Matthew. Matthew 26:17-35 Celebration and Commemoration ~ Part 1

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1 Matthew Matthew 26:17-35 Celebration and Commemoration ~ Part 1 O f all of the festivals, Passover is the most celebrated. Jews throughout history, religious or not, have celebrated freedom from Egypt, even if they believed it was a myth. It has been celebrated in many circumstances, with many meanings poured into it. Sadly, most of our people have missed its real meaning. On the other hand, they aren t the only ones. IF THE PASSOVER STORY WERE REPORTED BY THE NY TIMES By Yehudit The cycle of violence between the Jews and the Egyptians continues with no end in sight in Egypt. After eight previous plagues that have destroyed the Egyptian infrastructure and disrupted the lives of ordinary Egyptian citizens, the Jews launched a new offensive this week in the form of the plague of darkness. Western journalists were particularly enraged by this plague. "It is simply impossible to report when you can't see an inch in front of you," complained a frustrated Andrea Koppel of CNN. "I have heard from my reliable Egyptian contacts that in the midst of the blanket of blackness, the Jews were annihilating thousands of Egyptians. Their word is solid enough evidence for me." While the Jews contend that the plagues are justified given the harsh slavery imposed upon them by the Egyptians, Pharaoh, the Egyptian leader, rebuts this claim. "If only the plagues would let up, there would be no slavery. We just want to live plague-free. It is the right of every society." Saeb Erekat, an Egyptian spokesperson, complains that slavery is justifiable given the Jews' superior weaponry supplied to them by the superpower God. The Europeans are particularly enraged by the latest Jewish offensive. "The Jewish aggression must cease if there is to be peace in the region. The Jews should go back to slavery for the good of the rest of the world," stated an angry French President Jacques Chirac. Even several Jews agree. Adam Shapiro, a Jew, has barricaded himself within Pharaoh's chambers to protect Pharaoh from what is feared will be the next plague, the death of the firstborn. Mr. Shapiro claims that while slavery is not necessarily a good thing, it is the product of the plagues and when the plagues end, so will the slavery. "The Jews have gone too far with plagues such as locusts and epidemic which have virtually destroyed the Egyptian economy," Mr. Shapiro laments. The United States is demanding that Moses and Aaron, the Jewish leaders, continue to negotiate with Pharaoh. While Moses points out that Pharaoh had made promise after promise to free the Jewish people only to immediately break them and thereafter impose harsher and harsher slavery, Richard Boucher of the State Department assails the latest offensive. "Pharaoh is not in complete control of the taskmasters," Mr. Boucher states. "The Jews must return to the negotiating table and will accomplish nothing through these plagues." The latest round of violence comes in the face of a bold new Saudi peace overture. If only the Jews will give up their language, change their names to Egyptian names and cease having male children, the Arab nations will incline toward peace with them, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah declared. 1 XI Jesus Passion and Resurrection 26:1-28:20 A. Jesus Betrayed and Arrested 26: The Plot Against Jesus Verses The Last Supper Verses a. Preparation Verses ww.windsofchange.net/archives/ html.

