Bible Knowledge Project: Matthew 26

Read: Matthew 26

Matthew 26 is one of the longest chapters in the gospel record. Contained within are the following items, all leading to the Savior's death, burial, and resurrection.

First, The plot to kill Jesus reaches a fever pitch from within the ranks of the religious leaders (26:1-5).

Second, Jesus is anointed at Bethany, which demonstrates that Jesus would indeed be buried in just a few short days.

Third, one of the twelve disciples, Judas, conspires to betray Jesus. Betrayal is a painful thing, and it was so for Christ. Although the Scripture needed to be fulfilled, it was still hard to endure. Many of us have had that happen by people we thought were friends. It happened to Jesus. It will happen to us as well.

Fourth, The Passover and the institution of the Lord's Supper. The connection between the two should not be overlooked. Just as the institution of the Passover in Ex. 12 signified the redeeming work of God in delivering his people from Egypt, the Lord's Supper is a sign of the redeeming work of the Passover Lamb who frees his people from sin. The Passover foreshadowed the Lord's Supper and was reduced to simpler elements reminding us of what was required to be rescued from sin.

Fifth, Jesus prophesies regarding the denial of Peter. That serves as a warning to us. Regardless of our zeal for the gospel and the Lord Jesus, if we are not careful, we, like Peter, can also succumb to a denial of Christ. We must always be on guard for the efforts of the Evil One. Sometimes we are like Peter by living lives that deny our union and communion with Christ. We must always be on guard. Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.

Sixth, Jesus takes the time to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. That reminds us all to be people of prayer, especially when facing difficult decisions and circumstances. It also helps to demonstrate the entrance of the Great High Priest thematically into the Most Holy Place to commune with his Father in heaven.

Seventh, the betrayal of Judas comes full circle. What he determined in his heart to do, he does wickedly with a sign of affection. The duplicity of Judas is something we are all prone to exercise if we are not careful. Seventh, the trial before the Sanhedrin convicting Jesus of crimes he never committed. The trial violated Jewish law and was a "kangaroo court." It was the proverbial hammer in search of a nail. The outcome was established long before any testimony was offered. Finally, the chapter closes with Peter's denial of Christ and the subsequent remorse he endured. That serves as a lesson to all of us in that when we sin and functionally deny knowing Christ, we should grieve that sin and turn from it to him, who will graciously forgive.