Matthew 26: Jesus Arrested

Matthew 26: Jesus Arrested

Collin Leong. 10 June 2025

(v1-5) The Plot Against Jesus (Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-6; John 11:45-57)

(v1-2) After Jesus told the parables in previous chapter, he said to his disciple that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. 

(v3-4) The chief priests and the elders assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him. They told themselves not to do this during the festival, else there may be a riot among the people. 

Though they planned not to arrest Him during the Passover festival, they did arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane when the festival had already started after sundown. However, they did it at a secluded place at night where most people are already sleeping. 

(v6-13) Jesus Anointed at Bethany (Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8)

(v6-9) When Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster jar containing a very expensive perfume, and poured on His head while he was reclining at the table. The disciples were indignant, and they said it is a waste, for the perfume could be sold at a high price and the money given to the poor. 

(v10-13) Jesus asked His disciples why they bother the woman. She has done a beautiful thing for Him. The poor will always be with them, but they will not always have Him. She was pouring the perfume on His body to prepare Him for burial. Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told, in memory of her. 

If this happens after the Olivet Discourse, Jesus must have left Jerusalem and went back to Bethany, which is only two miles east of Jerusalem. This happened at the house of Simon the Leper, who has leprosy or had leprosy. While the scripture didn't say, I believe that Jesus had healed him before He bring his disciples into his house. 

While the disciples intentions were good, their timing was terrible. Jesus had told them that he will die in Jerusalem (Matt 16:21); therefore, they should show compassion to Him, rather to worry about the poor. Jesus said what the woman did will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached, as she had compassion for Jesus. 

Do you know that there were 3 women who poured perfume on Jesus? See the Appendix for details. 

(v14-16) Judas Agrees To Betray Jesus (Zechariah 11:10-17; Matthew 27:3-10; Mark 14:10-11)

(v14-16) Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked them how much he will be paid if he deliver Jesus to him. They counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on, Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over. 

This fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 11:12 that said they value God (Jesus) at 30 pieces of silver. In reality, all the gold in the universe cannot match the value of Jesus.   

The 30 pieces of silver that Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus were likely Tyrian shekels, which contained about 14 grams of silver each. It's only $265 today, but at that time it was a four mouths wages for a common laborer. 30 shekels was also the price of a slave, as referenced in Exodus 21:32. 

Judas may be tempted by greed to betray Jesus. He was the treasurer for Jesus’ disciples and was known to steal from their funds (John 12:6). Luke 22:3 says that Satan entered into Judas after the last supper. Some say Judas were disappointed that Jesus did lead a political revolution, but speak of peace instead. 

(v17-30) The Last Supper (Psalm 41:1-13; Mark 14:12-21; Luke 22:7-13; John 13:18-30)

(v17-19) On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where he wants to eat the Passover.  Jesus told them to go to a certain man and tell him that His appointed time is near, and He wants to celebrate the Passover with His disciples at his house. The disciples did what He said and prepared the Passover. 

Who is this "certain man" that Jesus asked the disciples to speak to? In Mark 14:13 and Luke 22:10, say that Jesus told the disciples to meet the man who is carrying a jar of water - which is unusual at that time. This means that Jesus had supernatural knowledge of the situation, and that God had directed this man to be prepared for Jesus' arrival, similar to the person who prepares his donkey for Jesus' triumphal entry.

Passover marks the night when God spared the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt—the death of the firstborn— where the angels passing over their homes if they had the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. It is observed on the 14th day of Nisan with a special meal called the Seder, which includes unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and the Passover lamb. (Exodus 12:11)

The Festival of Unleavened Bread begins immediately after Passover, on the 15th day of Nisan, and lasts for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were commanded to eat only unleavened bread (matzah) and remove all leaven from their homes. This symbolizes the haste with which they left Egypt, as they did not have time for their bread to rise. (Exodus 12:15)

However, Matthew said "this is the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread" whereas the day is actually the Passover day, which is on Thursday. It could be that by the time of Jesus, the terms Passover and Unleavened Bread were often used interchangeably. The entire period was sometimes referred to as "Passover," even though technically, the Feast of Unleavened Bread starts on Friday, the day after Passover.   

