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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 3, Day 5: Matthew 27:11-31

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 27:11-31

Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus said yes. The governor listed the testimony against him, but Jesus gave no reply. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and only handed over to him out of envy. At the Feast, it was tradition for the crowd to free one prisoner. They could free Jesus or Barabbas. Pilate’s wife had sent him a message saying not to have anything to do with Jesus because she had suffered greatly in a dream.

The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas. Pilate asked the crowd what to do with Jesus. They responded to crucify him. Pilate asked why, but no one listened. Pilate washed his hands to show he was innocent of Jesus’s blood and said it was their responsibility. The crowd agreed and said it was on their children, too. Barabbas was released, and Jesus was flogged.

The soldiers stripped Jesus and put a scarlet robe on him. They put a crown of thorns on his head. Next, the soldiers put a staff in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him. They spit on him and then hit him repeatedly. They took the robe off, put his own clothes back on him, and led him away to be crucified.

Questions for Matthew 27:11-31

12) Pilate recognizes that Jesus is innocent, that the testimony against him is false, and that it’s the religious leaders who want him dead. He receives a message from his wife that Jesus is innocent, too. Yet, he washed his hands of the crime and put it on the crowd and the religious leaders.

13) This is a tough one. I would say I see this most in relationships; where I am selfish rather than giving. I pray to be more Jesus like and have more compassion on others.

14) Pilate could not stand up for what was right. He blamed the crowd for Jesus’ death even though he could have stopped it. He did not stand for truth. He even had Jesus flogged and tortured when he didn’t have to. Jesus’ hope was God the Father and His will and plan for all of humanity.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 27:11-31

Great example of God’s will always prevailing!

Pilate was a typical leader at that time. He was out for himself and really didn’t care about anyone else. Sin did not matter to him.

Someone has to bear the consequences of sin: either yourself or Jesus Christ. The answer determines everything.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 3, Day 4: Matthew 26:69:27-10

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:69-27:10

Matthew 26:69-75:

Peter denied knowing Jesus three times when two servant girls and others asked him if he were with Jesus. A rooster crowed, and Peter remembered what Jesus had predicted. Peter then wept bitterly.

Matthew 27:1-10:

The chief priests and elders decided to kill Jesus. They bound him and handed him over to Pilate. Judas had remorse when he saw Jesus would be killed. He returned the 30 silver coins to the chief priests and elders, saying he had sinned and betrayed innocent blood. He threw the money in the temple and then hanged himself. The chief priests could not put blood money into the treasury, so they used Judas’s 30 silver coins he had returned to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. This fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy.

Questions for Matthew 26:69-27:10

9) He knows who Jesus was and that he was with Jesus. He forgot that Jesus was meant to die, as he had predicted his own death. Peter never thought he was human and would abandon Jesus.

10) Judas now feels guilty for betraying Jesus. He returned the silver and admitted he had sinned. However, Judas receives no comfort from the religious leaders (after all, we are all responsible for our own sins). They did not care that Jesus was innocent (they all knew that). All they cared about was their own power.

11) Both were remorseful for what they had done. Judas tried to make his sin right, but his sorrow was not one of repentance. Peter wept bitterly, truly repentant of what he did, while Judas took his own life. Judas betrayed Jesus; Peter denied him. Judas’ act was premeditated; Peter’s was not. Judas betrayed Jesus to leaders; Peter betrayed him to servant girls. Peter had faith in who Jesus was and had the right heart; Judas did not.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:69-27:10

Judas chose death over receiving God’s grace and mercy for his sins.

Peter truly had a heart for Jesus. Judas never did. Although Peter failed, he was restored because he was repentant. We all fail, but Jesus waits to pick up right back up. We simply have to confess our sins, ask for restoration, and believe.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 3, Day 3: Matthew 26:57-68

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:57-68

Jesus was taken to Caiahpas, the high priest. The elders and the teachers of the law where there. Peter followed Jesus. They were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could kill him. Despite the many false witnesses that came forward, they could not find any. Finally, someone claimed Jesus said he would destroy the high temple and rebuild it in three days. Jesus did not answer this charge.

