MATTHEW 26
THE LAST SUPPER + BETRAYAL OF JESUS
As Passover is approaching, Jesus tells the disciples that His death was near, revealing to them that He would be crucified. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders gather with Caiaphas, the high priest, and plot together to arrest and kill Jesus.
Jesus visits the home of a leper in Bethany, the town where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were siblings who were very close friends with Jesus. Jesus was a welcome guest in their home on many occasions (John 11, Luke 10:38-42, and John 12:3).
In the man's home, a woman takes an expensive balm and anoints Jesus’s head. The disciples question why the woman did this, calling it a waste. Jesus says the woman’s actions are beautiful, and the ointment is for the preparation for his burial, which Jesus knew is quickly approaching.
Judas, one of Jesus’s disciples, goes to the chief priest to ask how much they would pay for Jesus’s capture. Betraying Jesus, Judas turns over His location for thirty pieces of silver, the amount commonly used for purchasing a slave (Zechariah 11:12-13, Exodus 21:32).
Jesus gathers the disciples to celebrate Passover. During the meal, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Judas responds to Jesus, notably calling Jesus “Rabbi,” not “Lord,” and asking if he was the one to betray Jesus. Answering Judas, Jesus confirms his betrayal (Psalm 41:9).
Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, more commonly known as communion. Jesus breaks the bread and pours the wine, describing it as His body broken and His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
After the Passover meal, Jesus foretells that Peter, His disciple, will deny knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter assures Jesus that he will not deny Him, even if it costs him his life.
Jesus enters the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Distressed and sorrowful, Jesus asks God to remove the dreadful fate awaiting Him. Submitting to God’s will, Jesus understands that His death is necessary. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak—the hour has come.
While they are in the garden, Judas arrives with a great crowd of priests and religious leaders, carrying swords and seeking to arrest Jesus. Judas identifies Jesus, kissing his face as a sign to the priests. The crowd seizes Jesus, taking Him captive. Jesus states that He is appealing to the will of the Father and fulfilling the teachings of the prophets.
Jesus is taken before Caiaphas and his council and put on trial for blasphemy. As He is questioned about His claims, Jesus remains silent. The priests mock Jesus, tearing His robes and spitting in His face. When asked directly, Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, and they want to kill Him for this profession.
Just as Jesus said, Peter is approached three times and questioned about his relationship to Jesus. Three times, Peter denies knowing Jesus. Remembering what Jesus said, Peter weeps over his denial of Christ.
