Catholic Bible Study — Matthew 26:1-35

Augustine Institute Bible Study

Episode Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Tim Gray (A), Dr. Michael Barber (B)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Matthew 26:1-35, examining the pivotal transition from Jesus' public ministry and teachings to his Passion. Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Michael Barber guide listeners through the narrative structure, the Last Supper, the role of Judas and Peter, and the Eucharistic significance at the heart of Catholic faith. The conversation focuses on understanding how Scripture unfolds prophecy, sacrificial themes, and the deep call to discipleship in the shadow of Jesus' coming passion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Structure of Matthew and the Transition to Jesus’ Passion

• The hosts begin by outlining the literary structure of Matthew’s Gospel, highlighting the completion of Jesus’ five major discourses (00:00–01:43).
  • "Now that Jesus has completed his teaching, Matthew's going to show. Now he's ready to embark on the last stage of his mission." (A, 01:11)
• The announcement of the impending Passover and Jesus’ pending crucifixion marks a shift from his role as teacher to the ultimate fulfillment of his mission (01:43).

2. The Anointing at Bethany: Contrasting Responses

• Jesus is anointed at Bethany, provoking two contrasting reactions: the woman’s sacrificial generosity versus the disciples’ (and especially Judas’s) indignation (01:58–03:28).
• The hosts discuss how John’s Gospel identifies the woman as Mary of Bethany, and Judas as the key complainer—his concern not for the poor, but his own greed (02:25–03:28).
  • "The contrast couldn't be starker between these two characters.” (B, 04:35)

3. Judas’ Betrayal and Zechariah’s Prophecy

• After being rebuked by Jesus, Judas sets out to betray Him for 30 pieces of silver, famously fulfilling the Zechariah prophecy (03:28–09:23).
  • Dr. Barber draws a parallel: “Judas is doing essentially the same thing, renouncing Jesus as the shepherd and selling him for 30 pieces of silver.” (B, 08:41)
• The freedom and responsibility of Judas, and the mystery of human agency alongside divine providence, are emphasized as key teachings (09:23–10:25).
  • "God respects our freedom. He will not make us love him without us. And he won't save us without us, as Augustine would say." (A, 09:55)

4. Preparation and Significance of the Passover

• Jesus’ prior arrangements for the Last Supper show his awareness and sovereignty—He is neither surprised nor victimized by the coming betrayal (10:25–11:36).
  • “Jesus is aware that he's about to be betrayed. So he's already made arrangements for where the Last Supper... is going to be celebrated.” (B, 10:38)
• Explanation of Jewish Passover customs, family, and group celebrations, and their significance for understanding the context of the Last Supper (12:47–15:25).
  • “You had to eat the Passover in the city precincts. The Old Testament actually is clear that you have to eat it within the sanctuary... So what we read in the Gospel narrative shows us that Jesus is prepared.” (B, 14:12)

5. The Institution of the Eucharist

• The hosts unpack the profound meaning behind Jesus’ actions: taking bread, blessing, breaking, and giving—a pattern rooted both in previous miracles (feeding of the 5000) and now completed in the Last Supper (15:25–19:23).
  • "So in giving his body away and giving the bread, giving his body away, he's showing us what is happening in his passion, he's giving himself away.” (B, 17:36)
• Jesus’ words, "This is my body... this is my blood," are discussed in light of Passover’s ritual, Exodus 12, and the language of sacrifice and atonement for sin (19:23–21:28).
  • "The blood is poured out for many—language that's typically associated with atoning sacrifices... All the sacrifices in Israel's worship are coming together here." (B, 21:37)
• The Eucharist as thanksgiving (Greek “eucharistia”), connecting to the Jewish Todah offering and Jesus’ orientation to the Father (23:19–24:25).

6. The New Covenant and Fulfillment of Prophecy

• Jesus' invocation of "blood of the covenant" (Exodus 24) signals the inauguration of a new covenant, closely paralleling Moses' Old Covenant but now universal and redemptive (21:14–24:59).

  • "He's inaugurating a new covenant here." (A, 21:35)

• The structure of Matthew’s Gospel echoes the five books of Moses—now fulfilled in Jesus’ life, teachings, and sacrificial death, establishing a new way of relationship with God (24:59–25:38).

7. Eschatological Banquet and Eucharist as Foretaste

• Jesus’ promise not to drink “this fruit of the vine” until the kingdom comes prefigures the heavenly banquet—linking the Last Supper with the Messianic fulfillment (25:38–26:28).
  • "In the Eucharist, it's a foretaste of that great banquet that the book of Revelation calls the marriage Supper of the Lamb." (B, 26:14)

8. Predictions of Betrayal and Denial

• Before and after the meal, Jesus foretells Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial, framing the Eucharist with human frailty and brokenness, even as He offers the remedy (26:38–27:50).

  • “In the center is this meal where Jesus gives thanks to the Father and offers himself for the atonement of sins, for the forgiveness of sins, knowing that his disciples are going to be unfaithful.” (A, 27:38)

• Jesus' unwavering love in the face of betrayal and denial is discussed as a core Gospel message (27:50–28:07).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Critical Juncture in Matthew:
  • "Now that Jesus has completed his teaching, Matthew's going to show. Now he's ready to embark on the last stage of his mission." (A, 01:11)
• On Judas’ Motivations:
  • "Judas is a thief, but then in defending his thievery, he doesn't take correction from Jesus. And when we don't take correction and humility, we make God our enemy." (A, 06:11)
• On the Meaning of the Eucharist:
  • "So in giving his body away and giving the bread, giving his body away, he's showing us what is happening in his passion, he's giving himself away." (B, 17:36)
  • "The Eucharist isn't a symbol. No, it is a symbol. It's not just a symbol." (B, 17:11)
• On Divine and Human Freedom:
  • "God respects our freedom. He will not make us love him without us. And he won't save us without us, as Augustine would say." (A, 09:55)
• On Jesus’ Redemptive Love:
  • "What ultimately is redemptive is Jesus's willingness, his obedience, and ultimately his love for us... That is what redeems us, is Jesus's love at the end of the day." (B, 24:25)
• On the Messianic Banquet:
  • "In the Eucharist, what do we have? It's a foretaste of that great banquet that the book of Revelation calls the marriage Supper of the Lamb." (B, 26:14)

Important Timestamps

• Introduction & Structure of Matthew: 00:00–01:43
• Anointing at Bethany & Judas’s Contradiction: 01:58–06:11
• Zechariah Reference & Divine Providence: 08:00–10:25
• Preparation for the Passover: 10:25–12:52
• Cultural Explanation of Passover Meal: 12:47–15:25
• Institution of the Eucharist: 15:25–21:28
• Old & New Covenant Parallels: 21:14–25:38
• Eucharist as a Foretaste of the Kingdom: 25:38–26:28
• Prediction of Betrayal & Denial: 26:28–28:07

Conclusion

Drs. Gray and Barber invite listeners to contemplate the extraordinary love and preparation of Jesus, the profound meaning of the Eucharist as both sacrifice and thanksgiving, and the hope of sharing in the heavenly banquet. Amid betrayal and denial, Jesus' gift of Himself becomes the means of reconciliation and new life. Episode ends with anticipation for the next session on Gethsemane (verse 36 and beyond).

For deeper study:

• Read Matthew 26:1-35 alongside Exodus 12 and Exodus 24.
• Reflect on the structure and themes of both the Old and New Covenants.
• Consider Jesus' actions at the Last Supper as personal invitation to Eucharistic participation and transformation.

[Episode summary prepared in the spirit and tone of the Augustine Institute scholars, for listeners seeking a comprehensive guide to Scripture.]