Matthew 26 Copy

Home , Matthew 26

“The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 1: At Bethany: Anointed and Worshipped Matthew 26: The Passion of the King

His journey was coming to an end. His teaching was done. The Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes had all been silenced in their opposition to King Messiah. Their hardened hearts dictated their opposition and jealously of Jesus. They needed to remove Him from the scene and find a way to bring charges against Him. This was no surprise to Jesus. Nothing is. He knew what He came to do, and He knew all those who would reject Him and those who would fall into His arms with faithful, thankful and humble hearts. He knew the end, just as He knew the beginning. He came to do the will of His Father. Nothing would deter Him in His resolve, His faithfulness, or the journey set before Him.

Two more days.

It would all be completed in just two days. But much would happen in those two days. The religious rulers would plot Jesus’ execution. Jesus would be betrayed by those who pledged their allegiance and love to Him. Jesus would celebrate Passover with His disciples. He would wash their feet, eat with them and then introduce them to the Lord’s Supper and the New Covenant of grace. Jesus would spend the night in Gethsemane with His disciples and watch as the disciples failed Him and fell into the temptation of their flesh. Jesus would spend His final hours with His Father in prayer. He would be arrested, tried, and then beaten. He would watch Peter deny His friendship to Him and watch each of His disciples leave His side. Finally, the cross stood before Him as He became a sacrifice for all.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16,17)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you recall, Matthew did not write chronologically. We are in the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and it is believed that the events of chapter 26 all happened on Wednesday and Thursday of Passover week. We read in John 12:1, that the feast at Bethany took place “six days before the Passover,” so the anointing at Bethany is a flashback in time. Why did Matthew choose to put it here as he was describ- ing the events that lead up to Jesus’ crucifixion? Some believe it is to show the stark contrast between Mary’s heart of worship and love for Jesus to Judas’ deceit and betrayal. It also shows us Mary’s deep understanding for the events that were about to unfold. She sat at Jesus’ feet. She listened. She understood and she gave all that she had to her King Messiah. It was after this feast in Bethany that Judas would go to the priests and offer his help in bringing forth Jesus to His enemies. Let’s take a look at these events in Bethany.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 26:1-75 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:1-16

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. In verses 1-2, what did Jesus tell His disciples? This time He added something new. What specifics did He add?

Passover was the ancient Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It was followed immediately by the seven days‘ Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the entire festival was often called “Passover.” The Passover also pointed to Jesus Christ as the coming Deliverer and Savior of all people.

2. In verse 3, who is assembled and for what purpose? How would they take Jesus?

a. Why did they not want their plan carried out during the Passover Feast? Explain.

Joseph Caiaphas, a Sadducee, was the high priest during the whole of Pilate’s government. He was son-in-law of Annas, who had been deposed from the high priesthood by the Roman prosecutor Valerius, but still retained the title and considerable authority since the Old Testament deemed it illegal to transfer power from one high priest to the next until after one’s death. (Irwin’s Bible Commentary)

John 12:1 tells us that Jesus’ anointing at Bethany took place six days before the Passover in the house of Simon the leper. We don’t know much about Simon but know that evidently he had been healed by Jesus of leprosy. We also learn that Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, was present. Among them gathered were the 12 disciples and Martha. All four Gospels record Jesus’ anointing, although the account in Luke is thought to have happened on a separate occasion. We have to remember that Matthew often groups events together to relay a message. Remember that Jesus is just days away from the cross and each moment is part of His preparation for the difficult road ahead.

3. In verse 7, we read that a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster flask of costly fragrant oil. Read John’s account in John 12:1-3. Who was this woman? Looking at both accounts, what did she do? What happened after she did this?

a. What do we learn about this woman from Luke 10:38-42 that shows her devotion to Jesus?

b. What do we learn about this woman from John 11:28-32 that speaks to her heart toward Jesus?

4. What did her anointing of Jesus symbolize? What does it symbolize regarding what Jesus did for each of us?

a. What does her anointing say about Mary and her devotion and respect for Jesus? Her anointing was an act of what toward Jesus?

5. In Matthew 26:8, there is an objection to what was being done to Jesus. Read John 12:4-6 for further information. Who objected and why? In the objection, what did he call what was being done to Jesus?

“Is anything wasted which is all for Jesus? It might rather seem as if all would be wasted which was not given to him.” (Spurgeon)

6. What did Jesus call the anointing in Matthew 26:10? Why?

a. How was Mary rewarded for her act of devotion?

