The first thing we notice about the Passion account of our Lord Jesus is that he is, by and large, done saying things. Matthew’s Gospel is well known for the long teaching discourses of Jesus. Now the narrative turns. Jesus is done saying things; he is now about the business of doing.
Jesus announces the context: Passover (Pascha). These next days will be Passover preparation days. Read Leviticus 23 and Exodus 12-13 for a refresher on the Passover.
There is something haunting about the gathering of the chief priests and elders in the high priest’s place, for they gather to do something religious leaders do: plan how the festival will happen. Even in their conspiring, they do indeed plan how this Passover will be celebrated, how the Passover Lamb will be slaughtered.
Handed over. This will be Jesus’ fate: handed over (paradidomi). Chapter 27 will begin with another “handing over,” this time to Governor Pilate.