TRV
“The Passover and the Betrayal Announced”· Matthew 26:1–2
Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these words, he said unto his disciples,
World English Bible Messianic
When Yeshua had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And it came to passe, when Iesus had finished all these sayings, he saide vnto his disciples,
Young's Literal Translation
And it came to pass, when Jesus finished all these words, he said to his disciples,
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Historical interpretation
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9 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Yet it is not all barely, but all these; for there were other sayings which He must speak before He should be delivered up.
He said not, After two days will be, or will come, the feast of the Passover, but not meaning the ordinary annual Passover, but that Passover such as had never before been, the Passover will be offered.
We know that the Father had set the hour of his Passion. For he said to his mother at one point, "My hour has not yet come." In another place, "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour! No, this is why I came to this hour." And elsewhere, "Father, the hour has come! Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." Since the Father set the hour of his Son's Passion, he could not suffer anything from the time the devil had departed from him until his Passion.
After the discourse in which the Lord had declared that He should return in splendour, He announces to them His approaching Passion, that they might learn the close connection between the sacrament of the Cross, and the glory of eternity.
"And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, He said unto His disciples, Ye know that after two days is the passover, and the Son of Man is betrayed to be crucified." In good season again doth He speak of the passion, when He had reminded them of the kingdom, and of the recompense there, and of the deathless punishment; as though He had said, Why are ye afraid at the dangers that are for a season, when such good things await you?
But mark thou, I pray thee, how He hath in all His first sayings after a new manner worked up and thrown into the shade what was most painful to them. For He said not, Ye know that after two days I am betrayed, but, "Ye know that after two days is the passover," to show that what is done is a mystery and that a feast and celebration is being kept for the salvation of the world, and that with foreknowledge He suffered all. So then, as though this were sufficient consolation for them, He did not even say anything to them now about a resurrection; for it was superfluous, after having discoursed so much about it, to speak of it again. And moreover, as I said, He shows that even His very passion is a deliverance from countless evils, having by the passover reminded them of the ancient benefits in Egypt.
(Chapter 26, Verses 1 and following) And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished saying all these words, He said to His disciples: You know that after two days the Passover will take place, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. Let those who think that the Savior feared death be ashamed, and let them realize that He spoke out of fear of suffering when He said, 'Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me' (Luke 22:42). He knew that He would be handed over to be crucified two days after the Passover, and yet He does not avoid the snares, nor does He flee in fear, to the extent that, even when the others do not want to go, He continues boldly, as Thomas says: 'Let us also go, that we may die with Him' (John 11:16). And desiring to put an end to the carnal celebration, and while the shadow is passing, to restore the truth of Easter, he said: ‘With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with you, before I suffer’ (Luke 22:15). Indeed, our pasch is sacrificed, Christ, if, however, we eat it in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:7). Furthermore, when he says ‘After two days the pasch shall be’ (Matthew 26:2), let us seek with a simple understanding that which is sacred, without neglecting the sacrament. After two days of clear light, the true Passover of the world is celebrated, of the old and new Testament. The Passover, which is called in Hebrew Phase (), is not named after suffering as many suppose, but after the passage: because the exterminator, seeing the blood, passed over the doors of the Israelites and did not strike them. Or rather the Lord himself, providing assistance, walked above his people. In the book of Exodus (Ch. XI, XII), which we will discuss more fully if life permits, we can find more about this. But our passage, that is, the Passover, is celebrated in such a way that, leaving behind earthly things and Egypt, we hasten to heavenly things.
The Passover, called in Hebrew Phase, does not come as most think from πασχεῖν 'to suffer,' but from the Hebrew word signifying 'to pass over;' because the destroyer passed over when he saw the blood on the doors of the Israelites, and smote them not; or the Lord Himself walked on high, succouring His people.
After the two days of the shining light of the Old and of the New Testament, the true Passover is slain for the world. Also our Passover is celebrated when we leave the things of earth, and hasten to the things of heaven.
Let them blush with shame who think the Savior dreaded death and said out of fear of suffering, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” After two days, about to celebrate the Passover, he knew that he was to be betrayed and crucified. However, he did not turn away from the snares or take flight in fear. While the rest were unwilling to proceed, he remained unruffled when Thomas said, “Let us go that we may die with him.” Wishing to put an end to the earthly festivity and to declare the truth in the passing shadow of Passover, he said, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Indeed, “Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed” if we eat it with “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Furthermore, because he says, “After two days the Passover will be here” and omits a simple explanation, we should seek what is holy. After two days of the brilliant light of the Old and New Testaments, the Passover is celebrated for the world. This Passover, called pesaḥin Hebrew, is not named after Christ’s suffering as many believe.It refers to the “passing over,” when the destroying angel saw the blood on the doors of the Israelites, passed by and did not strike them down. In other words, the Lord, giving help to his people, came down from above. Our passing over—that is to say, pesaḥ—will be celebrated if we put behind us both earthly things and Egypt and move on to heavenly things.
