The approaching betrayal
Matthew 26:1–16FocusAnointing and the plot
Connection to the wholeThe plot, anointing, and Judas' agreement place devotion and betrayal side by side as Jesus' death approaches.
interpretation Matthew 26:31
KJVThen saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
Read it in context
The supper and the warning
Start reading at Matthew 26:17 (Matthew 26:17 to Matthew 26:35).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus interprets His approaching death at the supper and warns the disciples about their coming desertion.
- 26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
- 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
- 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
- 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
- 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
- 26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
- 26:23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
- 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
- 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
- 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
- 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
- 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
- 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
- 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
- 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
- 26:32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
- 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
- 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
- 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 26:1–26:75): Jesus and His disciples share the final supper and go to Gethsemane; Judas, the arresting party, the high priest, council members, and Peter appear in the arrest and hearing scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The supper and the warning. Read Matthew 26:17 through Matthew 26:35 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus interprets His approaching death at the supper and warns the disciples about their coming desertion. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The supper and the warning (Matthew 26:17 to Matthew 26:35). Start reading at Matthew 26:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 26:17, Matthew 26:35, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
The shepherd struck and the sheep scattered
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Zechariah 13:7
- New Testament: Matthew 26:31–35 (current passage)
- New Testament: Mark 14:27–31
Jesus explicitly connects the written statement about the shepherd and scattered sheep with His disciples' impending scattering.
Related passages
- All Matt 26:56 Matt 11:6 Matt 24:9-10 Mark 14:27-28 Luke 22:31-32 John 16:32
- I will Isa 53:10 Zech 13:7
- and the Job 6:15-22 Job 19:13-16 Ps 38:11 Ps 69:20 Ps 88:18 Lam 1:19 Ezek 34:5-6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 26
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusCovenant and coming failure
Connection to the wholeJesus interprets His approaching death at the supper and warns the disciples about their coming desertion.
interpretation Gethsemane and arrest
Matthew 26:36–56FocusSubmission and abandonment
Connection to the wholePrayer in the garden leads to arrest, showing Jesus' obedience amid His disciples' weakness and flight.
interpretation Trial and denial
Matthew 26:57–75FocusConfession and fear
Connection to the wholeJesus' testimony before the council contrasts with Peter's denials outside, exposing the difference between His faithfulness and human failure.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.