Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:2

"Ye know that after two days the passover cometh, and the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified." — Matthew 26:2 (ASV)

For the other major passion predictions, see comments on 16:21; 17:22–23; 20:18–19. One last time Matthew uses the formula by which he brings all his discourses to a close (v.1). In the narrative line of Matthew, this pericope is a masterpiece of irony. The Judge of the universe, King Messiah, the glorious Son of Man, is about to be judged.

The Passover began Thursday afternoon with the slaughter of the lamb.

According to the tentative chronology, Jesus spoke these words on the Mount of Olives late Tuesday evening, which, by Jewish reckoning, would be the beginning of Wednesday (see comment on Mk 14:1–2, 12).

The “Son of Man” (see comment on Mk 8:31) is here both glorious and suffering: as often, the themes merge. The Passover is two days away; and it is during that festival that Jesus reveals for the first time that the Son of Man will be “handed over” (GK 4140) to be crucified. Thus Jesus provides a framework for his disciples to interpret his death correctly after it happens—a framework alluded to a little more clearly in the institution of the Lord’s Supper (vv.17–29).