7. Describe the events that happen in verses 14-16. What was Judas’ motivation?

8. Read Luke 22:3 regarding Judas Iscariot. Write what you learn. What does this tell you about Judas?

We learned in the beginning of this chapter that the chief priests didn’t want to take Jesus during the Passover celebration. Their plan was to wait. Judas changed the plan when he came to them looking for payment in exchange for Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. The amount he demanded cannot be given an exact value, but from what we know, it was most likely a small amount, maybe five weeks wages, or $25. It was also the price paid for a slave according to Exodus 21:32. The offer made by Judas brought about the crucifixion of our Lord at the very time of the Passover, in fulfillment of the Divine plan set forth from the beginning! Can you see how God knows everything, even the wicked things, and uses them to fulfill His ultimate plan.

Judas’ payment of 30 pieces of silver for the betrayal of Jesus is another fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy found in Zechariah 11:11-14.

A ACTING on God’s Word Worship-it is at the very heart of our acts of love toward Jesus. To worship is to adore and pay divine honors and reverence to someone. It is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission. As we are drawn to Him, as we come to a deep understanding of who He is and what He did for us, we respond to His love and grace with unabandoned worship. Mary’s anointing was the ultimate demonstration of worship to Jesus. Mary had listened to Jesus and took everything He said to her heart. Her response was worship, and she knew that Jesus’ time on earth was coming to a close. Mary gave what was precious and costly in worship to Jesus. What is precious and costly in your life? What are you willing to sacrifice in your devotion to Jesus? How do you give Jesus your best? How do you show Him worship through all that you have?

In contrast, Judas called the costly oil being used on Jesus, waste. Precious sister, every moment that we are not worshipping Jesus is a wasted moment! There is no waste in Jesus economy. In closing, write a prayer to Jesus worshipping Him and asking Him to forgive you for wasted moments and prideful ambitions.

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word Psalm 29:1-2 tells us to, “Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”

Close in Prayer

NOTES

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 26 • Day 1 “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 2: The Upper Room: In Remembrance Matthew 26: The Passion of the King

It was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is also the day when they killed the Passover lamb for their feast. We learn from Luke that it was Peter and John who came to Jesus asking where they were to prepare for Jesus to eat the Passover. How symbolic that Jesus would eat this last Passover meal with His disciples, being the very lamb and sacrifice that was about to be slain for them! Just as the Lord was being prepared for the very hour He would be betrayed and crucified, He lovingly continued to prepare His disciples and present them with His new covenant of grace pictured in the Lord’s Supper. That supper which would have us in the present day look back to the work of the cross as a remembrance and look forward to the second coming of the Lord. It would be during this intimate meal with Jesus that the betrayer would be identified. One of His beloved twelve would be the instru- ment used by Satan to bring Jesus into the hands of His enemies and ultimately to the cross where Christ would lay His life down for ours, taking our sin upon Himself. May we always remember, with gratitude and praise all that Jesus has done for us.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 26:1-75 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:17-30

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. Read Exodus 12:1-17 and write down all that you learn about the institution of the Passover and its purposes in the hearts and lives of God’s people.

2. In Matthew:17-19, what did Peter and John do for Jesus?

The feast of unleavened bread lasted seven days. On the first day the Passover lamb was slain and the prescribed meal took place. During all the seven days, no leaven was permitted in the homes of the Israelites. The Jewish day began at sunset; so the Passover was “between the two evenings” (Exodus 12:6). Jesus kept the feast after the first sunset of Passover day and died as the true Passover lamb before the next sunset. (H.A. Ironside)

3. As Jesus sat with His 12 disciples in the upper room and feasted together, what did Jesus announce to His disciples in verse 21? What was their response in verse 22?

4. What do you learn about Jesus in this interaction regarding (verses 21-25):

His love for us?

His judgment of sin?

How He deals with the sinner?

His nature?

5. Look carefully at how the disciples respond to Jesus in verse 22. How do they address Jesus? Look at how Judas addressed Jesus in verse 25. What did he call Jesus? What can you conclude from these descriptions and their hearts toward the Lord?

According to John 13:28-29, the rest of the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was doing, nor did they understand Judas would betray Jesus. Sometime during or after this dinner Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-11). Following this, Judas left (John 13:30). Then Jesus gave the extended discourse with His disciples and prayer to God the Father described in John 13:31-17:26. The question remains: Was Judas present for the first celebration of the Lord’s Supper? There is much debate on the exact time that Judas departed.

6. In verses 26-29, what did Jesus introduce to His disciples?

a. He told them to “take and eat.” What do these words imply?