They ask Jesus if he is the Son of God. He answers yes and that they will see him in the future sitting on the right hand of God and coming on the clouds of heaven. The high priest tore his clothes and said Jesus had spoken blasphemy. They finally agreed to kill Jesus. They spit on him, struck him, and taunted him.

Questions for Matthew 26:57-68

6) The chief priests and leaders are looking for lies against Jesus. The two witnesses are corrupt when they offer false testimony (they were probably paid to give it). The leaders twist Jesus’ words to show corruption. The chief priests are the ultimate hypocrites, acting as if they are in the right and Jesus is not.

7) Everyone must answer this question for themselves: do they believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus answers yes. Your everlasting life and your life here on this earth hinges on this response.

8 ) Every action of the religious leaders is fraught with sin. They accuse Jesus of blasphemy. They declare him guilty when he is not. They hit him. They break many of God’s laws. In sum, the sinful hearts are exposed for all to see.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:57-68

Note the franticness of the religious leaders compared to the calmness of Jesus. These are men who are desperate to hold onto power and are willing to kill an innocent man to do so. They succeed only because it was God’s plan for them to succeed. How many of us lead frantic, desperate lives?

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my wheaten irish wolfhound

I Have a Heavy Heart

Today, I had to put my Irish Wolfhound down. She most likely had cancer that was causing her to not eat and she lost the use of her back legs.

I have a very heavy heart with the loss of my kitty less than a month ago, too.

My family and I would appreciate any prayers.

Thank you.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 3, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56

Summary of Matthew 26:47-56

Judas arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus was done praying. He came with a large crowd who were carrying swords and clubs. They were sent by the chief priests and the elders. Judas had arranged ahead of time that the one he kissed was Jesus.

Judas went up to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus was arrested. One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword away for if he wanted he could call down 12 legions of angels. Instead, he must fulfill Scripture. Jesus asks the crowd why they are carrying swords and clubs. He taught peacefully in the temple, and now the writings of the prophets will be fulfilled.

The disciples all deserted Jesus.

Questions for Matthew 26:47-56

3) I want to remember Jesus’ cool and calm demeanor when there is chaos all around him. I want to remember how everyone fled from Jesus out of fear for their own lives. I want to not be afraid to stand with Jesus.

4) Jesus triumphed in the worst adversity. He was strong in his faith and never wavered in his steps to fulfill God’s plan for all of humanity. Jesus forgave all who betrayed him; so can we. All relationships are broken. It’s making the best of them that counts.

5) Why would God have his Son go through torture if it wasn’t necessary? The events leading up to Jesus’ death make no sense unless there were ordained by God.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:47-56

Remember that Jesus laid down his life; it was not taken from him. Out of his infinite love for us, he saved us. When he was abandoned, he stood firm. He was never alone because God never abandoned him. We are never alone either. Stand firm in and with the Lord, always and forever.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 3, Day 1: Matthew 26

Summary of Matthew 26

Jesus tells his disciples he will be handed over to be crucified in two days. The chief priests and the elders assembled at the palace of the high priest named Caiaphas to plot to arrest Jesus and kill him. But they didn’t want to do it during the Feast.

A woman anointed Jesus at Bethany  in the home of Simon the Leper. She poured very expensive perfume on his head. The disciples upbraided the woman, saying they could have sold the perfume for a high price and given the money to the poor. Jesus chastized the disciples, saying he will not always be with them. She is preparing him for burial. She will be remembered for what she has done.

Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests to ask how much they would give him to betray Jesus. They said 30 silver coins. He agreed to do so when the opportunity rose.

When Passover arrived on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to make preparations. He sent them into the city to a man’s house. That evening, Jesus told the disciples that one of them will betray him. All of the disciples ask if it is them. Jesus says it will be the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl, and it would be better if that man would not have been born. Jesus tells Judas it is him, when he asks Jesus.