Isn't it interesting that the Unleavened Bread symbolized the removal of sin, as leaven (yeast) is frequently associated with sin and corruption. The "seven" days symbolized "perfection", implying the sin is taken away forever. As this is right after the Passover, where the blood of the lamb was put at the doorpost so that the angel, who was executing the judgement from God, will "pass over" that house and did not kill the firstborn. The firstborn is saved. It's exactly what Jesus has done for us!

(v20-25)  When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. While they were eating, Jesus said that one of them will betray me. The disciples were sad and said to Jesus "Surely you don't mean me, Lord?"  Jesus replied that the one who dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. He said that 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 is better for him if he had not bee born.  Then Judas said "surely you don't mean me, Rabbi?"  Jesus answered, "You have said so."

Jesus openly said that whoever dipped into the bowl with him is the betrayer, as he also told everyone that he will be crucified no matter what happens. However, it is better for the betrayer not to be born than to face the wrath of God. 

Some of us immediately assume that Judas was the one who dipped in the bowl with Jesus, and from that, we know Judas is the betrayer. If this happens then all the disciples will know it will be Judas. This is not so. No one knows who is the betrayer at this point. Any of the disciples could have dipped with Him at some point during the meal. I believe Jesus is emphasizing that there is a close relationship between the betrayer and Jesus. It is similar to the prophecy of Psalm 41:9 - "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me."

Matthew did say that Jesus told Judas personally that he will be the betrayer in v25. Judas, probably reclined behind Jesus, asking him: "Surely, you don't mean me, Lord?", and Jesus told him privately: "You have said so."

However, John 13:21-30 gave more details about this event.  During those days, they reclined on the table on their left elbow and ate the food with their right hand. John was reclining on the right side of Jesus. Peter was probably opposite John and cannot whisper to Jesus. Peter motioned to John to ask Jesus who is the betrayer.  John leaned back against Jesus and ask Him who is the betrayer. Jesus said softly to John that the betrayer is the one whom He gives this piece of bread after dipping it in the dish. After dipping the bread, Jesus passed it to Judas.  This is when Judas was identified as the betrayer to John. The rest of the disciples still don't know yet. 

It is interesting to note that Satan entered into Judas after he took the bread (John 13:27). Then Jesus told him: “What you are about to do, do quickly.”  I wonder if Jesus is talking to Judas, or to Satan inside Judas.

(v26-30) While they were eating, Jesus took bread and gave thanks. He broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying "Take and eat; this is my body."  Then He gave thanks to the cup, and said "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."  The Jesus told them that He will not drink from this fruit of the vine (i.e. wine) until the day He drinks it with His disciples in His Father's kingdom.  After they sang a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

This event is called the Eucharist. The word came from Greek, which means thanksgiving.  It is also known as Communion or the Lord's Supper. Churches practice on weekly or monthly basis, to remember Jesus' death and to express our gratitude for His sacrifice.  

The Catholic church believe in transubstantiation, that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. Protestants argue that Scripture does not explicitly teach transubstantiation. They interpret Jesus’ words, “This is my body” as symbolic rather than literal, similar to how Jesus said, “I am the door” (John 10:9) without meaning he was a physical door. Transubstantiation was formally defined in the Fourth Lateran Council (1215) and further developed by Thomas Aquinas, meaning it was not an original teaching of the early church

Jesus said that the purpose of his "blood of covenant" is for the forgiveness of  "many" people. (v28) "Covenant" is a binding agreement and meant to last indefinitely. The New Covenant in Christ’s blood is unconditional because it is based entirely on God’s grace rather than human effort. Unlike the Mosaic Covenant, which required obedience to the Law, the New Covenant is based solely on Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 8:6-13). His sacrifice is once for all (Hebrews 10:10), meaning it does not depend on human merit.  

However, individuals must believe and receive it (John 3:16) as God's gift, before they can have eternal life. This is why Jesus said the forgiveness is for "many" people, not "all" people; that is, those who rejected Jesus' sacrifice will not be forgiven.  

When Jesus said he will not drink wine until he drinks it with the disciples in God's kingdom (v29), it could mean two things: 

(a) Jesus is marking a shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, which is after His resurrection. He could have drank wine with His disciples during the 40 days after His resurrection, though the scripture didn't say so.  