Take: Eat:

7. Read Jeremiah 31:33-34. What is the new covenant? What does the new covenant allow for each of us regarding Jesus?

8. As believers, when we take communion, what are we doing? Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Why is this important?

9. In Matthew 26:29, Jesus told His disciples when He would take communion with them again. When will this be? How should the disciples have felt after hearing this and knowing what laid ahead for their Messiah? What should this invoke in each of us?

10. After Jesus finished the Lord’s Supper, verse 30 tells us He sang a hymn with His disciples. Psalms 116-118 are called the Hallel. Read through these Psalms and write down the words from these Psalms that speak to your heart regarding God’s faithfulness.

A ACTING on God’s Word In light of all that Jesus was to face that very night - a night of betrayal from one He loved, His arrest, His beating, suffering and ultimately death; Jesus was still able to sing praises to His Father. How does this speak to your heart regarding God’s desire for us in times of trial? How are we able to sing praise during suffering, just as Jesus did? Take your greatest trial right now and offer to the Lord a prayer of thanksgiving and praise as you remember what He did for you and look forward, with hope, to what He is going to accomplish through this trial and suffering.

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word Psalm 118:8 says “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

Close in Prayer

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 26 • Day 2 “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 3: In Gethsemane: Prayer Matthew 26: The Passion of the King

Jesus and His 11 disciples, excluding Judas, traveled together across the ravine of the Brook Kidron to the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives, just east of the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem, to the Garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane was covered in olive trees and the very name means “oil press.” How appropriate as in this place, Jesus would once again be pressed on every side in His final hours before His betrayal and arrest. Gethsemane was a place very familiar to Jesus and His disciples, as they often retreated there for Jesus to commune with His Father in prayer. Tonight would be no different. Jesus would ask Peter, James and John to enter deeper into the Garden with Him, as the other 8 disciples stayed by the garden’s entrance. Many say it is here, in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus won the victory of Calvary. As He went before His Father in prayer and preparation of the cross, the struggle of the cross was won. Oh, what power there is in prayer. How it readies us and prepares us so that, “joy can be set before us” (Hebrews 12:2), even in the midst of great adversity and trial.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 26:1-75 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:31-46

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. In verse 31, Jesus quotes prophecy from Zechariah 13:7 when He tells His disciples what is to come. What is Jesus telling His disciples will happen and how will they be part of Zechariah’s fulfillment?

2. According to verse 32, what will Jesus have victory over?

a. Do you see Jesus’ preparation for His disciples? Underline the words, “I will go before you,” in verse 32. How does this speak to your heart regarding Jesus and the way He prepares us for every step?

3. Peter speaks up quickly in verses 33-35 in response to Jesus. What does Peter say and how does the Lord respond? What do you learn about the other disciples?

4. Why do you think Jesus was sorrowful and deeply distressed?

5. What did He ask Peter, James and John to do in verses 38 & 41? Why do you think He did this? What can you learn from this?

6. What did Jesus cry out to God, the Father, in verses 39 & 42?

7. What do you think “the cup” represents in verse 39? Read the following verses to help you and note what you find.

Revelation 14:10

2 Corinthians 5:21

1 Peter 2:24

8. What was Jesus doing as He prayed in the Garden? __resisting God’s will __wrestling with God’s will __yielding to God’s will

9. What does it mean to “submit to the will of Our Father?” How did Jesus do this?

When Jesus went back to Peter, James and John, they had fallen asleep not once, but 3 times! They couldn’t follow the two instructions Jesus had given them! This wasn’t something new to Jesus. If you recall, they also fell asleep on the Mount of Transfiguration. In their sleep, they missed precious moments with their Messiah, Jesus.

Spurgeon says this about Jesus. “Speaking kindly about the disciples Jesus said, ‘The Spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Their Master might find an excuse for their neglect; but oh! How they would blame themselves afterwards for missing that last opportunity of watching with their Lord!”

“No man will be able to stand in the moment of severe temptation who has been slothful instead of watchful, and indolent instead of prayerful. Prayerlessness is as truly sin against God as cursing or swearing.” (H.A. Ironside)

10. What can you learn about prayer from Jesus’ example in the Garden?

11. Who was entering the Garden as the disciples were resting? What was Jesus’ reaction?

A ACTING on God’s Word What a picture of Christians today! So many of us who claim to love the Lord and walk in fellowship and relationship with Him, stop watching and praying. Our ears grow dull, our hearts weak, and we fall asleep! Jesus was clear with His disciples, knowing that without watchful eyes and a prayerful, submissive heart, we will fall into temptation. God always wants to protect us and gives us His means of protection. The choice is left to us. List all of the ways you can resist temptation and stand strong in the Lord knowing that your flesh is weak. How are you doing in each of these areas?

