1Když Ježíš domluvil všechna tato slova, řekl svým učedníkům: 2„Víte, že za dva dny jsou Velikonoce. Tehdy bude Syn člověka zrazen a ukřižován.“ 3Na dvoře velekněze jménem Kaifáš se zatím sešli vrchní kněží se staršími lidu, 4aby se poradili, jakou lstí by se mohli Ježíše zmocnit a zabít ho. 5Dohodli se jen, že to nebude o svátcích, aby mezi lidmi nevypuklo povstání. 6Když pak byl Ježíš v Betanii a stoloval v domě Šimona Malomocného, 7přistoupila k němu žena s alabastrovou nádobkou velmi vzácné masti a vylila mu ji na hlavu. 8Když to uviděli učedníci, rozhořčili se: „K čemu taková ztráta? 9Mohlo se to draze prodat a rozdat chudým!“ 10Ježíš si toho všiml. „Proč tu ženu trápíte?“ řekl jim. „Udělala pro mě něco krásného. 11Chudé tu budete mít vždycky, ale mě vždycky mít nebudete. 12Když mi tato žena polila tělo mastí, připravila mě na pohřeb. 13Amen, říkám vám, že kdekoli na celém světě bude kázáno toto evangelium, bude se mluvit také o tom, co udělala ona, na její památku.“ 14Jeden z Dvanácti – jmenoval se Jidáš Iškariotský – tehdy odešel k vrchním kněžím. 15„Co mi dáte, když vám ho zradím?“ zeptal se. Odpočítali mu třicet stříbrných. 16Od té chvíle pak hledal příležitost, aby jim ho vydal. 17Prvního dne Svátku nekvašených chlebů přišli za Ježíšem učedníci s otázkou: „Kde ti máme připravit velikonoční večeři?“ 18Odpověděl jim: „Jděte k jistému člověku ve městě a řekněte: ‚Mistr vzkazuje: Můj čas nadešel. U tebe budu se svými učedníky slavit Hod beránka.‘“ 19Učedníci tedy udělali, jak jim Ježíš uložil, a připravili beránka. 20Večer, když byl za stolem s Dvanácti, 21uprostřed jídla řekl: „Amen, říkám vám, že jeden z vás mě zradí.“ 22Zcela zdrceni se jeden po druhém ptali: „Snad to nejsem já, Pane?“ 23„Zradí mě ten, kdo se mnou smočil ruku v míse,“ odpověděl jim. 24„Syn člověka sice odchází, jak je o něm psáno, ale běda tomu, kdo Syna člověka zrazuje. Bylo by pro něj lepší, kdyby se vůbec nenarodil.“ 25Jeho zrádce Jidáš na to řekl: „Jsem to snad já, Rabbi?“ „Sám jsi to řekl,“ odpověděl mu Ježíš. 26Když jedli, Ježíš vzal chléb, požehnal, lámal a dal učedníkům se slovy: „Vezměte a jezte; toto je mé tělo.“ 27Potom vzal kalich, vzdal díky a podal jim ho se slovy: „Pijte z něj všichni; 28toto je má krev nové smlouvy, která se prolévá za mnohé na odpuštění hříchů. 29Říkám vám, že od této chvíle už neokusím plod vinné révy až do dne, kdy ho s vámi budu pít nový v království svého Otce.“ 30A když zazpívali žalm, odešli na Olivetskou horu. 31Tehdy jim Ježíš řekl: „V tuto noc ode mě všichni odpadnete. Je přece psáno: ‚Budu bít pastýře a stádo ovcí se rozprchne.‘ 32Až ale vstanu z mrtvých, předejdu vás do Galileje.“ 33„I kdyby od tebe všichni odpadli,“ prohlásil Petr, „já neodpadnu nikdy!“ 34Ježíš mu odpověděl: „Amen, říkám ti, že ještě dnes v noci, než zakokrhá kohout, mě třikrát zapřeš.“ 35Petr se ale dušoval: „I kdybych měl s tebou zemřít, nikdy tě nezapřu!“ A podobně mluvili i všichni ostatní učedníci. 36Když Ježíš s učedníky dorazil na místo zvané Getsemane, řekl jim: „Posaďte se tu. Já se zatím půjdu tamhle modlit.“ 37Vzal s sebou Petra a oba Zebedeovy syny a vtom na něj začala padat úzkost a tíha. 38„Je mi úzko až k smrti,“ řekl jim. „Zůstaňte tu a bděte se mnou!“ 39Kousek poodešel, padl na tvář a modlil se: „Otče můj, je-li to možné, ať mě ten kalich mine! Ať se však nestane má vůle, ale tvá.“ 40Když se vrátil k učedníkům, zjistil, že spí. „Nemohli jste se mnou bdít ani hodinu?