ened bread, when the passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? IO And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. II And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples ? 12 And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 20. 1 Ch. 14:15; Acts 10:41; Rev. 19:9. SECTION 132.- Notes in Matthew. SECTION 133.-14. Note Matt. 26: 15. With desire-desired; a Hebrew form of speaking, signifying I have greatly desired. It was to be a family festival, inspired by love; the rite which was ever to denote the unity of his followers, and keep alive in their hearts the grateful and affectionate memory of their Lord. "He speaks as the Father of his house to his children with whom he is about to leave his testament, joyful that he has some who have continued so long with him that he can see and address in them his future church, the recompense of his griefs." Stier. 16. For; showing the reason for what he had just said. — Fulfilled; i. e, what the paschal lamb prefigured shall have been realized; the great sin-offering by which redemption is purchased for man will have been completed. - In the kingdom; i. e. the Messianic dispensa 133. THE PASSOVER MEAL. Matt. 26: 20; Mark 14:17. 14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves : 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 137. THE LORD'S SUPPer. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.2 21 Cor. 11:24. tion about to begin. The meaning of the passage is, that that passover celebration would be his last one; before another should return, its grand antitype would become a reality. 20. 17. The cup. Not the proper sacramental cup, for that is mentioned in ver. It was probably the first cup at the passover supper. Note Matt. 26: 21. Divide it; i. e. by passing it around, so that each one may receive a share. 18. Shall come. The meaning is the same as,in ver. 16. Matthew and Mark state that he used these words after the institution of the supper, or the third cup. Perhaps they were twice uttered; the first time in relation to the old rite, the second in relation to the new; intimating that the communion which both expressed was to have a new and higher fruition in the glorious future. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood,' which is shed for you. 135. JESUS POINTS OUT THE TRAITOR. Matt. 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Jno. 13: 21-35. 21 But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.2 22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! 23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. 133. (Continued.) 24 And there was also a strife1 among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 11 Cor. 10:16. 2 Ps. 41:9. 3 Acts 2:23; 4: 28. 4 Matt. 18: 1-6; 20: 20-28. 51 Pet. 5:3 6 Ch. 9:48. 7 Ch. 12:37. 8 Jno. 13:4; Phil. 2:7. events is doubtless that given by the other evangelists. The disclosure of the traitor, and his retirement from the room, took place before the institution of the supper. Compare Jno. 13:30. Notes in Matthew. SECTION 133. (Continued.) — There is some difference of opinion as to the proper place of the remainder of this section. It seems scarcely possible that so disgraceful a strife could have immediately succeeded the tender scene of the supper, and we have already seen that Luke, in this portion of his Gospel, does not record things in their historical order. It seems most probable that this controversy sprung up as they were taking their places at the table, each desiring the post of honor there, as indicative of the rank they were to hold in the new kingdom of the Messiah. Then followed the incident, mentioned only by John, of the washing of the disciples' feet, to teach them humility; and apparently in immediate connection with 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?' is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. 28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.9 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed that these words of instruction and gentle reproof. Notes Jno. 13: 1-20. 25, 26. These words Christ had substantially uttered before, at the time when James and John had made to him their ambitious request. Matt. 20:25-27. - Benefactors; an allusion to the titles assumed by the kings of Egypt and Syria, viz., Ptolemy Euergetes, Ptolemy the Benefactor; Soter, the Saviour, etc. 27. That serveth; referring perhaps to his washing of their feet which had just taken place. 28. Temptations; trials and sorrows. Compare Jas. I : 2. 29. A kingdom. This, for substance, is a repetition of Christ's declaration in Matt. 19: 28, in which he consoled his disciples for their lowly and suffering condition on earth by pointing them to the rewards that should follow. Compare Matt. 16: 24-28; 2 Tim. 2:12. 30. Eat and drink; i. e. be admitted to my most intimate society. It was a mark of the highest honor to be invited to the banquet of a king. Compare Es 136. PETER'S DENIAL FORETOLD. Matt. 26:31-35; Mark 14: 27-31; Jno. 13: 36-38. 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired1 to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.3 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 1 Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Pet. 5:8. 2 Jno. 17:9. ther 5 : 12. No inference should be derived from this language as to the nature of heavenly blessedness, as implying a literal feasting, etc.-On thrones. Note Matt. 19: 28. SECTION 136.