The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

THE PASSION

Opening Scenes, Mt 26,1-16

Read these verses and see how they involve four people (one being a group). How are they paired? (I put this slightly differently in the overview, we will see why in the response.)

An immediate look at my response will be helpful before we continue.

Jesus: 26,1-2

For verse 1, look back at 7,28 and 11,1 and the other conclusions we have seen. What extra word has Matthew added in this instance? What is the effect of that extra word? A possible background can be found in Deuteronomy 32,45.

In verse 2, how has Matthew altered Mark 14,1? See too Lk 22,1. Look back especially to 20,17-19. Jesus mentions specifically the Passover, what is its significance? What is the effect of verse 2?

Chief Priests: 26,3-5

Ps 2,2 has been suggested as a background here. Who is missing from the list of leaders? (23,1 gives the clue.) For Caiaphas see also John 18,13-14.

What is their aim in verses 4 and 5 - see 27,24. How does their aim contrast with what Jesus says in verse 2?

What is the effect of these first five verses in setting up the story of the Passion?

Now look at my response.

The Woman: 26,6-13

Jesus has been based in Bethany for some time (21,17). What can we make of Simon his host being a leper?

Note that the woman in verse 7 is not named.
What does the word Christ mean? For one understanding of this deed see Exodus 29,7 or 1 San 10,1.

See how Matthew in verse 8 has changed Mark (Mk 14,4).

Verse 9 can be read against Jesus' teachings (19,21).

In verses 10 to 13 then provide Jesus' interpetation of her action. See what is missing in 27,59 and compare John 19,39-40.

How does Jesus' conclusion reflect upon the disciples' comments in verse 8?

Judas: 26,14-16

We can see how each verse is another step in the story. Look ahead to 27,3-10 as well.

For Judas in 26,14, see 10,4. Note also 26,25.

How best to describe verse 15? Note that this verse is unique to Matthew (Mk 14,10-11 and Lk 22,4-5).
For the agreed payment see Zech 11,12 and Exodus 21,32. Compare with verse 7 above.

See how verse 16 changes verses 4-5.

Then take another look at my response for this second pair of scenes.

Now that we have set the scene, we can move on to the events at the last supper.