“ řekl Petrovi. 41„Bděte a modlete se, abyste nepodlehli pokušení. Duch je odhodlaný, ale tělo malátné.“ 42Odešel podruhé a modlil se: „Otče můj, nemůže-li mě tento kalich minout, ale musím ho vypít, ať se stane tvoje vůle!“ 43A když se vrátil, zjistil, že zase spí. Víčka jim ztěžkla únavou. 44Nechal je tedy, znovu odešel a potřetí se modlil stejnými slovy. 45Potom se vrátil k učedníkům a řekl jim: „Ještě pořád spíte a odpočíváte? Pohleďte, přišla chvíle, kdy je Syn člověka vydáván do rukou hříšníků. 46Vstávejte, pojďme! Můj zrádce už je blízko.“ 47Ještě to ani nedořekl, když vtom přišel Jidáš, jeden z Dvanácti, a s ním veliký zástup s meči a holemi, poslaný od vrchních kněží a starších lidu. 48Jeho zrádce si s nimi domluvil znamení: „Je to ten, kterého políbím. Toho se chopte.“ 49Ihned přistoupil k Ježíši a políbil ho se slovy: „Buď zdráv, Rabbi!“ 50Ježíš mu řekl: „Příteli, tak proto jsi přišel?“ Vtom Ježíše obstoupili, vrhli se na něj a zajali ho. 51Jeden z těch, kdo byli s Ježíšem, náhle vytasil meč, rozmáchl se, zasáhl veleknězova sluhu a usekl mu ucho. 52Ježíš mu ale řekl: „Vrať svůj meč na místo. Všichni, kdo meč berou, mečem padnou. 53Myslíš, že nemohu požádat svého Otce, aby mi hned dal aspoň dvanáct legií andělů? 54Jak by se pak ale naplnila Písma, že to musí takhle být?“ 55V oné chvíli řekl Ježíš zástupům: „Jsem snad zločinec, že jste se mě vypravili zatknout s meči a holemi? Když jsem s vámi denně sedával v chrámu a učil vás, nezatkli jste mě. 56Ale to všechno se děje, aby se naplnila prorocká Písma.“ Tehdy ho všichni učedníci opustili a utekli. 57Ti, kdo Ježíše zatkli, ho pak odvedli k veleknězi Kaifášovi, kde se shromáždili znalci Písma a starší. 58Petr ho ale zpovzdálí následoval až na veleknězův dvůr. Vešel dovnitř a sedl si mezi sluhy, aby viděl konec. 59Vrchní kněží i celá Velerada pak proti Ježíšovi hledali falešné svědectví, aby ho mohli odsoudit k smrti. 60Nic ale nenašli, ačkoli předstupovalo mnoho falešných svědků. Nakonec předstoupili dva, 61kteří řekli: „Tento muž prohlásil: ‚Mohu zbořit Boží chrám a za tři dny ho postavit!‘“ 62Tehdy vstal velekněz a tázal se ho: „Nic neodpovíš na svědectví těch mužů?“ 63Ježíš ale mlčel. „Zapřísahám tě při živém Bohu, abys nám řekl, zda jsi Mesiáš, Boží Syn!“ naléhal velekněz. 64„Sám jsi to řekl,“ odpověděl mu Ježíš. „Říkám vám ale, že napříště uvidíte Syna člověka sedět po pravici Moci a přicházet na nebeských oblacích.“ 65Tehdy si velekněz roztrhl roucho a zvolal: „Rouhal se! K čemu ještě potřebujeme svědky? Právě jste slyšeli rouhání! 66Co o tom soudíte?“ „Ať zemře!“ vykřikli. 67Pak mu začali mu plivat do tváře a bít ho pěstmi. Jiní ho tloukli holemi 68a říkali: „Prorokuj nám, Mesiáši, kdo tě udeřil?“ Neznám ho! 69Petr zatím seděl venku na dvoře. Přistoupila k němu jedna služka a řekla: „Ty jsi byl také s tím Ježíšem z Galileje.“ 70On to ale přede všemi zapřel: „Nevím, o čem mluvíš!“ 71Zamířil k bráně, ale tam ho uviděla jiná a řekla ostatním: „Tenhle byl také s tím Ježíšem z Nazaretu.“ 72Petr ho však znovu zapřel. „Toho člověka neznám!“ dušoval se. 73Po malé chvíli ho obklopili kolemstojící a řekli: „Určitě k nim patříš. I tvé nářečí tě prozrazuje!“ 74Tehdy se začal zaklínat a přísahat: „Toho člověka neznám!“ A vtom zakokrhal kohout. 75Petr si vzpomněl na Ježíšova slova: „Než zakokrhá kohout, třikrát mě zapřeš.“ Vyšel ven a hořce se rozplakal.
