Understanding Matthew 26:28

Bible Verse: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)

Overview

This verse is part of the account of the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the practice of communion. It speaks of the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice. The mention of blood signifies life and the forgiveness of sins, drawing parallels to the Old Testament sacrifices.

Commentary Insights

This section combines insights from renowned public domain commentaries.

Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes the significance of Jesus' blood as being part of the new covenant. He notes that this new agreement is based on grace and forgiveness, contrasting it with the former covenant dependent on the law. The phrase "shed for many" indicates Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for all who believe.

Albert Barnes

Barns sheds light on the notion of 'blood' as essential for atonement. He explains that the shedding of Jesus’ blood is not only an act of sacrifice but also establishes the terms of the new covenant, ushering believers into a relationship characterized by grace rather than by adherence to the law.

Adam Clarke

Clarke discusses the implications of being "shed for many". He points out that the sacrifice made by Jesus serves a dual purpose: it provides a means of forgiveness for personal sins and serves as a unifying element for the new covenant community of believers.

Bible Verse Cross-References

To deepen the understanding of Matthew 26:28, several cross-referencing Biblical texts are pivotal:

• Matthew 20:28 - "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
• Luke 22:20 - "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
• 1 Corinthians 11:25 - "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
• Hebrews 9:22 - "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
• Hebrews 10:19-20 - "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh."
• Jeremiah 31:31 - "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah."
• Romans 3:25 - "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."

Thematic Connections

Matthew 26:28 connects intricately with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and covenant fulfillment. The understanding of the new covenant involves recognizing the Old Testament shadows that this new reality fulfills.

Common Questions

• What verses are related to Matthew 26:28?
• How do Matthew 26:28 and Luke 22:20 connect?
• What is the significance of the new covenant in Hebrews 9:22?

Conclusion

Matthew 26:28 serves as a pivotal verse that encapsulates the essence of Christian faith—the belief in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the invocation of the new covenant. Utilizing cross-references enhances comprehension and contextualization of this fundamental theological assertion.