2 b. Betrayal Verses c. Communion Verses d. Singing Verses Jesus Prayer and Arrest at Gethsemane Verses Introduction: Before entering the passage specifically, let me take a moment to give the background on the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, Passover, Pesach. Passover The first of the three annual festivals was the Passover. It commemorated the final plague on Egypt when the firstborn of the Egyptians died and the Israelites were spared because of the blood smeared on their doorposts (Exod. 12:11,21,27,43,48). Passover took place on the 14 th day (at evening) of the first month (Lev. 23:5). The animal (lamb or kid) to be slain was selected on the 10 th day of the month (Exod. 12:3) and slaughtered on the 14th day and then eaten (Deut. 16:7). None of the animal was to be left over on the following morning (Exod. 34:25). The uncircumcised and the hired servant were not permitted to eat the sacrifice (Exod. 12:45-49). The Passover was also called the feast of unleavened bread (Exod. 23:15; Deut. 16:16) because only unleavened bread was eaten during the seven days immediately following Passover (Exod. 12:15-20; 13:6-8; Deut. 16:3-8). Unleavened bread reflected the fact that the people had no time to put leaven in their bread before their hasty departure from Egypt. It was also apparently connected to the barley harvest (Lev. 23:4-14). During NT times large crowds gathered in Jerusalem to observe this annual celebration. Jesus was crucified during the Passover event. He and His disciples ate a Passover meal together on the eve of His death. During this meal Jesus said, This is My body, and this cup is the new covenant in My blood (Luke 22:17,19-20 HCSB). The NT identifies Christ with the Passover sacrifice: For Christ our Passover has been sacrificed (1 Cor. 5:7 HCSB)" 2 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love (John 13:1). Because there were a number of incidents in this dinner not recorded by Matthew, I intend to at least touch on each as we go through the passage. I m going to follow Wilkins listing, looking at the first part in this section and the second next time. Other authors sift the order a bit differently. 1. Beginning to eat the Passover meal after evening came (Matthew 26:20). 2. Dissension among the disciples as to who is the greatest (Luke 22:24). 3. Washing the disciples feet (John 13:1-20). 4. Identifying Judas as the betrayer, after which he leaves (Matt. 26:21-25). 3 a. Preparation: Now keep in mind as many as three million had come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. They were there to celebrate the festival established hundreds of years before for the specific purpose of pointing to this moment in time. And in the middle of the chaos, rejoicing, etc., the most important events were taking place in an upper room. In these first few verses, we read of the preparation of the most important Passover celebration of all times. Here is the actual time flow of the events. 2 Brand, Chad, gen. ed., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN, Wilkins, Michael J., The NIV Application Commentary, Matthew, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2004, p ) 746 (

3 The Festival of Unleavened Bread lasted seven days, from Nisan (March/April) 15 to 21 (cf. Lev. 23:5 6). prepare for you to eat the Passover. Preparations for the Passover were made on Thursday afternoon (Nisan 14). Jesus and the disciples ate the Passover meal after sundown on Thursday evening (now Nisan 15), with Jesus instituting the Lord s Supper later that evening. Jesus was crucified the following afternoon, Friday (still Nisan 15). 4 We probably should make one more point here. There is some disagreement over whether the disciples were actually having the Passover meal because it was Thursday rather than Friday. There are a lot of arguments on both the issue of the meal, was it Passover?, and do the gospels contradict themselves? clearly not. Let me give MacArthur s final explanation as to why Jesus observed the meal on Thursday evening. The answer lies in a difference among the Jews in the way they reckoned the beginning and ending of days. From Josephus, the Mishna, and other ancient Jewish sources we learn that the Jews in northern Palestine calculated days from sunrise to sunrise. That area included the region of Galilee, where Jesus and all the disciples except Judas had grown up. Apparently most, if not all, of the Pharisees used that system of reckoning. But Jews in the southern part, which centered in Jerusalem, calculated days from sunset to sunset. Because all the priests necessarily lived in or near Jerusalem, as did most of the Sadducees, those groups followed the southern scheme. That variation doubtlessly caused confusion at times, but it also had some practical benefits. During Passover time, for instance, it allowed for the feast to be celebrated legitimately on two adjoining days, thereby permitting the Temple sacrifices to be made over a total period of four hours rather than two. That separation of days may also have had the effect of reducing both regional and religious clashes between the two groups. On that basis the seeming contradictions in the gospel accounts are easily explained. Being Galileans, Jesus and the disciples considered Passover day to have started at sunrise on Thursday and to end at sunrise on Friday. The Jewish leaders who arrested and tried Jesus, being mostly priests and Sadducees, considered Passover day to begin at sunset on Thursday and end at sunset on Friday. By that variation, predetermined by God s sovereign provision, Jesus could thereby legitimately celebrate the last Passover mean with His disciples and yet still be sacrificed on Passover day. 5 Wilkins give what he believes is a stronger, and is certainly a more straight forward view. This view suggests that the passages in John that seem to contradict the Synoptics (e.g., John 18:28; 19:14, 31) all point to a use of the expression Passover for the weeklong series of events, not just the Passover meal itself. For instance, when John 18:28 says that the Jews did not want to become ceremonially unclean by entering Pilate s palace during Jesus trial, it was so that they could continue to participate in Passover Week, not just the meal itself. In other words, Jesus and his disciples ate the Passover meal on Thursday, the beginning of Nisan 15 and the weeklong feast at the same time as the rest of those assembled in Jerusalem (cf. mark 14:12). 6 The most obvious possibility is, Jesus know what was coming, celebrated early and this is why there is no mention of the lamb. This is the view held by Boice and R. T. France. 7 Back to the passage the disciples asked where they were to celebrate Passover. And either Jesus had made earlier arrangements for a location, or a miracle occurred here. Any sugges- 4 English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible, Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, IL, MacArthur, John, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-7, Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1985, p Wilkins, p Boice, James Montgomery, The Gospel of Matthew, Vol.1 & 2, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI, 2001, p ) 747 (