Or, because by the help of the Lord the Israelitish people, freed from Egyptian bondage, passed forth into liberty.
Mystically, that is called the Passover, because on that day Christ passed out of the world to His Father, from corruption to incorruption, from life to death, or because He redeemed the world by causing it savingly to pass from the slavery of the Devil.
All these sayings, i. e. about the consummation of the world, and the day of judgment. Or, finished, because He had fulfilled in doing and preaching all things from the beginning of the Gospel to His Passion.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Matthew 26:1 serves as a crucial structural and theological hinge in the Gospel narrative, marking the definitive conclusion of Jesus' extensive public teaching ministry and the immediate prelude to the Passion Week events. This verse signals a deliberate shift from discourse to decisive action, setting the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, highlighting the intentionality and divine timing of God's redemptive plan.
Context
Literary Context
Matthew 26:1 immediately follows Jesus' final major discourse, commonly known as the Olivet Discourse, spanning Matthew 24 and Matthew 25. This extensive teaching session, delivered on the Mount of Olives, covered prophecies concerning the destruction of the temple, signs of the end of the age, and parables emphasizing vigilance, preparedness, and faithful stewardship, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents. The phrase "all these sayings" explicitly refers to this comprehensive body of eschatological and ethical instruction, making Matthew 26:1 a clear literary marker for the end of Jesus' teaching phase and the beginning of the Passion narrative, which commences with His prophecy of the Passover crucifixion in Matthew 26:2.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events described in Matthew 26 unfold during the week leading up to Passover, a pivotal Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Jerusalem would have been bustling with pilgrims, and the religious and political tensions surrounding Jesus were at their peak. The Jewish leadership, particularly the chief priests and elders, sought to arrest Jesus (as seen in Matthew 26:3-5) but feared a public uprising during the festival. Jesus' teachings, especially those challenging the established religious order and proclaiming His own authority, had alienated many in power. Culturally, the Passover was a time of heightened expectation for a messianic deliverer, yet the prevailing understanding of the Messiah was often political and military, contrasting sharply with Jesus' path of suffering and sacrifice. This historical backdrop underscores the dramatic and dangerous context in which Jesus' final teachings concluded and His path to the cross began.
Key Themes
Matthew 26:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment, emphasizing that Jesus' journey to the cross was not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated plan, precisely timed and executed. The phrase "it came to pass" subtly reinforces this. Secondly, it underscores the Authority and Finality of Jesus' Words. The completion of "all these sayings" signifies that Jesus had delivered His full and authoritative revelation concerning the kingdom of God, the end times, and the demands of discipleship, preparing His followers for the ultimate act of redemption. This aligns with Matthew's emphasis on Jesus as the ultimate teacher, the new Moses, whose words are to be obeyed (Matthew 7:24-27). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of Preparation and Transition, both for Jesus as He moves towards His suffering and for His disciples, who are about to witness the most profound events of salvation history, having been equipped by His extensive teachings.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, G1096, is a common Greek idiom often translated as "it happened" or "it came about." Here, it carries a sense of divine orchestration and inevitability. It's not merely a casual occurrence but an event unfolding according to a pre-determined plan, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in the unfolding narrative. Its use here signals a significant transition point in the divine drama.
This verb means "to bring to an end," "to complete," or "to accomplish." It implies a decisive conclusion, not just a pause in speaking, but the fulfillment of a specific phase or task. In this context, it signifies that Jesus' teaching ministry, particularly the extensive Olivet Discourse, was brought to its intended and complete close, preparing for the next, crucial stage of His mission.
Referring to "something said," "a word," or "discourse." Here, "all these sayings" refers specifically to the comprehensive body of teachings Jesus had just delivered in Matthew 24-25. The use of logos emphasizes the substance and authority of Jesus' verbal revelation, highlighting that His teachings are not trivial but foundational truths that His disciples were meant to internalize before the climactic events of His passion.
Verse Breakdown
"¶ And it came to pass,"
This opening phrase serves as a significant narrative marker, common in biblical literature, indicating a transition to a new, important phase of events. It suggests that what follows is not accidental but part of a divinely ordered progression, emphasizing the sovereign hand of God in the unfolding of Jesus' ministry and passion.