(b) Jesus is assuring his disciples that although he will soon suffer and die, there will be a time when they will share in the feast of the kingdom together. This aligns with the imagery of the Messianic Banquet in Isaiah 25:6 and Revelation 19:9.

As a side note, it appears that Judas Iscariot may not be in the room when the rest took the Communion. John 13:30 said that "as soon as Judas had taken the bread (that Jesus gave him), he went out."  It's probable that the communion happens after that.  

(v31-35) Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38)

(v31-32)  At Mount Olives, Jesus told His disciples that tonight they will fall away on account of Him, for it is written: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."   (Zech. 13:7)  When He is risen, he will go to Galilee, ahead of them.  

(v33-35) Peter told Jesus that even if the others fall away, he never will. Jesus said to him that tonight, before the rooster crows, he will disown Him three times (v34). But Peter insist that even if he have to die, he will never disown Him. And the other disciples said the same. 

Note that Matthew says that they have left the upper room to go Mount Olives (v30),  and spoke to Peter there (v34).  However, John 13:38 seems to say that Jesus told Peter of his denial in the upper room after Judas Iscariot had left (John 13:31).

Another difference is that in Mark 14:30, Jesus said that "before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” However, Matthew, Luke and John all said that before the rooster crows, Peter will disown Him. There are no contradiction here as Mark gave more details about how many times the rooster crows.

(v36-46) Jesus Prayed at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46)

(v36-38) Then Jesus went with His disciples to Gethsemane, and told them to wait for him while He goes over there to pray. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) with Him. He began to feel sorrowful and troubled. He told them that His soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He told them to stay here and keep watch with Him. 

Note that John chapter 13 to 17 document additional teachings and Jesus's prayer for the disciples in the upper room.  It is often called the "Upper Room Discourse" or "Farewell Discourse." Only in John 18:1 that said they left for Gethsemane: "When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it."  Though John did not name the place, we know it is Gethsemane for He was arrested there in the next few verse. John didn't mention Mount of Olives, as Gethsemane is part of Mount of Olives at the base. 

(v39-41) Going a little farther, Jesus fell with his face to the ground and prayed to God:  “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Then he returned to the 3 disciples and found them sleeping. He admonished them that they can't even keep watch for one hour. He asked them to watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. He said to them: "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  (v41)

His posture of falling to the ground reflects absolute humility and earnest supplication. This illustrate the mystery of Incarnation - though He is fully God, He is also fully man, and he was submissive to God in His human nature. 

Jesus asked them to pray so that they can avoid temptation. The temptation they faced was not necessarily a sinful act but rather the weakness of the flesh. However, they keep falling asleep and did not pray. And they did fall into temptation when they ran away when Jesus was arrested, and when Peter denied Jesus. 

(v42-46)  Jesus went to pray the second time. He said to the Father, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”  When He came back to the disciples, they were sleeping again. So He left them and went to pray the third time, saying the same thing.  After that He came back and admonish them for sleeping and resting. He said the hour has come for the Son of Man to be delivered into the hands of sinners. He told them to wake up and go, for the betrayer is here.

The “cup” to which Jesus refers is the suffering He was about to endure. Jesus is not afraid of dying on the cross. The agony He faced was going to be more than physical; it would be spiritual and emotional as well. Jesus is trying to avoid carrying all our sins (2 Cor 5:21), which will result in His Father abandoning Him on the cross. This separation from God is the most painful thing He has to bear, and He is asking if it can be avoided.

But the main point is that Jesus submit to God' will, no matter how hard and how painful it's going to be. He knows there are no other way for God to redeem the human kind. This is Jesus' love for all of us. Are we willing to receive Him as our savior?  Are we willing to "watch and pray", and not fall asleep, so as to strengthen our faith and to serve God no matter in what circumstances?

(v47-56) Jesus Arrested (Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-14)

(v47-50) While Jesus was speaking, Judas arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs. They were sent by the chief priests and the elders. Judas had told them that the one he kissed is the one you must arrest. Judas went to Jesus, greeted him, and kissed him. Jesus told Judas to do what he came to do. 