4 tion is simply a guess, therefore let s not speculate. But the end result is, they have a place to celebrate the Passover and begin the real preparation for the sacrifice of the Lamb. b. Betrayal: We can see that God s preparation was taking place behind the scenes, in both what He was doing, and what He was allowing. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:2-3). The opening clip showed the disciples and Jesus sitting around a u-shaped table. The only difference would have been that Jesus would have been sitting in the center, not at one end, as He was acting as the host. The next act is recorded by Luke. Some things don t change. Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves (Luke 22:24-27). And as host another he performed another act which Matthew doesn t record. So let s take a moment and move into the Epistle of John. he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus replied, You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. No, said Peter, you shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. Then, Lord, Simon Peter replied, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well! Jesus answered, A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you. For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. Do you understand what I have done for you? he asked them. You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. ) 748 (

5 I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me. I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me. After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me. (John 13:4-21) In context of the Passover and Christ s upcoming sacrifice, the foot washing takes on a deeper meaning. It may represent the washing from sin. But Jesus primary focus is so the disciples will understand the need to serve from the position of a servant, as He modeled. What I ve found to be interesting as I prepare for the Wednesday night class, is how many denominations make foot washing a third sacrament, practiced in connection with communion. They take Jesus words to wash one another s feet as a command. The question is, was Jesus shows humility and servanthood, setting an example as He was carrying out the duties of a host or giving instructions? This, in a middle eastern culture, was a normal part of social convention. Since this is a secondary issue, either position, literal or symbolic, is acceptable. Which brings us back to our section in Matthew. The flow is a bit unclear between the two accounts. The celebration would have been going on for some time at this point because the meal comes about two-thirds of the way through the haggadah. And it was in the context of the meal He drops the bombshell. He tells the group that one of them is going to betray Him. Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me (Psalm 41:9). Though Jesus knew what was happening with Judas, the idea that one of them would betray was incomprehensible. Can you imagine after all they d been through together for around three years that anyone of them would betray Christ? So they ask the question, Who is the one who is going to do this heinous act. What happens next, at least to me seems a bit unclear. Jesus says the one who dips his hand in the bowl would betray Him. But as part of the service, all of them would have done this. So He isn t actually answering their question. What is important to remember here is, while God would use Judas actions to carry out the salvation program, Judas was still responsible for his own actions. Even if Satan was directly involved, Judas opened the door and was guilty and would have been better off not born. Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed! Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, A child is born to you a son! May that man be like the towns the LORD overthrew without pity. May he hear wailing in the morning, a battle cry at noon. For he did not kill me in the womb, with my mother as my grave, her womb enlarged forever. Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame? (Jeremiah 20:14-18). ) 749 (

