Matthew 26:2 - The Plot to Kill Jesus

You know that the Passover is two days away
This phrase situates the events within the Jewish calendar, specifically the Passover, a significant festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12). The Passover is a time of remembrance and sacrifice, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). The mention of "two days away" indicates the urgency and imminence of the events to unfold, highlighting Jesus' awareness of the divine timeline. The Passover setting underscores the connection between the Old Covenant sacrifices and the New Covenant established through Jesus' death.

and the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure with authority and dominion. Jesus frequently uses this title to refer to Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. It reflects His role as the representative of humanity and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. This title also connects to the suffering servant motif in Isaiah 53, where the Messiah is depicted as one who suffers for the sins of others.

will be handed over
This phrase indicates the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, which fulfills the prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7-9) and the righteous one being delivered into the hands of sinners (Psalm 41:9). The passive construction "will be handed over" suggests divine sovereignty in the unfolding events, as Jesus willingly submits to the Father's plan (John 10:18). It also foreshadows Judas Iscariot's betrayal, a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative.

to be crucified
Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most serious offenders, symbolizing shame and suffering. For the Jewish audience, being "hung on a tree" was seen as being cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Jesus' crucifixion fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, including Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, which describe the suffering and rejection of the Messiah. This act of crucifixion is central to Christian theology, as it represents the atonement for sin and the ultimate expression of God's love and justice (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, referred to as the "Son of Man," a title emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion.

2. The Disciples
Jesus' followers who are being informed about the upcoming events. They are often depicted as struggling to fully understand the significance of Jesus' words and mission.

3. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. It is during this time that Jesus predicts His crucifixion, highlighting the connection between the Passover lamb and His sacrificial death.

4. Crucifixion
The method of execution that Jesus predicts He will undergo. This event is central to Christian theology as it represents the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events are set to unfold. It is a place of both historical and spiritual significance, being the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion.

Teaching Points

Understanding Prophecy
Jesus' prediction of His crucifixion demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Believers are encouraged to study these prophecies to deepen their understanding of God's redemptive plan.

The Significance of the Passover
Recognize the deep symbolism of the Passover in relation to Jesus' sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed to save the Israelites, Jesus' death brings salvation to all who believe.

Preparation for Trials
Jesus prepared His disciples for the coming events. Similarly, Christians should prepare spiritually for trials, trusting in God's sovereignty and purpose.

The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus' path to the cross reminds believers of the cost of following Him. True discipleship involves sacrifice and a willingness to bear one's own cross.

The Centrality of the Cross
The crucifixion is central to Christian faith. Reflect on its significance in personal salvation and the broader account of God's love and justice.

(2) After two days is the feast of the passover.--Assuming (as the facts of the case lead us to assume, but see Notes on John 13:1) the Last Supper to have coincided with the actual Paschal Feast, the point of time at which the words were spoken would either be some time on what we should call the Tuesday evening of the Passion week, or, following the Jewish mode of speech which found three days in the interval between our Lord's entombment and resurrection, on the morning or afternoon of Wednesday.

Verse 2. - Ye know. He speaks of a fact well known to his hearers - the day of the Passover Feast. And they had been forewarned of his death (see Matthew 20:17-19). After two days; μετὰ δύο ἡμέρας: post biduum. These words are ambiguous, as it is not certain how the time is reckoned - whether the current day is included or not. If, as is most probable, they were spoken on Wednesday, the phrase means the next day but one, which commenced on the afternoon of Friday. Jesus appears to have passed this day in peaceful seclusion, either in Bethany or its neighbourhood. Is the Feast of the Passover; τὸ Πάσχα γίνεται: the Passover cometh; Pascha fiet. The lambs were slain during the first evening of the 14th of Nisan, and were eaten within twelve hours. The word Pascha is the Greek form of the Hebrew Pasach, denoting "the passing over" of the destroying angel, when he destroyed the Egyptians, but left untouched the houses of the Israelites, on whose door posts was sprinkled the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12.). Etymologically, it has nothing to do with πόσχω, and the Latin patior, passio, etc, though pious writers have seen a providential arrangement in the apparent similarity of the words (see the possible paronomasia in Luke 22:15). Pascha (Pasach) is used in three senses:

(1) the transit of the angel;

(2) the Paschal lamb;

(3) the Feast of the Passover. . . . Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

“You know
Οἴδατε (Oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Passover
πάσχα (pascha)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3957: The feast of Passover, the Passover lamb. Of Chaldee origin; the Passover.

begins
γίνεται (ginetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

in
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

days,
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱὸς (Huios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of Man
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

will be handed
παραδίδοται (paradidotai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

over
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

to be crucified.”
σταυρωθῆναι (staurōthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 4717: From stauros; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish passion or selfishness.

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Matthew 26:2 Catholic BibleNT Gospels: Matthew 26:2 You know that after two days (Matt. Mat Mt)