New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 26:16

The Last Supper

So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Matthew 26:16 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 26:16, in plain English

From that moment on, Judas is watching for the right chance to betray Jesus. He is looking for his opening.

Why it's here

Imagine sitting at meals, hearing teachings, watching miracles — all while secretly planning to hand your teacher over to be killed.

Who's speaking

The narrator reveals the chilling reality of Judas' double life among the disciples.

Where it sits in the story

Every shared meal and every prayer together now has a shadow over it. Judas is present in body but has already left in heart.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

From this point, Judas actively seeks a favorable opportunity (eukairian) to hand Jesus over, indicating premeditated and ongoing intent.

Language and setting

The term eukaira (opportune moment) contrasts with Jesus' own kairos in v. 18 — both are seeking the right time, but for opposite purposes.

Voice

The narrator describes Judas' ongoing surveillance for the right moment to betray.

Significance

Judas becomes a mole within the Twelve, watching and waiting while eating and praying alongside the very person he plans to destroy.

In context

Matthew 26:14–18

14Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests

15and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

16So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

18He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’”

Read all of Matthew 26 — Bread broken. Wine poured. A betrayal predicted. The longest night in history begins around a table.

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