You know that the Passover is two days awayThis phrase situates the events within the Jewish calendar, specifically the Passover, a significant festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12). The Passover is a time of remembrance and sacrifice, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God (
John 1:29). The mention of "two days away" indicates the urgency and imminence of the events to unfold, highlighting Jesus' awareness of the divine timeline. The Passover setting underscores the connection between the Old Covenant sacrifices and the New Covenant established through Jesus' death.
and the Son of Man
The title "Son of Man" is a messianic term rooted inDaniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure with authority and dominion. Jesus frequently uses this title to refer to Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. It reflects His role as the representative of humanity and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. This title also connects to the suffering servant motif inIsaiah 53, where the Messiah is depicted as one who suffers for the sins of others.
will be handed over
This phrase indicates the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, which fulfills the prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7-9) and the righteous one being delivered into the hands of sinners (Psalm 41:9). The passive construction "will be handed over" suggests divine sovereignty in the unfolding events, as Jesus willingly submits to the Father's plan (John 10:18). It also foreshadows Judas Iscariot's betrayal, a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative.
to be crucified
Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution reserved for the most serious offenders, symbolizing shame and suffering. For the Jewish audience, being "hung on a tree" was seen as being cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Jesus' crucifixion fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, includingPsalm 22 andIsaiah 53, which describe the suffering and rejection of the Messiah. This act of crucifixion is central to Christian theology, as it represents the atonement for sin and the ultimate expression of God's love and justice (Romans 5:8,1 Peter 2:24).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, referred to as the "Son of Man," a title emphasizing both His humanity and His divine mission. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion.
2.
The DisciplesJesus' followers who are being informed about the upcoming events. They are often depicted as struggling to fully understand the significance of Jesus' words and mission.
3.
PassoverA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. It is during this time that Jesus predicts His crucifixion, highlighting the connection between the Passover lamb and His sacrificial death.
4.
CrucifixionThe method of execution that Jesus predicts He will undergo. This event is central to Christian theology as it represents the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.
5.
JerusalemThe city where these events are set to unfold. It is a place of both historical and spiritual significance, being the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion.
Teaching Points
Understanding ProphecyJesus' prediction of His crucifixion demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Believers are encouraged to study these prophecies to deepen their understanding of God's redemptive plan.
The Significance of the PassoverRecognize the deep symbolism of the Passover in relation to Jesus' sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed to save the Israelites, Jesus' death brings salvation to all who believe.
Preparation for TrialsJesus prepared His disciples for the coming events. Similarly, Christians should prepare spiritually for trials, trusting in God's sovereignty and purpose.
The Cost of DiscipleshipJesus' path to the cross reminds believers of the cost of following Him. True discipleship involves sacrifice and a willingness to bear one's own cross.
The Centrality of the CrossThe crucifixion is central to Christian faith. Reflect on its significance in personal salvation and the broader account of God's love and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 26:2?
2.How does Matthew 26:2 foreshadow Jesus' crucifixion and its significance for believers?
3.What does Jesus' prediction in Matthew 26:2 reveal about His divine knowledge?
4.How does Matthew 26:2 connect to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
5.How should Jesus' foreknowledge in Matthew 26:2 impact our trust in God's plan?
6.How can we prepare our hearts for Easter, reflecting on Matthew 26:2?
7.Why did Jesus predict His crucifixion in Matthew 26:2?
8.How does Matthew 26:2 fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
9.What is the significance of the Passover in Matthew 26:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 26?
11.Why did Jesus resolutely head to Jerusalem?
12.Who is Jesus Christ?
13.Why didn't Jesus return as He promised His disciples?
14.How is Easter's date calculated?What Does Matthew 26:2 Mean
You know- Jesus speaks to the Twelve as friends whose hearts He has already prepared. He has foretold His death more than once (Matthew 16:21; 17:22–23; 20:17–19), so by now they “know” even if they struggle to accept it.
- The statement is a gentle reminder: “I have told you; hold on to it.” Just as He says inJohn 13:19, “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He.”