6 Next Judas asks if he is the one. Why did Judas ask? He already knew the answer. Maybe he wanted to know if Jesus. But to what end? And did the disciples hear the interchange? It would appear they didn t. This would have necessitated Judas having been next to Jesus and Him having spoken sub voce. His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, Ask him which one he means. Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish. Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. What you are about to do, do quickly, Jesus told him, but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night (John 13:22-30). So for whatever reason, probably again the Holy Spirit closing their eyes, the disciples didn t get what was going on. And what Judas really understood isn t clear either. But what is clear is now he knows where Jesus was, isolated from the crowds, and he hurries off to bring Jesus enemies to Him. But more on that next time. Conclusion: Green gives his assessment of the symbolism of the timing of the events when he states. (Passover) was the perfect feast to anticipate what Jesus had come to do. For the Passover in Judaism had three particular orientations. It looked back to the past and the deliverance from that terrible bondage in Egypt. It gave present strength for the journey; people ate it ready for the road. And the Passover always had a future look, towards the Promised Land. All down the ages the Passover liturgy, or haggadah, has retained that future hope. This year we eat it in the land of bondage: next year in the land of promise, they recited; and they kept a chair at the meal for Elijah, that great prophet who would return at the end of time to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Each of those strands would be taken up and fulfilled in the Last Supper Jesus was preparing to institute. It would look back on his mighty deliverance from the grip and doom of sin. It would give strength to pilgrims along the Christian way. And it would be a foretaste of the messianic banquet in heaven. 8 There are a number of lessons here, but the greatest one is how God had directed all of history and used events, even those intended for evil to bring about the greatest good in all history. Consider Peter s words: Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross (Acts 2:22-23). 8 Green, Michael, The Message of Matthew, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, 2000 ) 750 (

7 This truth should be a source of joy, security, and praise for God. We can experience a great peace knowing that God is in control, He loves us, and He doesn t make mistakes. But, with this should come another truth. When the disciples ask if they were to be the ones to betray Jesus, He never really answers the question specifically, except maybe privately in Judas ear. And we need to realize in at least in one sense they all, we all, have betrayed Him. We were God s enemies, sinners in rebellion against Him. And Jesus went to the cross for our sins. Consequently our sins put Christ on the cross just as surly as Judas betrayal did. When we truly understand this, then we will more clearly understand the love of God and just how much we don t deserve that love. O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me! Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above! O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore! How He watches o er His loved ones, died to call them all His own; How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o er them from the throne! O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best! Tis an ocean full of blessing, tis a haven giving rest! O the deep, deep love of Jesus, tis a heaven of heavens to me; And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee! 9 9 Francis, S. Trevor, O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, public domain. ) 751 (

8 Matthew Matthew 26:17-35 Celebration and Commemoration ~ Part 1 XI Jesus Passion and Resurrection 26:1-28:20 A. Jesus Betrayed and Arrested 26: The Plot Against Jesus Verses The Last Supper Verses a. Preparation Verses b. Betrayal Verses c. Communion Verses d. Singing Verses Jesus Prayer and Arrest at Gethsemane Verses Introduction: (John 13:1) Passover 1. Beginning to eat the Passover meal after evening came (Matthew 26:20). 2. Dissension among the disciples as to who is the greatest (Luke 22:24). 3. Washing the disciples feet (John 13:1-20). 4. Identifying Judas as the betrayer, after which he leaves (Matt. 26:21-25). 1 a. Preparation: (see cf. Lev. 23:5 6; John 18:28; 19:14, 31; John 18:28; cf. mark 14:12) 1 Wilkins, Michael J., The NIV Application Commentary, Matthew, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2004, p. 833.

9 b. Betrayal: (John 13:2-3; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:4-21; Psalm 41:9; Jeremiah 20:14-18; John 13:22-30) Conclusion: (Acts 2:22-23) Personal Application: Reread the passage where the disciples asked if they had betrayed Jesus. Then meditate this week on how we have betrayed God and how merciful He is in forgiving our sins. Prayer for the Week: Lord, help us to realize just how greatly You have blessed us, and to never take that blessing for granted. In Jesus name, amen.