Matthew 26

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” The number two makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high…” Naming Caiaphas keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.” Naming Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.” Naming Not keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,” Naming Bethany and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at…” The line’s distinctive content terms include alabaster, head, meat. Its relationship to verses 6 and 8 shows what work it does in this passage.

“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” The line’s distinctive content terms include betray, opportunity, sought. Its relationship to verses 15 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the…” Naming Master keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.” Naming Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.” The number twelve makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been…” Naming Son keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take…” Naming Jesus and Take keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;” Naming Drink keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you…” Naming Father keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” Naming Olives keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” Naming Galilee keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Naming Jesus and Verily keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Naming Likewise and Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and…” Naming Gethsemane and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.” The number two makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” The line’s distinctive content terms include death, exceeding, here. Its relationship to verses 37 and 39 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup…” Naming Father keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Naming Watch keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I…” Naming Father keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.” The line’s distinctive content terms include asleep, eyes, heavy. Its relationship to verses 42 and 44 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.” The line’s distinctive content terms include left, prayed, third. Its relationship to verses 43 and 45 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand…” Naming Sleep and Son keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.” Naming Hail and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and…” The line’s distinctive content terms include disciples, fled, forsook. Its relationship to verses 55 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were…” Naming Caiaphas and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.” Naming Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;” Naming Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,” The number two makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” The number three makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou…” Naming Christ keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,” The line’s distinctive content terms include buffeted, face, hands. Its relationship to verses 66 and 68 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.” Naming Galilee and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.” The line’s distinctive content terms include denied, know, sayest. Its relationship to verses 69 and 71 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was…” Naming Jesus and Nazareth keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.” The line’s distinctive content terms include denied, know, oath. Its relationship to verses 71 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.” The promise, blessing, or covenant language needs its named recipient and scope. Those details prevent a personal word in the story from becoming a promise detached from context.

“And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he…” Naming Jesus and Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.