At the Passover meal, Jesus took the bread and broke it, passing it to his disciples. He said this is his body and for them to eat it. Then he took the cup and told the disciples to drink, as it represented his blood of the covenant, which is poured out in order to forgive them all. Jesus says he will not drink it until the day he drinks it anew in his Father’s kingdom. They sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus says that they will all fall away (desert him) because of him (who he is) this very night. But after he has risen, he will go ahead of them to Galilee. Peter says he never will, which is when Jesus says he will deny him 3 times before the rooster crows. Peter says no, as do the other disciples.

Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethesmane. He told them to wait while he went and prayed. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) with him. He become sorrowful and troubled. He then left them, asking them to keep watch, and stepped further away. He prayed on his face to God to take the cup from him if it was God’s will.

He returned to his disciples who were sleeping. He chastized them for not keeping watch. He told them to watch and pray so they don’t fall into temptation.

He went away again and prayed to God to take the cup from him. He found them sleeping a second time. Then Jesus went a third time, praying the same prayer. He returned to his disciples, saying he is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Judas arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus was done praying. He came with a large crowd who were carrying swords and clubs. They were sent by the chief priests and the elders. Judas had arranged ahead of time that the one he kissed was Jesus.

Judas went up to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus was arrested. One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword away for if he wanted he could call down 12 legions of angels. Instead, he must fulfill Scripture. Jesus asks the crowd why they are carrying swords and clubs. He taught peacefully in the temple, and now the writings of the prophets will be fulfilled.

The disciples all deserted Jesus.

Jesus was taken to Caiahpas, the high priest. The elders and the teachers of the law where there. Peter followed Jesus. They were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could kill him. Despite the many false witnesses that came forward, they could not find any. Finally, someone claimed Jesus said he would destroy the high temple and rebuild it in three days. Jesus did not answer this charge.

They ask Jesus if he is the Son of God. He answers yes and that they will see him in the future sitting on the right hand of God and coming on the clouds of heaven. The high priest tore his clothes and said Jesus had spoken blasphemy. They finally agreed to kill Jesus. They spit on him, struck him, and taunted him.

Peter denied knowing Jesus three times when two servant girls and others asked him if he were with Jesus. A rooster crowed, and Peter remembered what Jesus had predicted. Peter then wept bitterly.

Questions for Matthew 26

1) What God says comes to fruition. Jesus would die for our sins, and the ones who sent him to his death were his own people. God uses anyone to accomplish His plans.

2) When bad things happen to good people. When innocent people are murdered, people die young, or people struggle in life. Any thing that causes us to suffer can make us questions God’s plans.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26

Jesus stands alone in this passage. He surrenders himself and his rights to justice. He follows God’s plan for his life.

Jesus provides all that we need in this world. It’s in his timing. Our only job is to follow his lead.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 2, Day 6: Matthew 26:28

Passage: Matthew 26:28

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Matthew 26:28

Reflection Questions for Matthew 26:28

15) How Jesus never wavered in his mission to save humanity. How he prayed to God for strength. How he cared for others even when he knew they would abandon him.

16) Pray. Evangelize. Follow his path and not mine. Sacrifice when called upon to do so.

Conclusion to Week 2 of Christ’s Life and Work: Matthew 26

Great example of following God even when times are tough and likely to get tougher. We should pray to grow in our love for Christ and his sacrifice for our sins. We should pray for wisdom and to be more like Jesus. We should pray in the good and the bad times.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 2, Day 5: Matthew 26:36-46

Summary of Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethesmane. He told them to wait while he went and prayed. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) with him. He become sorrowful and troubled. He then left them, asking them to keep watch, and stepped further away. He prayed on his face to God to take the cup from him if it was God’s will.

He returned to his disciples who were sleeping. He chastized them for not keeping watch. He told them to watch and pray so they don’t fall into temptation.