Matthew Henry - Concise Commentary 1 Our Lord had often told of his sufferings as at a distance, now he speaks of them as at hand. At the same time the Jewish council consulted how they might put him to death secretly. But it pleased God to defeat their intention. Jesus, the true paschal Lamb, was to be sacrificed for us at that very time, and his death and resurrection rendered public.
6 The pouring ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect. Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon him. The more Christ's servants and their services are cavilled at, the more he manifests his acceptance. This act of faith and love was so remarkable, that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary's faith and love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled.
14 There were but twelve called apostles, and one of them was like a devil; surely we must never expect any society to be quite pure on this side heaven. The greater profession men make of religion, the greater opportunity they have of doing mischief, if their hearts be not right with God. Observe, that Christ's own disciple, who knew so well his doctrine and manner of his life, and was false to him, could not charge him with any thing criminal, though it would have served to justify his treachery. What did Judas want? Was not he welcome wherever his Master was? Did he not fare as Christ fared? It is not the lack, but the love of money, that is the root of all evil. After he had made that wicked bargain, Judas had time to repent, and to revoke it; but when lesser acts of dishonesty have hardened the conscience men do without hesitation that which is more shameful.
17 Observe, the place for their eating the passover was pointed out by Christ to the disciples. He knows those hidden ones who favour his cause, and will graciously visit all who are willing to receive him. The disciples did as Jesus had appointed. Those who would have Christ's presence in the gospel passover, must do what he says. It well becomes the disciples of Christ always to be jealous over themselves, especially in trying times. We know not how strongly we may be tempted, nor how far God may leave us to ourselves, therefore we have reason not to be high-minded, but to fear. Heart-searching examination and fervent prayer are especially proper before the Lord's supper, that, as Christ our Passover is now sacrificed for us, we may keep this feast, renewing our repentance, our faith in his blood, and surrendering ourselves to his service.
26 This ordinance of the Lord's supper is to us the passover supper, by which we commemorate a much greater deliverance than that of Israel out of Egypt. Take, eat; accept of Christ as he is offered to you; receive the atonement, approve of it, submit to his grace and his government. Meat looked upon, be the dish ever so well garnished, will not nourish; it must be fed upon: so must the doctrine of Christ. This is my body; that is, spiritually, it signifies and represents his body. We partake of the sun, not by having the sun put into our hands, but the beams of it darted down upon us; so we partake of Christ by partaking of his grace, and the blessed fruits of the breaking of his body. The blood of Christ is signified and represented by the wine. He gave thanks, to teach us to look to God in every part of the ordinance. This cup he gave to the disciples with a command, Drink ye all of it. The pardon of sin is that great blessing which is, in the Lord's supper, conferred on all true believers; it is the foundation of all other blessings. He takes leave of such communion; and assures them of a happy meeting again at last; Until that day when I drink it new with you , may be understood of the joys and glories of the future state, which the saints shall partake with the Lord Jesus. That will be the kingdom of his Father; the wine of consolation will there be always new. While we look at the outward signs of Christ's body broken and his blood shed for the remission of our sins, let us recollect that the feast cost him as much as though he had literally given his flesh to be eaten and his blood for us to drink.
31 Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall. There is a proneness in all of us to be over-confident. But those fall soonest and foulest, who are the most confident in themselves. Those are least safe, who think themselves most secure. Satan is active to lead such astray; they are most off their guard: God leaves them to themselves, to humble them.
