matthew-26:3-16-nlt

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:4

(4) That they might take Jesus by subtilty.—The plan implied in these words and in those that follow (“not on the feast day”) would seem to have been hastened in its accomplishment by the unexpected treachery of Judas. They had intended to wait till the feast was over, but the temptation thus offered was too great to be resisted, and they accordingly stepped out of the limits which their caution had suggested, and were content to run the risk even of an “uproar among the people” within the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:6

(6) Now when Jesus was in Bethany.—The narrative is given out of its proper order on account of its connection (as indicated in St. John’s record) with the act of the Traitor. St. John fixes it (John 12:1) at six days before the Passover, i.e., on the evening that preceded the entry into Jerusalem. It was, therefore, a feast such as Jews were wont to hold at the close of the Sabbath.In the house of Simon the leper.—Of the man so described we know nothing beyond the fact thus mentioned. It is... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:7

(7) There came unto him a woman.—We learn from St. John (John 12:3) that this was Mary the sister of Lazarus. It is hardly conceivable (unless we conjecture that she came in veiled, and that St. John alone knew her) that the writers of the first two Gospels, or those from whom they derived their knowledge, could have been ignorant who she was, and we can only see in their suppression of the name an example of the singular reticence which sealed their lips as to every member of the family at... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:8

(8) When his disciples saw it.—There is a singular narrowing of the limits in the three narratives. St. Mark reports that “some had indignation;” St. John (John 12:4), as knowing who had whispered the first word of blame, fixes the uncharitable judgment on “Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son.” The narrow, covetous soul of the Traitor could see nothing in the lavish gift but a “waste” (literally, perdition) that was matter for reproach. There is something almost terribly suggestive in the fact that our... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:9

(9) This ointment might have been sold for much.—St. Mark and St. John agree in giving the Traitor’s computation. It might have been sold for three hundred denarii, a labourer’s wages for nearly a whole year (Matthew 20:2), enough to feed a multitude of more than 7,500 men (John 6:7). St. John adds the damning fact that the pretended zeal for the poor was the cloak for the irritation of disappointed greed. “He was a thief, and bare the bag.” He was, i.e., the treasurer or bursar of the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:10

(10) Why trouble ye the woman?—The Greek is more emphatic, “Why are ye giving trouble?” St. Mark uses a word to describe their conduct which explains the verse. “They murmured against her,” or better, They were bitterly reproaching her. One after another of the murmurers uttered his bitter remonstrances.She hath wrought a good work upon me.—The Greek adjective implies something more than “good”—a noble, an honourable work. The Lord Jesus, in His sympathy with all human affections, recognises... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:11

(11) Ye have the poor always with you.—Our Lord dealt with the objection of the murmurers on their own ground, as if it were genuine, and does not openly rebuke the dishonesty of the chief objector. But look and tone, and the solemn pathos of the words, “Me ye have not always,” must have made the Traitor feel that he was in the presence of One who read the secrets of his heart. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:12

(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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:13

(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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:14

(14) Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot.—The narrative of St. John leads us, as has been said, to connect the act of treachery with the fact just recorded. There was the shame, and therefore the anger, of detected guilt; there was the greed of gain that had been robbed of its expected spoil, and thirsted for compensation. The purpose that had been formed by the priests and scribes after the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:47) may well have become known, and have suggested the hope... read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:4

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:6

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:7

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:8

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:9

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:10

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:11

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:12

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:13

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 26:14

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