalms 116–118. Think of how the words of these Psalms would have ministered to Jesus as He sang them on the night before His crucifixion: • The pains of death surrounded me, and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!” (Psalm 116:3–4+) • For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:8–9+) • I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. (Psalm 116:13–15+) • Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! (Psalm 117:1) • You pushed me violently, that I might fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:13–14+) • I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. (Psalm 118:17–19+) • The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. (Psalm 118:22–23+) • God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. (Psalm 118:27–28+) Singing (5214)(humneo from húmnos = hymn; English = hymn) means to celebrate or praise with a hymn, to sing a song of praise. Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth - Singing in the Shadow (BORROW The quiet place : daily devotional readings Page 86) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.—Matthew 26:30+ WE KNOW FROM HEBREW TRADITION that Psalms 113–118 (known as the Hallel) were traditionally sung at national Jewish feasts, such as the Passover. Read those few pages again yourself, and you won’t have to look hard to spot the resounding theme of triumph, praise, and deliverance. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory” (Ps 115:1). “For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling” (Ps 116:8+). “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good” (Ps 118:29+). But imagine now you’re not singing these psalms in celebration of God’s dramatic rescue, watching a rehydrated Red Sea still foaming before your disbelieving eyes. Imagine instead you’re singing these psalms where Jesus likely was singing them—in the dim light of the upper room, mere moments from your violent capture and arrest, mere hours from trial, torture, and death. To be able to sing a hymn of praise in that moment—that’s serenity. That’s “blessed assurance.” That’s realizing your Father is wise and good and that He can be implicitly trusted. It’s refusing to factor your own feelings into your faith decisions. It’s valuing His great redemptive plan above your own comfort and safety. And it’s choosing to recognize traces of life, hope, glory, and joy in the same situations where most can see only fear, doubt, anxiety, and self-pity. But that’s what His suffering love has earned us the right to experience. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, the same song that brightened the shadow of the cross can cast its calming light into the room where you’re sitting today. His heart at rest can be music to your weary, worried soul.What kinds of circumstances are likely to trigger stress and drive away your serenity? What are the first signs that reveal you’ve crossed over the line into fear and panic? Grandpa's Last Hymn When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. — Matthew 26:30+ Today's Scripture : Matthew 26:17-30+ As our Lord faced the terrible prospect of dying on the cross, He concluded the first Communion service with the singing of a hymn. By this He showed that believers can meet the “last enemy” with peaceful confidence when they have faith in God and His sustaining grace. I remember hearing my parents telling about Grandpa Bosch’s final moments on this earth. He had become afflicted with a serious heart ailment, and in spite of the doctor’s best efforts to relieve his condition, he steadily worsened. After 3 trying days and nights, he realized that death was near. Calling his children to his side, he lovingly spoke to each of them. Then he said, “Let’s part with a hymn.” His weak voice quavered as he sang these familiar words by Edward Mote: My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand— All other ground is sinking sand. After a tender word of spiritual admonition, Grandpa closed his eyes and went to be with the Lord. In life and in death, Christ the Rock is our sure hope. Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.’ You will all fall away: Mt 26:56+ Matthew 11:6+ Matthew 24:9,10+ Mk 14:27,28+ Lu 22:31,32+ Joh 16:32+ I will: Isa 53:10+ Zec 13:7+ and the: Job 6:15-22 Job 19:13-16 Ps 38:11 Psalm 69:20 Psalm 88:18 La 1:19 Eze 34:5,6 Related Passages: John 16:32+ “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. John 17:9+ “I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those (ELEVEN) whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; Mark 14:26-28+ After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus *said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.’ 