-31. Simon. This pointed address to Peter grew out of his declaration that he was ready to die for his Master's sake. Jno. 13:38. Desired; literally, has asked for you; the word implying, also, that his demand has been granted. The word you is in the plural, referring to all the apostles. Doubtless the form of expression is derived from the narrative of Job's trial, in which Satan is represented as having been allowed to test him by affliction, and prove if he could his hypocrisy. Christ warns Peter that the Tempter had received permission to tempt them, also, in the hope of driving them into apostasy. It is a solemn admonition of the dangers before them, for the purpose of putting them on their guard, while he couples with it the assurance that he has prayed for them, and thereby assured their victory. Sift you; to separate you from my people and destroy you, as chaff is separated from the wheat. Compare Am. 9:9. 32. Prayed for thee. Doubtless our Saviour prayed often for his disciples (Jno. 17); but this was a special intercession in view of the peculiar temptation to which Peter was exposed. — Fail not; i. e. totally and finally. -Converted; literally, when thou hast turned; i. e. to 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. 35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this 8 Ps. 51:13: Jno. 21:15, etc. renewed love and obedience. The word implies that he would fall into sin. Strengthen; confirm, establish. The words and example of Peter infused great boldness into the body of believers under the persecutions of the infant church. Acts 4:13, 29, 33; 5:42. 33. Into prison-to death; whatever may happen to thee. 34. Thrice. Peter's confidence was three times professed (John 13:37; Matt. 26:33; ver. 33); and our Lord assures him that he would deny him as often. 35. He said. The presumption of Peter arose not only from too great self-reliance, but from ignorance of the trials he would encounter. Christ therefore takes the occasion to contrast their future condition with the comparative quiet and safety of the past, and apprise them of the dangers and hardships that were before them. When I sent. 9:3; 10:4. Lacked ye; had you any want unsupplied? Ch. 36. But now. The protection and supply of all necessities heretofore enjoyed would no longer continue. They would find distrust and enmity, and be obliged to look out for themselves as they best might. They would want their purse, and scrip, and a sword, as other men do. It is not to be understood that this was a command, literally, to arm themselves, but an admonition that they must adopt all usual and proper methods to secure their own support and safety. 37. For; a further illustration of the that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. 140. THE AGONY IN GETHSEMANE. Matt. 26: 36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Jno. 18: 1. 39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.1 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.' 44 And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 1Jno. 5:30; 6:38. Matt. 4:11. great change that was to take place; even I, your Master, am about to be put to death. - Written. Isa. 53:12. This was fulfilled when Christ was crucified between two thieves. Mark 15: 27, 28. Things concerning me; the predictions of my sufferings and death. These were not only to be fulfilled, but that fulfillment was about to have an end, or be completed. 38. They said. As usual, mistaking the import of his language, they look 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. 141. JESUS BETRAYED AND MADE Matt. 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Jno. 18:2-12 47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.1 143. PETER'S DENIAL OF CHRIST. Matt. 26: 69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Jno. 18: 15-27. 54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him; for he is a Galilean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before 1 Acts 4:26. SECTION 142. - Notes in Matthew. 63. Mocked him. In Matthew and Mark this mocking is represented to have taken place after the trial. 68. Ask you; not beg my release, but inquire why you have arrested me; what is my offense? SECTION 143. The other evangelists describe the trial of Jesus first, and afterward Peter's denial; Luke reverses the order. Notes in Matthew. the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out and wept bitterly. 142. CHRIST'S TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION. Matt. 26 57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Jno. 18: 12-14. 63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. 64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? 65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. 66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people1 and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, 67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe. 68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. 69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. 70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. 71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. 2 Heb. 1:3; 8: 1. PRACTICAL THOUGHTS. 31. It is a part of the needful discipline of the present state that Satan should be permitted to tempt God's people. Yet even this permission is within limits assigned by their heavenly Father, who will not suffer them to be tempted beyond what they are able to bear. 32. In these temptations it is delightful to know that we have the sympathy |