- He anchors their faith in His word, underscoring that every detail is unfolding by divine design, not by chance.
that the Passover is two days away- Passover commemorates Israel’s deliverance through the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:11–14). By tying His death to this feast, Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
- The timing is precise: “two days away.” God’s plan has a calendar; Jesus’ life moves on a prophetic timetable (John 7:30; 13:1).
- Later, on the day the lambs are slain, He will be lifted up (John 19:14). The shadows of the Exodus find their substance in Him.
and the Son of Man- “Son of Man” is Jesus’ favorite self-title, drawn fromDaniel 7:13–14 where the Messiah receives everlasting dominion.
- By using it here, He blends majesty with humility: the glorious ruler will suffer. CompareMatthew 20:28—“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
- The title reassures the disciples that His impending death is not weakness but mission.
will be handed over- Betrayal and arrest are certain: Judas will “hand Him over” (Matthew 26:14–16, 47–49). YetActs 2:23 clarifies that Jesus is “delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.”
- Human treachery serves God’s redemption. Like Joseph told his brothers, “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
- The passive “will be handed over” highlights submission; Jesus yields His life (John 10:18).
to be crucified- Crucifixion is Rome’s cruelest punishment, prophesied centuries earlier: “They pierce My hands and feet” (Psalm 22:16).
-Isaiah 53:5 foretells, “He was pierced for our transgressions.” Jesus willingly embraces that curse to redeem us from the law’s curse (Galatians 3:13).
-John 3:14–15 links the lifted bronze serpent to Christ: “so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”
summaryJesus calmly tells His disciples what they already know but still need to hear: in two days, at the very feast that celebrates deliverance by a lamb’s blood, the divine Son of Man will be betrayed into human hands and crucified. Every element—the timing, the title, the transfer, and the torture—fits God’s sovereign script. The literal fulfillment of these words assures us that our salvation rests on promises God keeps down to the very day.
(2)
After two days is the feast of the passover.--Assuming (as the facts of the case lead us to assume, but see Notes on
John 13:1) the Last Supper to have coincided with the actual Paschal Feast, the point of time at which the words were spoken would either be some time on what we should call the Tuesday evening of the Passion week, or, following the Jewish mode of speech which found three days in the interval between our Lord's entombment and resurrection, on the morning or afternoon of Wednesday.
Verse 2. -
Ye know. He speaks of a fact well known to his hearers - the day of the Passover Feast. And they had been forewarned of his death (see
Matthew 20:17-19).
Aftertwo days;μετὰ δύο ἡμέρας:
post biduum. These words are ambiguous, as it is not certain how the time is reckoned - whether the current day is included or not. If, as is most probable, they were spoken on Wednesday, the phrase means the next day but one, which commenced on the afternoon of Friday. Jesus appears to have passed this day in peaceful seclusion, either in Bethany or its neighbourhood.
Is the Feast of
the Passover;
τὸ Πάσχα γίνεται:
the Passover cometh;
Pascha fiet. The lambs were slain during the first evening of the 14th of Nisan, and were eaten within twelve hours. The word
Pascha is the Greek form of the Hebrew
Pasach, denoting "the passing over" of the destroying angel, when he destroyed the Egyptians, but left untouched the houses of the Israelites, on whose door posts was sprinkled the blood of the lamb (
Exodus 12.). Etymologically, it has nothing to do with
πόσχω, and the Latin
patior, passio, etc, though pious writers have seen a providential arrangement in the apparent similarity of the words (see the possible paronomasia in
Luke 22:15).
Pascha (
Pasach) is used in three senses:
(1) the transit of the angel;
(2) the Paschal lamb;
(3) the Feast of the Passover. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
“You knowΟἴδατε(Oidate)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Passoverπάσχα(pascha)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3957:The feast of Passover, the Passover lamb. Of Chaldee origin; the Passover.beginsγίνεται(ginetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.inμετὰ(meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.twoδύο(dyo)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1417:Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.days,ἡμέρας(hēmeras)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.SonΥἱὸς(Huios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.of Manἀνθρώπου(anthrōpou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.will be handedπαραδίδοται(paradidotai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3860:From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.overεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.to be crucified.”σταυρωθῆναι(staurōthēnai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 4717:From stauros; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish passion or selfishness.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 26:2 You know that after two days (Matt. Mat Mt) 