28 “But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” DEPICTION OF "SKANDALON/SKANDALIZO" PROPHECY OF DESERTION BY DISCIPLES Then (tote) marks progression in the narrative. Jesus and the eleven have left the Upper Room, crossing the Kidron Valley and are heading to the Garden of Gethsemane. Once again, this passage demonstrates that Jesus would not be caught off guard, but had full knowledge of the coming events. Jesus (Iesous) *said to them, “You will (prophetic declaration) all (cf "all" in Mt 26:35, 56+) fall away (skandalizo) because (term of explanation) of Me this night (the idea is this very night - it is probably approaching midnight - imagine the thoughts that went through their minds) - Jesus gives the eleven a prophetic "heads up," but even with this forewarning we will see they still fulfill His prophecy. He predicts not only their falling away but the specific timing, once again evidence of His deity and omniscience. Fall away means to stumble over an obstacle and in this case Jesus would be the "Obstacle!" The fear of the disciples will cause them to stumble, to run away because they do not want to be arrested with Jesus. The best antidote to fear is faith, but clearly they are experiencing a faith failure (Some versions - REB, JB render skandalizo "lose faith")! On the other hand consider the impact on their faith once the prophecy had been fulfilled, for "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ." (Ro 10:17+) When they repented and returned, their faith would be stronger because of their assurance that Jesus had predicted their failure. They knew He could be trusted. Some have argued that Peter’s following Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard would not fit with this prophecy. However Mt 26:56+ makes it clear that "all the disciples left Him and fled." The intimacy of the Last Supper is shortly to be replaced by disloyalty and cowardice. -- D A Carson For (gar) is a term of explanation. What is Jesus explaining? He is explaining why the falling away of the eleven disciples had to occur. It is written (grapho - perfect tense = written in past, continuing force - prophetic fulfillment), ‘I (Jehovah Himself is declaring He) WILL STRIKE DOWN (patasso) THE SHEPHERD (poimen), AND THE SHEEP (probaton) OF THE FLOCK (poimne) SHALL BE SCATTERED (diaskorpizo) - Don't miss the point that the One Who made this prophetic pronouncement to strike down the Shepherd via a violent death is none other than God the Father! This was to be a fulfillment of Zech 13:7+ “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones." So approximately 500 years before this event would transpire God saw it would happen! COMMENT: Zechariah's prophecy has had a double fulfillment. When Jesus was crucified, not only were the disciples scattered, but within 40 years the entire nation of Israel was scattered after the Romans sacked Jerusalem and the Temple. It would not be until May, 1948 that their scattering would be divinely, supernaturally reversed with the creation of the sovereign nation of Israel. Beloved, if you think God is finished with Israel (aka replacement theology / supersessionism), then can I respectfully and kindly say, you are believing a lie from the father of lies, the devil (Jn 8:44+), who hates Israel and wants to see it destroyed so that Jesus does not have a nation to come back to save (read Zech 12:1-14+, Zech 14:1-21+). Just look at a map of the Middle East to be reminded that God has a final solution (not like the Nazi's "final solution" but a good solution) for His chosen people, the Jews! As Ripley used to say "Believe it or not!" There was a second prophetic promise Jesus gave in Jn 17:12+ and which was fulfilled when the eleven were protected (even though the scattered) John recording Jesus' words that "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled."
Mateus 26
Guzik - Relying on how you feel at the moment is not a stable foundation. Peter felt brave at the moment, but would soon be intimidated before a humble servant girl, and deny to her that he even knew Jesus.ii. “It is sometimes easier to bear a great load for Christ than a small one. Some of us could be martyrs at the stake more easily that confessors among sneering neighbors.” (Maclaren)
Mateus 26
Guzik commenting on Luke's words “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Lk 22:48+) writes "Of course, Jesus knew the irony of being betrayed with a warm greeting; so He essentially asked Judas “are you so dead to all feeling that you can kiss and betray?” Judas is a good example of a seared conscience." Matthew
Mateus 26
Guzik - With one sword, Peter was willing to take on a small army of men, yet he couldn’t pray with Jesus for one hour. Prayer is the best work we can do, and often the most difficult. With his sword, Peter accomplished very little. He only cut off one ear, and really just made a mess that Jesus had to clean up by healing the severed ear (Luke 22:51+). When Peter moved in the power of the world, he only cut off ears. But when he was filled with the Spirit, using the (ED: SWORD OF THE) Word of God (Eph 6:17+), Peter pierced hearts for God’s glory (Acts 2:37+, cf Heb 4:12-13+). J C
