📅 January 24: Matthew 26: The Passion Begins

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January 24: Matthew 26: The Passion Begins

Witnessing Jesus’ Final Hours and His Unwavering Mission

Introduction

Today, we immerse ourselves in Matthew 26, a chapter that marks the beginning of Jesus’ passion. This chapter narrates the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, highlighting His betrayal, Last Supper, and arrest.

Matthew 26: A Prelude to the Cross

Matthew 26 opens with Jesus predicting His crucifixion, followed by the anointing at Bethany, the Last Supper, His agony in Gethsemane, betrayal by Judas, and His arrest. This chapter sets the stage for the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission.

Key Verse: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” — Matthew 26:28

Key Themes and Reflections:

The Last Supper: A pivotal moment where Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing the new covenant through His blood.

Betrayal and Arrest: The chapter presents the stark contrast between Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ steadfast commitment to God’s plan.

Gethsemane’s Agony: A profound depiction of Jesus’ humanity and divinity, as He submits to the Father’s will amidst deep anguish.

Today’s Application:

Reflect on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and His unwavering commitment to God’s redemptive plan. Consider how His teachings at the Last Supper apply to our lives as a call for continual remembrance and commitment.

Hidden Gem:

Did you know? The anointing at Bethany, where a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, prefigures His burial, symbolizing honor and acknowledgment of His impending death.

Reflective Q&A:

Matthew 26: The Passion Begins

Significance of the Last Supper: How does the Last Supper deepen our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice?

A: The Last Supper illustrates Jesus’ sacrifice as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. It serves as a continual reminder of His enduring presence and the new covenant of grace.

Responding to Betrayal: What can we learn from Jesus’ response to Judas’ betrayal?

A: Jesus’ response to Judas’ betrayal demonstrates grace and sovereign knowledge. It teaches us to respond to betrayal with forgiveness, understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan.

Join the Discussion:

How does Matthew 26 impact your perception of Jesus’ journey to the cross and His teachings? Share how this chapter influences your spiritual walk and understanding of Christ’s sacrifice.

#Matthew26 #PassionOfChrist #LastSupper #Faith #Redemption #BibleStudy #SpiritualJourney

See You Tomorrow in Matthew: Continue exploring the profound moments of Jesus’ passion as we delve further into His journey to the cross.

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Matthew 26

It was Tuesday evening (the beginning of the Jewish Wednesday, 14th Abib). The Passover Feast would commence on the 15th day of the month (Lev. 23:6), and already the homes had been examined to remove every speck of leaven, which represented the explosion of sinful deeds. It was vital that no leaven be found on the day of Passover, for no sacrifice was to be associated with leaven (Exo. 34:25; Lev. 10:12). The day of the killing was called “the Preparation” (Jn. 19:14), given to prepare the sacrifice and Passover feast. The first act of betrayal had already taken place (v. 14). But the Master, having provided the disciples with an outstanding example of faithful endurance, having carefully instructed them concerning his impending offering, he now prepares to redeem them. With the shadow of crucifixion impending, Yahshua went “and hid himself” (Jn. 12:36). Now the greatest moment in history to this time had arrived. [1] Yahshua foretells the time of his death: vv. 1-2. [2] The Jews plot against the Lord: vv. 3-5. [3] The Anointing in Bethany: vv. 6-13. [4] Judas agrees to betray his Lord: vv. 14-16. [5] Thursday, 14th Abib: To the Guest room: vv. 17-19. [6] Warnings of betrayal: vv. 20-25. [7] Communion with his apostles: vv. 26-30. [8] Warnings along the way: vv. 31-35. [9] At Gethsemane: v. 36. [10] The first prayer: vv. 37-39. [11] The second prayer: vv. 40-42. [12] The third prayer: vv. 43-45. [13] The betrayal and arrest: vv. 46-56. Then comes the first Jewish trial by Annas, outlined in Luke 22:54; John 18:13. [14] The second Jewish trial: vv. 57-66. [15] Yahshua mocked by the guards: vv. 67-68. [16] Peter denies his Lord: vv. 69-75. • It is sad to realise that in their envy and jealousy, the Sanhedrin had convinced themselves that Yahshua was not the Messiah. Resentment had been eating away at them until their eyes became so blind that they actually believed that getting rid of Yahshua was their bounden duty under the Law of Deity. They thought that they were doing God service. A stark warning to us! Humility and submission to all Deity requires is really the ‘key’. • Although it is a long chapter to read, an emotional record, but we can never truly appreciate how long, or emotional, the experience. But there was one principle upheld in the Lord’s mind: “that the Scriptures be fulfilled.” Again and again he declares that one thing. He held firmly to the Scriptures. Whether speaking to the exasperated Jews, or the docile disciples, he puts them to shame in their folly by proofs from the Scripture, and strengthens his own in their despondency, by its wonderful promises. He appeals to the word of his Father in his vehement disputation with men, as he did in the solemn way he approached his sufferings. At the beginning of his ministry he confronted the tempter with: “It is written…” and at the end he prayed to his Father: “that the Scriptures may be fulfilled.” In all his emotion, he boldly declared the righteousness of Yahweh, and set his face to accomplish his mission. — Logos.