36 He who made atonement for the sins of mankind, submitted himself in a garden of suffering, to the will of God, from which man had revolted in a garden of pleasure. Christ took with him into that part of the garden where he suffered his agony, only those who had witnessed his glory in his transfiguration. Those are best prepared to suffer with Christ, who have by faith beheld his glory. The words used denote the most entire dejection, amazement, anguish, and horror of mind; the state of one surrounded with sorrows, overwhelmed with miseries, and almost swallowed up with terror and dismay. He now began to be sorrowful, and never ceased to be so till he said, It is finished. He prayed that, if possible, the cup might pass from him. But he also showed his perfect readiness to bear the load of his sufferings; he was willing to submit to all for our redemption and salvation. According to this example of Christ, we must drink of the bitterest cup which God puts into our hands; though nature struggle, it must submit. It should be more our care to get troubles sanctified, and our hearts satisfied under them, than to get them taken away. It is well for us that our salvation is in the hand of One who neither slumbers nor sleeps. All are tempted, but we should be much afraid of entering into temptation. To be secured from this, we should watch and pray, and continually look unto the Lord to hold us up that we may be safe. Doubtless our Lord had a clear and full view of the sufferings he was to endure, yet he spoke with the greatest calmness till this time. Christ was a Surety, who undertook to be answerable for our sins. Accordingly he was made sin for us, and suffered for our sins, the Just for the unjust; and Scripture ascribes his heaviest sufferings to the hand of God. He had full knowledge of the infinite evil of sin, and of the immense extent of that guilt for which he was to atone; with awful views of the Divine justice and holiness, and the punishment deserved by the sins of men, such as no tongue can express, or mind conceive. At the same time, Christ suffered being tempted; probably horrible thoughts were suggested by Satan that tended to gloom and every dreadful conclusion: these would be the more hard to bear from his perfect holiness. And did the load of imputed guilt so weigh down the soul of Him of whom it is said, He upholdeth all things by the word of his power? into what misery then must those sink whose sins are left upon their own heads! How will those escape who neglect so great salvation?
47 No enemies are so much to be abhorred as those professed disciples that betray Christ with a kiss. God has no need of our services, much less of our sins, to bring about his purposes. Though Christ was crucified through weakness, it was voluntary weakness; he submitted to death. If he had not been willing to suffer, they could not conquer him. It was a great sin for those who had left all to follow Jesus; now to leave him for they knew not what. What folly, for fear of death to flee from Him, whom they knew and acknowledged to be the Fountain of life!
57 Jesus was hurried into Jerusalem. It looks ill, and bodes worse, when those who are willing to be Christ's disciples, are not willing to be known to be so. Here began Peter's denying him: for to follow Christ afar off, is to begin to go back from him. It is more our concern to prepare for the end, whatever it may be, than curiously to ask what the end will be. The event is God's, but the duty is ours. Now the Scriptures were fulfilled, which said, False witnesses are risen up against me. Christ was accused, that we might not be condemned; and if at any time we suffer thus, let us remember we cannot expect to fare better than our Master. When Christ was made sin for us, he was silent, and left it to his blood to speak. Hitherto Jesus had seldom professed expressly to be the Christ, the Son of God; the tenor of his doctrine spoke it, and his miracles proved it; but now he would not omit to make an open confession of it. It would have looked like declining his sufferings. He thus confessed, as an example and encouragement to his followers, to confess him before men, whatever hazard they ran. Disdain, cruel mocking, and abhorrence, are the sure portion of the disciple as they were of the Master, from such as would buffet and deride the Lord of glory. These things were exactly foretold in the fiftieth chapter of Isaiah. Let us confess Christ's name, and bear the reproach, and he will confess us before his Father's throne.
69 Peter's sin is truly related, for the Scriptures deal faithfully. Bad company leads to sin: those who needlessly thrust themselves into it, may expect to be tempted and insnared, as Peter. They scarcely can come out of such company without guilt or grief, or both. It is a great fault to be shy of Christ; and to dissemble our knowledge of him, when we are called to own him, is, in effect, to deny him. Peter's sin was aggravated; but he fell into the sin by surprise, not as Judas, with design. But conscience should be to us as the crowing of the cock, to put us in mind of the sins we had forgotten. Peter was thus left to fall, to abate his self-confidence, and render him more modest, humble, compassionate, and useful to others. The event has taught believers many things ever since, and if infidels, Pharisees, and hypocrites stumble at it or abuse it, it is at their peril. Little do we know how we should act in very difficult situations, if we were left to ourselves. Let him, therefore, that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall; let us all distrust our own hearts, and rely wholly on the Lord. Peter wept bitterly. Sorrow for sin must not be slight, but great and deep. Peter, who wept so bitterly for denying Christ, never denied him again, but confessed him often in the face of danger. True repentance for any sin will be shown by the contrary grace and duty; that is a sign of our sorrowing not only bitterly, but sincerely.