Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 26:20

"Now when even was come, he was sitting at meat with the twelve disciples;" — Matthew 26:20 (ASV)

He sat down with the twelve — While reserving special notes for the Gospels that contain these narratives, we can recall several key events here. We remember the words of strong emotion with which the feast was opened (Luke 22:15) and the dispute among the disciples, likely over their seating arrangement at the table (Luke 22:24). We also recall our Lord’s practical rebuke of that dispute when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–11).

Picturing the scene, we can imagine our Lord reclining—not sitting—at the center of the middle table. St. John was next to Him, leaning on His bosom (John 13:23), while St. Peter was likely on the other side. The other disciples were seated in an order that corresponded, more or less, with the threefold division of the Twelve into groups of four.

After the foot washing came the teaching of John 13:12-20, followed by the “blessing” or “thanksgiving” that opened the meal. The meal proceeded in silence, while the Master’s expression revealed the deep emotion that troubled His spirit (John 13:21). Then, the silence was broken by the solemn words recorded in the next verse.