Day 26 – Wednesday, February 5, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

Matthew 26

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

The Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

Mark 14:1, 2; Luke 22:1, 2

1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, ² “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”³ Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, ⁴ and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. ⁵ But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:1–5.

Points to Ponder:

• This chapter transitions the story of Christ hard into the passion of Christ. His death is now imminent, just days away.
• He tells them that He will be crucified on the week of the Passover.
• The account then shifts to the palace of the High Priest, Caiaphas, as they plotted to take Him and kill Him. They decided not to take Him on the Passover itself, so as to avoid a mob.

Mary Anoints Jesus for Burial

Mark 14:3–9; John 12:2–8

⁶ And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, ⁷ a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. ⁸ But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? ⁹ For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”¹⁰ But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. ¹¹ For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. ¹² For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. ¹³ Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:6–13.

Points to Ponder:

• As Jesus sat at the house of Simon in Bethany (not Simon Peter), a woman came with “an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil.”
• She poured it on His head, much to the chagrin of the host and his guests. They decried the waste of such a valuable asset. “…this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
• Jesus scolded them and praised the woman for the good thing she did. He told them the poor would always be with them, but that He was not long for this earth.
• He further pointed out that she had anointed Him for burial (we will find out later that the people who loved Jesus did not have the chance to anoint Him for burial, because when they came with the spices and oils, He had already risen.
• He summed up His response by saying that everywhere the good news is preached, her work this day would be told as a memorial to her.

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Mark 14:10, 11; Luke 22:3–6

¹⁴ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests ¹⁵ and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. ¹⁶ So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:14–16.

Points to Ponder:

• In this chapter, we see the disloyalty of Judas Iscariot, as he offered to betray Christ to the chief priests.
• In return, they gave him thirty pieces of valuable silver.

The Passover is Prepared

Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13

¹⁷ Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”¹⁸ And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”¹⁹ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:17–19.

Points to Ponder:

• When the Feast of Unleavened Bread began, the disciples asked Jesus where He wanted to celebrate.
• He told them to go into the city and gave them the address of a man to speak to. They were to tell Him that the Teacher wanted to observe Passover at his house.
• He consented, and they made preparations for the Passover.

The Passover is Celebrated

Mark 14:17–21; Luke 22:14, 21–23; John 13:21, 22

²⁰ When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. ²¹ Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”²² And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”²³ He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. ²⁴ The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”²⁵ Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”He said to him, “You have said it.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:20–25.

Points to Ponder:

• Then it was time for Passover, and Jesus sat down with His disciples to eat.
• Jesus suddenly announces that one of the twelve would betray Him. They all began to ask if He meant them individually.
• He affirms that the person who would betray Him was at supper.
• Then Judas asked if it was him. Really? He had the temerity to ask? Did he not know that Jesus knew already?
• Jesus then confirmed that Judas was correct.

The Lord’s Supper is Instituted

Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Cor. 11:23–26

²⁶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”²⁷ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. ²⁹ But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:26–29.

Points to Ponder:

• Jesus then took bread, blessed it, and broke it. He told them that this bread represented His body.
• He then took the cup and told them that this represented His blood to be shed. He then stated that He would not drink it again until the Father’s kingdom came.
• Scholars say that this signified Him meeting with them after His resurrection.

Peter’s Denial is Predicted

Mark 14:26–31; Luke 22:34, 39; John 13:37, 38

³⁰ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.³¹ Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:‘I will strike the Shepherd,And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’³² But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”³³ Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”³⁴ Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”³⁵ Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”And so said all the disciples.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:30–35.

Points to Ponder:

• The group sang a hymn, and then went out to the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from the Eastern Gate.
• Jesus prophesied that the disciples would scatter after He was struck and taken into custody. But He did not leave them at that point in the prophesy. He said that after He is raised that He would go before them to Galilee.
• Peter, in his normally boisterous way, said that he would never leave Jesus no matter what everyone else did.
• Then Jesus told him that he would deny Christ three times before the rooster crowed. Peter refused to accept such a statement, but we know the rest of the story.

Jesus’ Three Prayers

Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:40–46

³⁶ Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” ³⁷ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. ³⁸ Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”³⁹ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”⁴⁰ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”⁴² Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” ⁴³ And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.⁴⁴ So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. ⁴⁵ Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:36–46.

Points to Ponder:

• Jesus then prays three times with His disciples nearby.
• The first time Jesus asked that if it were possible that He wanted the cup of suffering to pass from Him. But He also submitted to the will of the Father.
• The second prayer was similar, but more submissive to the will of the Father.
• The third prayer was of a similar nature.
• After each prayer, Jesus found the disciples asleep. He scolded them and told them that they needed to be watchful. Then, He told them that they must go, because the betrayer was near.

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest

Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:1–11

⁴⁷ And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.⁴⁸ Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” ⁴⁹ Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. ⁵¹ And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.⁵² But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. ⁵³ Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. ⁵⁶ But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:47–56.

Points to Ponder:

• Right as He spoke, Judas showed up with a mob armed with swords and clubs.
• He kissed Jesus, a sign of his betrayal and identification of Jesus. Jesus was cordial, but knew why they came, and was immediately put in custody.
• Someone of Jesus’ disciples (presumably Peter) drew a sword and cut off the ear of the high priest. Jesus scolded him and reminded him that He could call the Father for a multitude of angels to deliver Him if it was God’s will.
• He then scolded the mob, reminding them that He was not scarce or violent, and that they could have taken Him at any time. He then confirmed, though, that this fulfilled prophecy.A
• At this point, the disciples scattered and left.

Two False Witnesses

Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:54, 55, 63–65; John 18:12, 18, 24

⁵⁷ And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. ⁵⁸ But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, ⁶⁰ but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward ⁶¹ and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”⁶² And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” ⁶³ But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”⁶⁴ Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! ⁶⁶ What do you think?”They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”⁶⁷ Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, ⁶⁸ saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:57–68.

Points to Ponder:

• The mob took Jesus to Caiaphas while Peter followed at a distance.
• All the religious leaders brought false witnesses (liars) to the proceedings hoping to condemn Him to death. They were not able to find any fault in Him.
• Eventually, the high priest berated Him and asked Him specifically if He was the Son of God. Jesus simply responded, “It is as you said.” He then told him that he would see Jesus sitting at the right hand of Power and coming in the heavens.
• They condemned Him of blasphemy at this point and sentenced Him to death. They humiliated Him, spitting on Him and beating Him. They mocked Him by asking who struck Him.

Three Denials of Peter

Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:55–62; John 18:15–18, 25–27

⁶⁹ Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”⁷⁰ But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”⁷¹ And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”⁷² But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”⁷³ And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”⁷⁴ Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵ And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 26:69–75.

Points to Ponder:

• The final piece of this story sees Peter in the courtyard, observing all the proceedings. The one who declared his undying devotion to defending Christ was watching all the proceedings from a safe distance.
• Three people—a servant girl, another girl, and then a small crowd all accused Peter of being with Jesus. In each case, he denied knowing Christ, and eventually began to curse and swear during His denial.
• Then the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus prophesy that He would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. He went out of the courtyard and wept bitterly.
• Be careful the declarations you make. Be sure that you can live up to them.

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page.