He went away again and prayed to God to take the cup from him. He found them sleeping a second time. Then Jesus went a third time, praying the same prayer. He returned to his disciples, saying he is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Questions for Matthew 26:36-46

12) Jesus knows he will face pain and torture by the Romans and that death by crucifixion is incredibly painful. Yet, he prayed for God’s will to be done, not his, and he walked the path God had for him unwaveringly. Jesus prayed to God and surrended to His will whole-heartedly.

13) He is fully human with human emotions. He remained sinless. He loved everyone, including the disciples who let him know. He was sorrowful. He sacrificed his life for humanity to be saved. He is fully God.

14) Thank you, Jesus for your undying devotion to humanity and your sacrifice of yourself for all of us. My gratitude cannot be expressed.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:36-46

We see Jesus’ undying faithfulness to a faithless people. We see Jesus pray in his darkest hour for strength to fulfill his destiny. We see his caring of his people. We see hope in Christ as he frees us from sin.

We can look to Jesus as our example. He prays; we pray. He cares; we care. He loves; we love. It’s truly that simple.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 2, Day 4: Matthew 26:31-35

Summary of Matthew 26:31-35

Jesus says that they will all fall away (desert him) because of him (who he is) this very night. But after he has risen, he will go ahead of them to Galilee. Peter says he never will, which is when Jesus says he will deny him 3 times before the rooster crows. Peter says no, as do the other disciples.

Questions for Matthew 26:31-35

9) Jesus is very assured of what will happen. He gives absolute details about them falling away and about their reunion after his death. Equally, his disciples are assured they will not be the one to disown Jesus. Peter said he’d be loyal to death.

10) People inherently want to be self-reliant and rely on their own strength rather than God’s. They disbelieve what others tell them. They underestimate the power of Satan. They believe they are stronger than what they are. We also want to be in control rather than let God be in control, so we go our way even when we know God’s way.

11) When others say I can’t do something or when I believe I am right and don’t need help or advice. I can pray to God more about these issues when they arise and listen to Him, following His way rather than mine.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:31-35

When those closest to Jesus fail, we should take heart, knowing that failure in following Christ is normal. We can become stronger in the Lord and our faith by drawing closer to Him. We can read the Bible more, worship more, listen to His call more, and try to be more like Jesus a little bit every day.

God is always faithful no matter our failings. Hold on to that

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 2, Day 3: Matthew 26:17-30

Summary of Matthew 26:17-30

When Passover arrived on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to make preparations. He sent them into the city to a man’s house. That evening, Jesus told the disciples that one of them will betray him. All of the disciples ask if it is them. Jesus says it will be the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl, and it would be better if that man would not have been born. Jesus tells Judas it is him, when he asks Jesus.

At the Passover meal, Jesus took the bread and broke it, passing it to his disciples. He said this is his body and for them to eat it. Then he took the cup and told the disciples to drink, as it represented his blood of the covenant, which is poured out in order to forgive them all. Jesus says he will not drink it until the day he drinks it anew in his Father’s kingdom. They sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives.

Questions for Matthew 26:17-30

6) Jesus was without blemish, as was the requirement to have a lamb without blemish. Jesus’ blood cleansed us, as did the lamb’s. Covered in Jesus’ blood with faith in him, we will receive everlasting life. The blood of the lamb graced the doorway to protect them from death. They were passed over and protected. Others are not protected who do not believe in Jesus as Savior.

7) We practice communion to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and to cleanse us of our sins. We take a moment to remember what Jesus did for us. It also represents the New Covenant with Jesus as our sacrificial lamb.

8 ) God, help me to remember the amazing sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, and what he did for us on the cross so that we could spend eternity with you. Let me be humbled and grateful daily and make more decisions with this fact in mind.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:17-30

All 4 Gospels record the Lord’s Supper, telling you how important this is.

Jesus protects us with his blood from God’s wrath and judgment. Instead, we are forgiven and welcomed into the eternal kingdom.

The Lord’s Supper gives us hope of what God will do and is doing in our lives, even when we can’t see it. At your next communion, remember the power of what Jesus did for you and thank him for his sacrifice. And, hold onto hope, no matter how bad life’s circumstances seem.

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