Matthew 26:2
“Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.”
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Verse: “Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” (Matthew 26:2, KJV)
Historical Context:Matthew 26:2 takes place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The verse mentions the approaching feast of the Passover, which was a significant Jewish celebration commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This context is crucial for understanding the events that follow in the passage.
- The Feast of the Passover:
The Passover was instituted by God through Moses in Exodus 12. It was a time when Jewish people gathered in Jerusalem to remember God’s miraculous redemption and deliverance of their ancestors. The feast involved the sacrifice of a lamb, whose blood was spread on the doorposts of their houses in Egypt to protect them from the final plague, in which the firstborn of Egypt were killed.
The Significance of Jesus’ Betrayal and Crucifixion:In Matthew 26:2, Jesus foretells His betrayal and crucifixion, connecting them with the upcoming Passover. This verse points to Jesus’ role as the ultimate Passover Lamb. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from God’s judgment, Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross would provide salvation and deliverance for all humanity.
Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies:Throughout the Old Testament, there were prophecies and foreshadowing regarding the coming Messiah, His suffering, and His sacrificial death. Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion were part of God’s divine plan to fulfill these prophecies and bring salvation to the world. The events that would unfold in the following days were crucial for the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes.
Jesus’ Submission to God’s Plan:Jesus’ statement in Matthew 26:2 also reveals His obedience to God’s will. He willingly faced betrayal, suffering, and death, knowing it was the Father’s plan for the redemption of mankind. Jesus’ submission to God’s plan demonstrates His love for humanity and His commitment to carrying out the Father’s purposes.
Lessons for Believers:a. Jesus’ sacrifice should remind us of the depth of God’s love for us. He willingly laid down His life so that we could have eternal life.
b. Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan serves as an example for us. As believers, we are called to submit to God’s will, even when faced with difficulties or challenges.
c. The Passover feast and Jesus’ fulfillment of it reveal the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament foreshadows and points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
In summary, Matthew 26:2 sets the stage for Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion, connecting these events with the approaching feast of the Passover. It highlights the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death and His obedience to God’s plan, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and providing salvation for all who believe.
