Matthew 26:1–13: Preparing for Jesus’ Burial
Introduction
In Matthew 26, we come to the final major section of the Gospel. Everything we have read about the life of Jesus up to this point has prepared us for this moment as Jesus embarks on the final leg of his journey toward the cross. Although Jesus has been preparing his disciples for this moment throughout his time with them, they are still not ready for what will happen to Jesus. Indeed, everyone in Matthew 26:1–13 must prepare for the death of Jesus, but they will do so well or poorly. This story, then, presses upon us the importance of of making our own preparations: prepare your life around the crucifixion of Jesus.
Discussion Questions
1. How does the word that the KJV translates as, “when it came to pass,” mark a transition within the Gospel of Matthew (v. 1)? What does it mean that Jesus has “finished all these sayings” (v. 1)? How does Jesus’ prophecy of his own crucifixion in v. 2 connect with other predictions that Jesus has made about his impending crucifixion throughout this Gospel? Why do you think that the disciples are still not able to understand the significance of Jesus’ words?
2. What was the Sanhedrin, composed of the chief priests and elders that we read about in v. 3? What role did the Sanhedrin play in Jewish society? What role did the Sanhedrin play in their relationship with the Romans? Why do they want to kill Jesus? Why do they want to avoid killing Jesus during the Passover? How do their actions echo the language of Psalm 31:13? What do their plans tell us about how our times remain in God’s hands (Ps. 31:15)?
3. How does the house of Simon the leper contrast with the palace of Caiaphas the high priest (v. 3, 6)? How does the naming of Caiaphas the high priest contrast with this unnamed woman who anoints Jesus (v. 7)? What did the indignation of the disciples really say about their hearts and values (v. 8)? Why does Jesus say that what she has done has anointed him for his burial (v. 12)? Why does Jesus insist that the action of this unnamed woman be preached throughout the world (v.13)?
4. What is similar about the preparations for Jesus’ crucifixion in all of these figures (Jesus, his disciples, the Sanhedrin, the unnamed woman)? How do their preparations differ from one another? How are you preparing your life around the crucifixion of Jesus? Where are you resisting his authority (the Sanhedrin), or simply denying the reality of the crucifixion (the disciples)? What is one costly thing you may need to sacrifice for Jesus’ kingdom (the unnamed woman)?
