1. Preparations for Jesus’ crucifixion 26:1-46There were several events that led up to Jesus’ arrest. Matthew did not present them in strict chronological order but in a logical narrative order. read more
Jesus’ anointing for burial 26:6-13 (cf. Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8) read more
Normally friends of the deceased would prepare the body for burial after death, but that was impossible in the case of criminals. [Note: D. Daube, "The Anointing at Bethany and Jesus’ Burial," Anglican Theological Review 32 (1950):187-88.] Mary may not have understood the full significance of what she was doing, but Jesus used the situation to remind His disciples of His coming crucifixion. read more
The "gospel" or good news to which Jesus referred was probably the good news about His death, namely, that it is the basis for salvation (Matthew 26:12). This is probably not a reference to the gospel of the kingdom. In either case Mary’s act has become a part of the gospel story in the larger sense because the Holy Spirit preserved the record of it in Scripture. Jesus introduced this prediction with His characteristic phrase that highlighted something especially important: "Truly I say to you"... read more
26:12 burying. (b-16) Or 'embalmment.' see Note to John 12:7 . read more
The Betrayal. The Last Supper. Arrest of Jesus, and Trial Before the High Priest1-5. A Council is held against Jesus (Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1: cp. John 13:1).2. After two days] This fixes the date as Tuesday, if the Passover was on Thursday night; or Wednesday, if, as is more probable, it was on Friday night. Is betrayed] This clear prediction is peculiar to St. Matthew.3. And the scribes] RV omits. The palace] RV ’the court,’ i.e. the central quadrangle, the house being built round a square plot... read more
(12) She did it for my burial.—The words must have fallen with a strange sadness upon the ears of the disciples and the other guests. They were expecting that “the kingdom of God should immediately appear” (Luke 19:11), and were looking forward to the dawn of the next day as the hour of its victory and triumph. The enthusiasm of the moment made them deaf to the real import of what they heard, and their Master, alone of all that company, knew that the fragrance of that perfume would not have... read more
(13) Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached.—The prediction tended, of course assuming the extension of the gospel, to bring about its own fulfilment, but the prevision at such a moment of that universal extension may well take its place among the proofs of a foreknowledge not less than divine. Others saw victory only, and that immediate; He saw condemnation and shame and death, yet not these only, but through them a victory and dominion over the souls of men beyond their wildest dreams. read more
Name and Surname Matthew 26:6 Why these surnames? We do not want them, we do not like them; but there they are. Why not say 'Simon,' and let his identification be established by other means than by recalling the loathsomeness of the disease? Why these expansions of names, why these fringes and attachments? Why not identify men by something better than leprosy, or evil deed, or red shame of any kind? We fall here upon a very profitable scene of investigation and instruction. There seems to be... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 26:10-12
Matthew 26:10-12. Why trouble ye the woman, &c.— The vindication of the woman suggests the reason why Jesus permitted so expensive a compliment to be paid to him. He told them, that God had ordered it for the exercise and improvement of charity, that there should always be poor in the land to whom they might do good offices at anytime; but if their love was not testified to him at that juncture, they would have no opportunity to shew it afterwards; because he was to die within two days, for... read more