"when Jesus had finished all these sayings,"
This clause highlights the completion of Jesus' extensive teaching ministry, particularly the detailed eschatological and ethical instructions given in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25). The word "finished" (from teléō) implies a deliberate and purposeful conclusion, signifying that Jesus had fully delivered the necessary instruction to His disciples before embarking on the final, redemptive acts of His life.
"he said unto his disciples,"
This specifies the audience for Jesus' subsequent declaration (in Matthew 26:2). The shift from public teaching to a more private address to His disciples underscores the intimate and weighty nature of the revelation to follow – His impending crucifixion. It marks a shift from broad instruction to specific, personal preparation for the events that would soon transpire.
Literary Devices
Matthew 26:1 employs several key literary devices. It functions primarily as a Structural Marker or Framing Device, signaling the end of a major section of Jesus' public ministry (His teaching discourses) and the beginning of the Passion narrative. The phrase "And it came to pass" acts as a Transitional Formula, a common biblical idiom that introduces significant new developments in the narrative, often with an underlying sense of divine purpose or fulfillment. The reference to "all these sayings" uses Anaphora (or a form of it, by referring back to previous content) and Summary Reference, concisely encapsulating the preceding two chapters of detailed teachings. This verse also subtly employs Foreshadowing, as the completion of Jesus' teaching directly precedes His announcement of His impending crucifixion, setting a somber and purposeful tone for the events to come.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Matthew 26:1 is pregnant with theological significance, primarily serving as a profound statement on divine sovereignty and the intentionality of Christ's mission. The completion of Jesus' teachings is not merely a narrative break but a theological necessity, signaling that His verbal revelation was fully delivered before His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross. This verse underscores that the cross was not an unforeseen tragedy but the pre-ordained culmination of God's redemptive plan, a plan that Jesus Himself consciously embraced and executed. It highlights the profound connection between Jesus' words and His works, demonstrating that His teachings prepared the way for, and found their ultimate meaning in, His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 26:1 invites us to consider the profound significance of Jesus' completed teachings and the deliberate unfolding of God's plan in our lives. Just as Jesus had "finished all these sayings" before embarking on His ultimate mission, we are called to internalize and live out the comprehensive truths He has revealed. This verse reminds us that there is a time for learning and a time for action, a time for preparation and a time for fulfillment. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing, even when faced with transitions that seem daunting or difficult. Understanding that Jesus' journey to the cross was purposeful and sovereignly guided should instill in us a deep confidence that our own lives, too, are held within the loving and powerful hand of God, moving towards His ultimate purposes. We are called to be vigilant and prepared, not just for future events, but for the ongoing call to discipleship that emerges from the completed work of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What are "all these sayings" that Jesus had finished?
"All these sayings" refers specifically to the extensive teachings Jesus delivered in Matthew chapters 24 and 25. This discourse, known as the Olivet Discourse, was given on the Mount of Olives and includes prophecies about the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, signs of the end of the age, and several parables emphasizing vigilance, preparedness, and faithful living, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents. Matthew 26:1 marks the decisive conclusion of this major teaching block.
Why is the phrase "it came to pass" significant in this verse?
The phrase "it came to pass" (Greek: ginomai) is a common biblical idiom that often signals a divinely appointed event or a significant turning point in the narrative. In Matthew 26:1, it underscores that the transition from Jesus' teaching ministry to the events of His passion was not accidental or forced, but rather part of God's sovereign and pre-ordained plan. It emphasizes the intentionality and divine orchestration behind the unfolding of salvation history, particularly Jesus' journey to the cross.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Matthew 26:1, by marking the completion of Jesus' teaching ministry and the immediate prelude to His passion, profoundly points to Christ's deliberate and sovereign fulfillment of His redemptive mission. The "finishing of all these sayings" underscores that Jesus, as the ultimate Prophet and Teacher, had fully delivered the necessary revelation before embarking on His ultimate act as Priest and Sacrifice. His journey to the cross was not a reactive event but a purposeful progression, echoing His earlier declaration that the Son of Man "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). This verse highlights Jesus' active agency in His own suffering, demonstrating that He was in control, even as He submitted to the Father's will. His completed teachings serve as the foundation upon which His atoning work is built, revealing the depth of the Father's love and the Son's obedience, ultimately culminating in the new covenant established through His blood (Luke 22:20). Thus, Matthew 26:1 is a powerful reminder that every aspect of Christ's life, from His authoritative words to His sacrificial death, was perfectly orchestrated for the salvation of humanity.