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Matthew 26 · a question people ask

"Friend, why are you here?" (26:50). What did Jesus mean?

In the text

Matthew doesn't explain the words. In Gethsemane, "Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him" (26:49). "Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him." (26:50). Matthew gives no more of what Jesus meant by these words, and these notes don't either.

The verses

“While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.” Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
Matthew 26:47-50 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 26

Matthew 26: Your desire be done

Matthew's own telling says Peter "denied it" twice (26:70, 26:72); three times is Jesus's word, the word Peter remembered (26:75). And of the four Gospels, only Matthew gives Jesus's words over the cup as "for the remission of sins" (26:28).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions