"You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." “You know that the Passover is two days away,This phrase situates the events within the Jewish calendar, specifically the Passover, a significant festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12). The Passover is a time of remembrance and sacrifice, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). The mention of "two days away" indicates the urgency and imminence of the events to unfold, highlighting Jesus' awareness of the divine timeline. The Passover setting underscores the connection between the Old Covenant sacrifices and the New Covenant established through Jesus' death. Mrk 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread… and the Son of Man The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure with authority and dominion. Jesus frequently uses this title to refer to Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. It reflects His role as the representative of humanity and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. This title also connects to the suffering servant motif in Isaiah 53, where the Messiah is depicted as one who suffers for the sins of others. Dan 7:13 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw… will be handed over This phrase indicates the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, which fulfills the prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7-9) and the righteous one being delivered into the hands of sinners (Psalm 41:9). The passive construction "will be handed over" suggests divine sovereignty in the unfolding events, as Jesus willingly submits to the Father's plan (John 10:18). It also foreshadows Judas Iscariot's betrayal, a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. Mat 20:18 Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man… to be crucified.” Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most serious offenders, symbolizing shame and suffering. For the Jewish audience, being "hung on a tree" was seen as being cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Jesus' crucifixion fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, including Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, which describe the suffering and rejection of the Messiah. This act of crucifixion is central to Christian theology, as it represents the atonement for sin and the ultimate expression of God's love and justice (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24). Mat 20:19 and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, referred to as the "Son of Man," a title emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion. 2. The Disciples Jesus' followers who are being informed about the upcoming events. They are often depicted as struggling to fully understand the significance of Jesus' words and mission. 3. Passover A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. It is during this time that Jesus predicts His crucifixion, highlighting the connection between the Passover lamb and His sacrificial death. 4. Crucifixion The method of execution that Jesus predicts He will undergo. This event is central to Christian theology as it represents the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins. 5. Jerusalem The city where these events are set to unfold. It is a place of both historical and spiritual significance, being the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion. Teaching Points Understanding ProphecyJesus' prediction of His crucifixion demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Believers are encouraged to study these prophecies to deepen their understanding of God's redemptive plan. The Significance of the Passover Recognize the deep symbolism of the Passover in relation to Jesus' sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed to save the Israelites, Jesus' death brings salvation to all who believe. Preparation for Trials Jesus prepared His disciples for the coming events. Similarly, Christians should prepare spiritually for trials, trusting in God's sovereignty and purpose. The Cost of Discipleship Jesus' path to the cross reminds believers of the cost of following Him. True discipleship involves sacrifice and a willingness to bear one's own cross. The Centrality of the Cross The crucifixion is central to Christian faith. Reflect on its significance in personal salvation and the broader account of God's love and justice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the original Passover enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as the "Lamb of God"?2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for trials, as Jesus prepared His disciples for His crucifixion? 3. How do the prophecies in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 53, strengthen our faith in Jesus as the Messiah? 4. What does the concept of the "cost of discipleship" mean in your personal walk with Christ, and how can you apply this in your daily life? 5. How can reflecting on the crucifixion deepen your understanding of God's love and justice, and how can this reflection impact your interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12The original Passover event, where the blood of the lamb spared the Israelites, prefigures Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings salvation. Isaiah 53 This prophecy describes the suffering servant, which Christians interpret as a foretelling of Jesus' sacrificial death. John 1:29 John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God," directly linking Him to the Passover lamb and His role in taking away the sins of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:7 Paul explicitly connects Christ to the Passover, stating that "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."
People Caiaphas, Jesus, Judas, Peter, Simon, Zabdi, ZebedeePlaces Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, NazarethTopics Betrayed, Cross, Crucified, Crucifixion, Death, Delivered, Feast, Handed, Passover, TakesDictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 26:2 2411 cross, predictions Library January 9. "Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt" (Matt. xxvi. 39). "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt" (Matt. xxvi. 39). "To will and do of His good pleasure" (Phil. ii. 13). There are two attitudes in which our will should be given to God. First. We should have the surrendered will. This is where we must all begin, by yielding up to God our natural will, and having Him possess it. But next, He wants us to have the victorious will. As soon as He receives our will in honest surrender, He wants to put His will into it and make it stronger than ever for Him. It is henceforth … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth November 29. "Could Ye not Watch with Me one Hour?" (Matt. xxvi. 40. ) January 3. "Watch and Pray" (Matt. xxvi. 41). 'Until that Day' The Last Pleading of Love Jesus Charged with Blasphemy The New Passover 'This Cup' Gethsemane, the Oil-Press The Real High Priest and his Counterfeit The Defence of Uncalculating Love The Power of Prayer in Relation to Outward Circumstances. An Awful Contrast A Woman's Memorial Sunday Next Before Easter. "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,", Wyclif -- Christ's Real Body not in the Eucharist That Man must not be Immersed in Business Jesus Predicts, the Rulers Plot For, and Judas Bargains for his Death. Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence. Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold. The Lord's Supper Instituted. Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken. Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Links Matthew 26:2 NIVMatthew 26:2 NLT Matthew 26:2 ESV Matthew 26:2 NASB Matthew 26:2 KJV Matthew 26:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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