A Prelude to the Passover of Passovers
Sunday we resumed our study of Matthew, specifically verses 26:1-29. The narrative moves decisively into the King’s passion and triumph. After teaching on the end of the age, Jesus redirects attention to the immediate: within two days, Passover arrives—and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified. Passover’s calendar and symbols become the frame for understanding his death. The lamb whose blood once shielded Israel foreshadows the Lamb of God whose blood brings true forgiveness, inaugurating a new covenant.
Meanwhile, the earthly machinery of opposition gathers. The chief priests and elders convene at Caiaphas’ palace to plan a stealth arrest, wary of the crowds. Yet, over the Mount of Olives in Bethany, a contrasting response unfolds: Mary of Bethany breaks open costly nard and pours it upon Jesus, anointing him for burial. Her act is defended and dignified—“a beautiful thing”—because she perceives the irreversible hour drawing near. Devotion rightly ordered discerns the moment.
Judas, by contrast, prices the Lord at thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling the tragic pattern of unbelief moving toward betrayal. Preparations for the Passover proceed to a furnished upper room in Jerusalem. Reclining at table, Jesus announces that a betrayer sits among them, and the question “Is it I?” exposes the humility of the faithful and the duplicity of the false disciple who calls Him only “Rabbi.” Then Jesus takes bread and cup—Passover’s familiar elements—and invests them with final meaning. His sinless body will be broken; His blood, the blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. This is redemption by propitiation and atonement, received by faith apart from works. He will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the day He drinks it new with His people in the Father’s kingdom—the sure hope of the messianic banquet.
Two paths emerge: plot or praise, betrayal or beauty, “Rabbi” or “Lord.” The new covenant summons a clear response—repentance and belief in the One who fulfills Passover, bears wrath, and grants righteousness to all who trust Him.