(v51-54) Then the men seized Jesus. One of the disciples reached for his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Jesus told the disciples to put down the swords, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. He reminded them all that He can call on His Father and He will send more than twelve legions of angels. But He won't do that, so that the Scripture will be fulfilled. 

The people that came with Judas are the temple guards and probably including Roman soldiers, according to John 18:3.  Jesus disciple who cut off the right ear of the servant is Peter, according to John 18:10. (Is Peter left-handed if he chopped off the right ear?) The servant name was Malchus, but it was not told whether he is an administrator or a guard. Luke 22:51 said that Jesus healed the man's ear. This illustrate His love and compassion for people, even those who came to arrest and kill Him. 

Jesus said that those who draw the sword will die by the sword. This supports the law of Moses in Genesis 9:6 that says "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind."   Jesus can command twelve legions of angels, equivalent to 72,000, to rescue Him. (One legion is 6000 men in the Roman army.) But He won't do it, else the prophecies that the Messiah will die won't be fulfilled. Some of the prophecies include Isaiah 53:5-7; Psalm 22:16-18; Zech 12:10; and Dan 9:26. 

(v55-56) Then Jesus turned to the crowd and asked if they think He is leading a rebellion, when they came with swords and clubs to capture Him. Everyday, He sat in the temple courts teaching, but they did not arrest Him. But all this happen because the writings of the prophets can be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. 

Jesus told them that they could have captured Him in the daylight when He was teaching at the temple. He would have gone with them without being forced by so many people with weapons. But Jesus said this has to happen to fulfilled the prophecy about the Messiah. 

The prophecy Jesus refers to could include Zech 13:7 - strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scaterred; and Isaiah 53:7-8 where the Messiah was taken away by oppression and judgement.

Just a few hours ago, the disciples promised Jesus they will not disown Him (v35), but in actuality, all of them fled away from Jesus, and were not willing to be arrested with Jesus.  Mark 14:51 added that there is one young man was seized by the guards, but he managed to escape naked by removing his garment. Some say this could be Mark himself. 

In Luke 22:53, Jesus also said "But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”  When will the light shine again?  I believe it will at the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus' resurrection marks the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and truth over deception. It is the moment when the power of darkness is shattered, fulfilling His words in John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

(v57-68) Jesus Before The Sanhedrin (Isaiah 53:1-8; Mark 14:53-65; John 18:19-24; 1 Peter 2:21-25)

(v59-58) They took Jesus to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. Peter followed them from a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to observe. 

The role of the "Teachers of the Law", also known as scribes or lawyers, served as judges in legal matters, providing rulings based on their understanding of the law. The "elders" were respective leaders within the community and serve as judges in legal matters as well. Matthew and all the gospels did not mentioned the Pharisees and Sadducees, though they are part of the Sanhedrin. Perhaps they are not there for this is a judgement case, not a religious debate. 

Caiaphas was the high priest from 18 to 36 AD. Other than Caiaphas, there is another high priest called Annas. He was Caiaphas father-in-law. He was the high priest from 6-15 AD, and was removed from his office by the Romans. However he remained highly influential to the religious leaders. In John 18:13, Jesus was brought to Annas first, before he brought to Caiaphas. 

(v59-61) The Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could put Him to death. But they couldn't find any until two witnesses came forward and declared that Jesus said He is able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.  

Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish judicial and legislative council in ancient Israel. It functioned as a supreme court, handling religious, legal, and political matters. The Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem consisted of 70 elders plus the high priest, making a total of 71 members. It convened in the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically in the Hall of Hewn Stones. Lesser Sanhedrins of 23 judges existed in various cities to handle local disputes.

It wasn't easy for them to find witnesses to say anything unlawful that Jesus had committed. Until the two witnesses said that Jesus threatened to destroy the temple and raise it up in three days. However the leaders did not understand the context of this phrase - Jesus is using it symbolically to describe His own death and resurrection (John 2:21). 

(v62-63) Then the high priest stood up and ask Jesus, whether He will answer the testimony that the men are bringing against Him. But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said: "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God."  

(v64) Jesus replied: "You have said so, and from now on they will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 

(v65-68) The high priest tore his clothes and said that Jesus has spoken blasphemy. He said no more witnesses are needed. The rest of the leaders that Jesus is worthy of death. Then they spit in His face and struck Him with their fists. Others slapped him and sarcastically told him to prophesy who hit Him, since He said He is the Messiah. 