Mateus 26
Guzik - With all power at His disposal, Jesus was in total command. He was not the victim of circumstance, but He managed circumstances for the fulfillment of prophecy. Run Away How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? Matthew 26:54+ Today's Scripture & Insight : Matthew 26:47–56+ The introductory lesson on aikido, a traditional Japanese form of martial arts, was an eye-opener. The sensei, or teacher, told us that when faced with an attacker, our first response should be to “run away.” “Only if you can’t run away, then you fight,” he said seriously. Run away? I was taken aback. Why was this highly skilled self-defense instructor telling us to run away from a fight? It seemed counterintuitive—until he explained that the best form of self-defense is to avoid fighting in the first place. Of course! When several men came to arrest Jesus, Peter responded as some of us might have by drawing his sword to attack one of them (Matthew 26:51+; see John 18:10+). But Jesus told him to put it away, saying, “How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:54+). While a sense of justice is important, so is understanding God’s purpose and kingdom—an “upside-down” kingdom that calls us to love our enemies and return evil with kindness (5:44). It’s a stark contrast to how the world might react, yet it’s a response that God seeks to nurture in us. How did you respond to a difficult situation recently? How does this compare with how you think Jesus might have responded? Father God, give me a new understanding of Your greater purposes in Your kingdom, and a godly, loving, and peace-seeking heart to respond to situations as Your Son did. Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. Have you come out: Mk 14:48-50+ Lu 22:52-53+ I used to sit in the temple teaching: Mk 12:35+ Lu 21:37,38+ Jn 8:2+ John 18:20,21+ Related Passages: Mark 14:48-50+ And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? 49 “Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.” 50 And they all left Him and fled. Luke 22:52-53+ Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? 53 “While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.” JESUS REBUKES THE ARRESTING PARTY At that time Jesus (Iesous) said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords (machaira) and clubs (xulon) to arrest (sullambano) Me as you would against a robber (lestes)? They came after Jesus with swords and clubs, as if he were a dangerous criminal or insurrectionist. His question is a stinging rebuke to the cowardly, hypocritical Jewish religious leaders (and Judas)! Instead of arresting Him in the Temple court in daylight, they showed their cowardice by coming to arrest Him like one would a common criminal at night in a secluded place. Jesus' point is that they came "armed to the teeth" (as we might say today), as if He were a violent criminal who was "armed and dangerous!" (Albeit one impulsive member of His entourage was in fact armed and dangerous!) As an aside it is worth noting a somewhat ironic wordplay because the clubs they were carrying is the Greek word xulon which is translated "cross" 4x in the NT! There is also another bit of irony here for "Highway robbers like Barabbas (lestes used of him in Jn 18:40+) were common and were often regarded as heroes. Jesus would be crucified between two robbers (lestes) in the very place that Barabbas would have occupied." (Robertson) Paul Apple paraphrases this "Were your expectations that I am some type of political revolutionary that has galvanized powerful forces and armed them with powerful weapons to try to wage war against the Roman government?" NET NOTE - robber (lestes) - Or “a revolutionary.” This term can refer to one who stirs up rebellion: BDAG 594 s.v. λῃστής 2 has “revolutionary, insurrectionist, guerrilla” citing evidence from Josephus (J. W. 2.13.2–3 [2.253–254]). However, this usage generally postdates Jesus’ time. It does refer to a figure of violence. Luke uses the same term for the highwaymen who attack the traveler in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30+). Every day I used to sit in the temple (hieros - temple complex) teaching (didasko) and you did not seize (krateo) Me - Every day refers to Jesus' teaching in the Temple three consecutive days that week. Jesus' point is that He had not been hiding from them (like a robber would) and they had ample opportunity to observe His character. Yet now they treat Him as a common criminal. Stein adds "The very fact that Jesus taught daily and openly in the temple distinguishes his activity from that of the revolutionaries, who operated in the mountains and had to be hunted down. Jesus did not operate in the darkness, as his opponents were presently doing, but in the