Matthew 26: The given body and the scattered disciples

The final teaching has ended, and the passion begins under the shadow of Passover. Jesus announces his crucifixion before the leaders describe their plan, holding his foreknowledge beside their responsibility. An unnamed woman pours costly ointment on him and is defended against the charge of waste; immediately afterward Judas asks what he will be paid to deliver Jesus. At the Passover table, betrayal is announced from within the twelve, then bread and cup receive their interpretation as body, blood, covenant, and remission of sins. Jesus predicts that all the disciples will scatter and that Peter will deny him three times, but he also promises a meeting in Galilee beyond the failure. In Gethsemane, sorrow is explicit and the cup is faced through repeated submission to the Father’s will. Arrest follows by a kiss, yet Jesus refuses the sword and says angelic rescue is available but not sought. Before the council he speaks of the Son of man at the right hand of power. Outside, Peter’s denials intensify until the cock crows and memory breaks his confidence into bitter tears.