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) Faithfulness is the unfailing loyalty of someone or something to another no matter what is happening around them, the consequences, or the threats. In the focus verses, we see Jesus’ faithfulness to his disciples during the Last Supper by initiating communion and the forever forgiveness of sins when asked for and sincerely meant. The woman who anointed Jesus at Bethany was faithful with her actions.
2) You can trust God completely in what He says, His word, and His actions. You can also trust those you love and who love you completely. That’s about it in this world.
Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26
This is a great passage of Jesus right before his death. It shows his undying loyalty to those he loves (his disciples, the woman, and all of mankind). Whereas, we see no loyalty reciprocated. Aren’t we lucky to have such a faithful Savior?
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