light." (See Luke: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture) You did not seize (krateo) Me - Of course they WOULD have if they COULD have but they were afraid of the people and so afraid for their own lives! Sadly they feared MEN and not GOD! Clubs (3586)(xulon/xylon from xuo = to scrape) is literally wood and refers to anything made of wood, including a tree or other wooden article or substance. In Acts 5:30+, Acts 10:39+, Acts 13:29+, 1Pe 2:24+ and Gal 3:13+ xulon refers to the old rugged Cross. The NT idea of xulon/xylon as a cross is related to Deuteronomy 21 which emphasizes the shame that befalls the one who is exposed and punished in such a way. BDAG says xylon is (1) "wood as a plant substance in unmanufactured form", then an (2) "object made of word" (pole = Nu 21:8+, club = Mt 26:47, 55+, Mk 14:43, 48+, Lk 22:52+, stocks (Job 33:11, Ac 16:24+), a wooden structure used for crucifixion (cf OT passages referring to hanging or impalement of a criminal’s corpse on a post = Ge 40:19, Dt 21:22, 23+, Josh 10:26+) and finally (3) a "tree" (Ge 1:29+, Genesis 2:9+, 3:1ff, Is 14:8+, Eccl 2:5+, Lk 23:31+, tree of life = Re 2:7+; Revelation 22:2, 14, 19+) (BORROW A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament, and other early Christian literature BDAG) TDNT use of xulon for the Cross. A distinctive use of xylon in the NT is for the cross. The basis is Dt. 21:22+, which stresses the shame of being exposed on a tree. Acts 5:30+; Acts 10:39+, etc. make the point that crucifixion is the greatest possible insult to Jesus, but that God has displayed his majesty by raising him from the dead. Paul in Gal. 3:13+ shows that Christ has redeemed us from the curse by being made a curse for us according to Dt. 21:22+. A curse lies on those who break the law, but Christ, who has not broken the law, voluntarily and vicariously becomes accursed, as his death on the accursed wood makes plain. He thus releases us from the curse and from the death that it entails. 1 Pet. 2:24+ is to the same effect when it says that Christ bore our sins in his own body on the “tree” (with a plain reference to Isaiah 53:4, 12+). The vicarious element is prominent here. Human sins are laid on Christ, crucified in him, and thus set aside. Christ does not lay sins on a scapegoat, but takes them to himself and cancels them on the cross, so that sinners, dead to sin, may live to righteousness. (BORROW Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament : abridged in one volume) XULON - 20X/18V - clubs(5), cross(4), stocks(1), tree(7), wood(3). Mt 26:47+; Mt 26:55+; Mk 14:43+; Mk 14:48+; Lk 22:52+; Lk 23:31+; Acts 5:30+; Acts 10:39+; Acts 13:29+; Acts 16:24+; 1Co 3:12+; Gal. 3:13+; 1Pe 2:24+; Rev 2:7+; Rev 18:12+; Rev 22:2+; Rev 22:14+; Rev 22:19+ Robber (3027)(lestes from lizoma = to plunder, seize) means one who steals openly and by violence and who would violently resist arrest and try to escape. Coming with swords and clubs, they were approaching Jesus as one would a highway robber (Lk 10:30, 36+), a revolutionary or insurrectionist who favors the use of force. The irony is that while Jesus was not a robber or revolutionary, Barabbas was a robber, (lestes Jn 18:40+) and insurrectionist (Lk 23:19+, Mk 15:7+) who was released in place of Jesus who was then crucified between two robbers (lestes Mk 15:27+)! Figuratively lestes speaks of unscrupulous, greedy, or overambitious leaders (Jn 10.8+) Zodhiates - Judas was a thief (kleptes [John 12:6+]) doing no violence to anyone. He stole secretly. Barabbas was a robber (lēstés [Jn 18:40+ {cf. Mk 15:7+}]). Palestine was infested by robbers to whom its walks and caves afforded a great deal of cover and shelter (cf. Jdg. 9:25+; Hos. 6:9+; Hosea 7:1+), hence, the expression "den of robbers" (Jer 7:11; Mt 21:13+). The temple became a haunt of robbers. The dealers in the temple market were notorious for their extortion, but it gave them fancied security in their evildoing. It is probable that some of these robbers were really zealots in rebellion against the authority of Rome, so that there was an element of misplaced patriotism and even religion in their proceedings. Josephus identified robbers with zealots. (BORROW The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament ) LESTES - 15V - Mt. 21:13+; Mt. 26:55+; Mt. 27:38+; Mt. 27:44+; Mk. 11:17+; Mk. 14:48+; Mk. 15:27+; Lk. 10:30+; Lk. 10:36+; Lk. 19:46+; Lk. 22:52+; Jn. 10:1+; Jn. 10:8+; Jn. 18:40+; 2 Co. 11:26+ Arrest (4815)(sullambano from sun/syn = together with + lambáno = to take, to seize) means literally to seize or take together and conveys the picture of clasping, in this case grasping or apprehending Jesus, thus taking Him into custody as one would a common criminal. Sullambano has the meaning of arresting Jesus in Mt 26:55+; Mk 14:48+; Lk 22:54+; Jn 18:12+. Jesus’ arrest is also referred to in Acts (Acts 1:16+), where Luke