In the religious law, there are no specific punishment for the threat to destroy the temple. However, blasphemy is punished by stoning to death, according to Leviticus 24:16. The high priest tried to accuse him of blasphemy. He used the legal practice in Jewish law (called adjuration) using the oath of God to force Jesus to speak truthfully. (See Lev 5:1; Num 30:2; Deut 19:16-19). Jesus had been quite until now, but He respect the law and answered truthfully that He is the Son of Man and will sit at the right hand of God and will come again (Daniel 7:13-14). They all agree that He has blaspheme. 

However, under the Roman rule, the Jewish authorities are not allowed to carry out capital punishment. Only the Roman government has the right to execute criminals. This is why they had to bring Him to Pontius Pilate to get his approval for crucifixion.

(v69-75) Peter Denies Jesus (Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18)

(v69-74) Peter was sitting at the courtyard, and a servant girl said he was with Jesus of Galilee. But Peter denied it and said he doesn't know what she is talking about. He went out to the gateway, and another servant girl saw him and said to the people there that he is with Jesus of Nazareth. Peter said he doesn't know that man. Later on, those standing there went up to Peter and said he is one of them, for his accent gives him away.  Peter calls down curses and swore to them that he didn't know the man. 

When the men told Peter that his accent gives him away, they were referring to his Galilean dialect. People from different regions of Israel had distinct ways of speaking, much like regional accents today. Galileans were known for their particular pronunciation, which set them apart from those in Jerusalem. 

Peter was so in desperation to distance himself from Jesus that he "calls in curses and swore" to them.  Very likely he said something like "May I be cursed if I am lying."  He could also be cursing the men instead, but that is unlikely. 

(v75) Immediately, the rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had told him, that before the rooster crows, he will disown Him three times. And Peter went outside and wept bitterly. 

In Luke 22:61, it says that Jesus turned and looked at Peter after the rooster crows. The scripture did not mention Jesus' emotion when He looked at Peter - but I believe He was filled with compassion and understanding. Some theologians describe it as a heart-piercing yet heart-healing look—one that revealed Peter’s failure but also held the tenderness of His love.

This is probably the saddest moment for Peter in his entire life. He promised Jesus he would not, but he gave in to fear - fear of being arrested, fear of being killed.  He weep bitterly not just for guilt, but that he had denied the One who loved him most. 

Sometimes we promised the Lord that we repent from a sin and promise we won't do it again. However, like the disciples, we keep breaking the promise. Jesus didn't even get angry at the disciples from running away or Peter denying Him. We need not be afraid to go back to the Lord to ask for forgiveness again and again until we are spiritually stronger.

Appendix:

1. Three women who poured perfume on Jesus:

a) Matthew 26:7 & Mark 14:3 – An unnamed woman anointed Jesus' head with expensive perfume at the house of Simon the Leper in Bethany. This happens two days before Passover. She put the perfume in a alabaster stone jar. The perfume is likely nard or other expensive fragrance. 

b) John 12:3 – Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anointed Jesus' feet with pure nard and wiped them with her hair in Bethany. This happens six days before Passover. Judas Iscariot said the same thing the disciples did in Matt 26:9, and Jesus replied the same way as in Matt 26:11-12.  Perhaps either Matthew or John has mixed up the home this conversation happened. 

c) Luke 7:37-38 – A sinful woman anointed Jesus' feet at the house of Simon the Pharisee (likely in Galilee). She wept, wiped His feet with her hair, and poured perfume on them. This is her way of repentance and asking for forgiveness. 

2. The content of the dish where Jesus dipped His bread. (Matt 26:23; John 13:26)

The dish likely contained a mixture of bitter herbs, which was a traditional part of the Passover meal. The bitter herbs symbolized the bitterness of slavery that the Israelites endured in Egypt. Some interpretations suggest that the dish may have also included a paste-like mixture, possibly haroset, made of fruits, nuts, and spices, which represented the mortar used by the Israelites in their forced labor.

This act of dipping the bread and giving it to Judas was significant, as it was a gesture of honor and friendship, making Judas' betrayal even more poignant.