GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
THE PASSION
Mount of Olives, Gethsemane: Mt 26,30-56
The Mount of Olives: 26,30-35
Verse 30 is a transition following the hymn after the supper. Look forward to the next change of scene in verse 36. Note that Jesus makes three predictions in these verses. Then consider why these six verses go together. What do they highlight?
We can note that the Mount of Olives has been a setting already: 20,1;24,3. See also 2 Sam 15,30-31.
For the first, verse 31, see Zechariah 13,7. Who are involved here? What is the time frame?
Verse 32 then looks beyond the immediate events. Look back at 20,19. See 28,7.16.
The first prediction then becomes specific in Peter as Jesus responds in verse 34 to his protestations in verse 33.
Translations usually retain the connection between Jesus' statement in 26,31 and Peter's reply in 26,33. Unfortunately they lose the link with 16,23. There is a favourite word of Matthew here, found also in 18,6-9.
Verse 34 is a solemn statement.
In verse 35, Matthew has made the same addition as in verses 20 and 26. See later in the chapter for the fulfillment of these predictions: 26,56 and 26,69-75.
Look now at my response.
Gethsemane: 26,36-46
Read through these verses and look for Matthew's main alterations to Mk 14,32-42. The important changes are towards the end. How has Matthew changed the emphasis from Mark?
Gethsemane means "olive press". For the traditional name, see John 18,1.
Verse 37 is similar to 17,1 and 4,18-22.
Verse 38 recalls Ps 42,6; 43,5.
For verse 39, see 6,9-10. How does Jesus' posture differ to that in Mark?
What is the significance of the cup? See Jer 25,15-29 and Ezek (23,31-34). See also 20, 22-23.
How has Matthew altered verse 40 from Mark (Mk 14,37)?
Verse 41 then echoes 6,13. The saying is then the same as in Mark. What do the evangelists mean by the contrast? See for example 4,1-11.
There is another small but significant change from Mark (Mk 14,39) at the beginning of verse 42. What then has Matthew done with Mark? Note how the changes concern the point made earlier about the contrast between the two evangelists.
Look at verse 43 recalling verse 40 and also Mk 14,40. What editing has been done by Matthew?
What is said in verse 44? See Mk 14,40-41.
Look at verses 45 and 46 together. What words do they have in common?
What is the key word (see John 13,1)?
How do these verses conclude the Gethsemane scene?
Look again at my response
Arrest: 26,47-56
Comparing this scene with the Gospel of Mark (Mk 14,43-50; Mk 14,51-52 is omitted), note that there three verses which are unique to Matthew.
Then see how this scene divides into three parts.
For the first part, look at the exchange between Jesus and Judas (26,47-50).
In verse 47, see the emphasis made by Matthew by adding two words added to Mark (Mk 14,43).
In verses 48 and 49, Judas makes his approach, note also 26,25.
Verse 50 is an addition by Matthew. What are its implications? What does Jesus do?
Verses 51-54, the second part, are a notable emphasis by Matthew. To whom is he speaking? Why might this be highlighted by him? See 5,21-48.
What are the three reasons given by Jesus? See 4,6
The third part of this scene then follows, 26,55-56. To whom is Jesus speaking here?
What is the message of Jesus?
What is exceptional about verses 54 and 56?
What is Jesus' situation at the end of verse 56?
Have another look at my response.
We continue with the next phase of the Passion, events at the house of Caiaphas, the high priest.