John Calvin Commentary Matthew 26:1

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these words, he said unto his disciples," — Matthew 26:1 (ASV)

Christ now confirms again what we have seen He had previously predicted to His disciples. But this last prediction clearly shows how willingly He offered Himself to die; and it was necessary that He should do so, because God could not be appeased except by a sacrifice of obedience. He intended, at the same time, to prevent the disciples from taking offense, so that they would not be completely discouraged by the thought that He was dragged to death by necessity.

Two purposes were therefore served by this statement: first, to testify that the Son of God willingly surrendered Himself to die in order to reconcile the world to the Father (for in no other way could the guilt of sins have been expiated, or righteousness obtained for us); and, secondly, that He did not die like one oppressed by violence He could not escape, but because He voluntarily offered Himself to die. He therefore declares that He comes to Jerusalem with the express intention of suffering death there. For while He was at liberty to withdraw and to dwell in a safe retreat until that time had come, He knowingly and willingly comes forward at the exact time.

And though it was of no advantage to the disciples to be informed, at that time, of the obedience He was rendering to the Father, yet afterwards this doctrine contributed in no small degree to the edification of their faith. Likewise, it is of singular usefulness to us today. For we behold, as in a bright mirror, the voluntary sacrifice by which all the transgressions of the world were blotted out; and as we contemplate the Son of God advancing with cheerfulness and courage to death, we already behold Him victorious over death.