showed how Peter (Acts 12:3+) and Paul (Acts 23:27+) followed in their Lord’s footsteps and also were arrested. This verb is used to capture an animal, such as a "catch of fish." (Lk 5:9+). In the Septuagint sullambano can describe the capture of cities by military force, the arrest of an individual, the catching of an animal, or even the snatching away of sinners by God’s judgment (Ps 9:16). SULLAMBANO - 16X/16V - arrest(3), arrested(4), became pregnant(1), conceive(1), conceived(3), help(2), seized(1), taken(1). Matt. 26:55+; Mk. 14:48+; Lk. 1:24+; Lk. 1:31+; Lk. 1:36+; Lk. 2:21+; Lk. 5:7+; Lk. 5:9+; Lk. 22:54+; Jn. 18:12+; Acts 1:16+; Acts 12:3+; Acts 23:27+; Acts 26:21+; Phil. 4:3+; Jas. 1:15+ Matthew 26:56 “But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled. But all this has taken place: Mt 26:54+ Ge 3:15+ Isa 44:26+ La 4:20 Da 9:24,26+ Zec 13:7+ Ac 1:16+ Acts 2:23+ Then all the disciples left Him and fled: Mt 26:31+ Mk 14:50-52+ Jn 16:32+ John 18:8,9,15,16+ 2Ti 4:16+ Related Passages: John 16:32+ “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. Zechariah 13:7+ (PROPHECY FULFILLED BY DISCIPLES FLEEING) “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones. PROPHECY FULFILLED DISCIPLES FLEE But all this has taken place to fulfill (pleroo) the Scriptures (graphe) of the prophets (prophetes) - This fulfilled not only the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7+, but also the prophecy of Jesus only a short time before the fulfillment when Jesus declared "You will all fall away because of Me this night." (Mt 26:31+, cf Jn 16:32+). We can stake our eternal life on God's perfectly fulfilled prophecies "For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Cor 1:20KJV+) John MacArthur elaborates on the fulfillment of prophecy - "Even in their hostility toward Christ, the apostate leaders of Israel were fulfilling the redemptive plan of God, as predicted by the OT prophets (cf. Ps. 41:9; Ps 55:12-14; Isa. 53:3, 7-8, 12+; Zech. 11:12; 13:7+) and by Jesus Himself (cf. Mk 8:31+; Mark 9:31+; Mark 10:32-34+, Mt 26:31+). God sovereignly used their wicked schemes to accomplish His eternal purposes (cf. Ge 50:20). (See MacArthur Commentary). Then all the disciples (mathetes) left (aphiemi) Him and fled (pheugo) - Clearly this is not the finest hour for the disciples. Note the word ALL = Jesus' prophecy less than a few hours old and Zechariah's prophecy (Zechariah 13:7+) some 500+ years old were both fulfilled to the letter! This fleeing of all 11 of the disciples occurred to fulfill prophecy. In a separate event we note that Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus to the "pretrial" with Annas, where Peter denied Jesus three times. Thus we see that both Matthew and Mark record the fact that "all the disciples left Him and fled," a detail not recorded by Luke. The disciples had failed to pray lest they enter into temptation, and now when the temptation came, they were unprepared. When they realized that Jesus was not going to resist arrest, their faith faltered and they fled in fear (they "entered fully into temptation")!
Mateus 26
Guzik - Remarkably, Jesus kept silent and answered nothing until it was absolutely necessary in obedience for Him to speak. Jesus could have mounted a magnificent defense here, calling forth all the various witnesses to His deity, power and character. The people He taught, the people He healed, the dead risen, the blind who see, even the demons themselves testified to His deity. But Jesus opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7+). “His was the silence of patience, not of indifference; of courage, not of cowardice. -- C H Spurgeon
Mateus 26
Guzik points out that "Peter would be restored, showing a significant contrast between Judas (showing apostasy) and Peter (showing backsliding). Apostasy is giving up the truth, as Judas did. Judas was sorry about his sin, but it was not a sorrow leading to repentance.. Backsliding is a decline from a spiritual experience once enjoyed. Peter slipped, but he will not fall; his bitter weeping will lead to repentance and restoration.....There is a significant contrast between Judas and Peter. Both of them denied Jesus in one way or another, but one was restored and the other was not. Restoring Peter was important to Jesus; after His resurrection, Jesus had a private meeting with Peter (Luke 24:34+) and a public restoration with Peter (John 21). Judas ended up as an apostate, and Peter was a backslider who suffered spiritual decline from an experience he once enjoyed. “It was not the crowing of the cock that convicted Peter; it was the remembering of Christ’s words.” -- Warren Wiersbe NET NOTE - When Peter went out and wept bitterly it shows he really did not want to fail here and was deeply grieved that he had. Peter could repent of his sin, and that is the real test of a genuine believer. -- J Vernon McGee