What is your greatest temptation? How can prayer help you overcome this temptation? How can watching help you overcome this temptation?

Give an honest assessment of your prayer life. What has God spoken to your heart today regarding His desires for you in prayer and the victory He desires for you to win through prayer?

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do Your will, O my God and Your law is within my heart.”

Close in Prayer

NOTES

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 26 • Day 3 “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 4: In Gethsemane: Betrayal Matthew 26: The Passion of the King

As Jesus finished praying, His enemies approached with swords and weapons in the dark of the night. And there Jesus stood with His disciples; unarmed in earthly weapons but fully armored in the Father. He was ready. He was prepared for that very moment, as Judas would come to Him with a kiss. The kiss would identify Him to the arresting officers and bring forth betrayal stained with greed. No swords were necessary. Jesus calmly surrendered Himself into the hands of His enemies. This troubled Peter and he once again acted impulsively pulling out his sword and cutting off the ear of one of the soldiers. Jesus reached out and healed the soldier before being taken away to the Sanhe- drin, as His trials awaited Him. There was a divine timetable controlling each event and prophecy that must be fulfilled along the way, all in accordance with God’s almighty plan. And knowing each person would betray and deny Him, Jesus would declare, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” John 16:32

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 26:1-75 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:47-68

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. In verses 47-49, describe what happened in the Garden. How did Judas identify Jesus to those who opposed Him?

a. How did Judas address Jesus? b. How did Jesus address Judas? c. What does this tell you about each of them?

2. In verses 50-51, what does Peter (John 18:10 tells us it was him) do as the guards come to arrest Jesus? Why do you think he responded this way? How should he have responded based on all Jesus’ teachings and preparations?

3. What could Jesus have done for protection? Why didn’t He according to verse 54?

4. In verse 56, what do you learn about the disciples in Jesus’ greatest time of need?

a. What do you learn about Peter in verse 58? Why do you think he did this?

We learn that after Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane, He was led by the soldiers to Caiaphas, the high priest. We learn in John 18:12-14 that first they took Jesus to Annas, the father-in- law of Caiaphas, who according to Jewish law, was the high priest until he died. He was the power behind the throne. Caiaphas assembled together the chief priests, elders and scribes, know as the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin had great authority but were not able to impose capital punishment. They tried to find two witnesses to come against Jesus with the same accusation in order to pass judgment on Jesus. Verse 60 tells us, “they found none!” What a testimony to Jesus!

5. According to verse 61, what false charge did they finally come up with?

a. Read John 2:19-22 to see the actual words that Jesus spoke regarding the temple. Write Jesus’ words below.

6. In verse Matthew 26:63, why do you think Jesus did not respond? Why does He respond in verse 64 and what does He say?

7. Why did the high priest accuse Jesus of blasphemy?

8. What verdict do they pronounce against Jesus? What do they do to Him in verses 67-68?

A ACTING on God’s Word Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Webster’s Dictionary defines betrayal as “being delivered up in breach of trust, being violated by unfaithfulness, and exposed by breach of confidence.” How it hurts when someone becomes untrustworthy, unfaithful and violates our confidence. Has someone you loved ever fallen in this category? This was exactly what Judas and the other 11 disciples did to Jesus when He faced His hour of greatest need. They had received so much from Jesus’ hand and heart during those 3 1/2 years. When Jesus needed their support, prayer and encouragement, some betrayed Him, others completely left Him and John and Peter followed closely behind Him in secret. Later Peter would deny Jesus. How Jesus’ heart must have ached. Maybe your heart knows that same ache. What have you learned about Jesus and his response in the face of betrayal that you can apply to your own life’s hurts and betray- als? Where do you think Jesus took those disappointments? How can you learn from Him? Journal to the Lord your own pain and brokenness asking for His healing.

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word Thank you, Jesus, for always teaching us by your perfect example. Thank you for being my defense. “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them. By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever.” Psalm 41:9-12

Close in Prayer

© Calvary Chapel Chester Springs Matthew • Chapter 26 • Day 4 “The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 DELIGHTING in the LORD BIBLE STUDY SERIES

DAY 5: In the Courtyard: Denial Matthew 26: The Passion of the King

While Jesus was undergoing a trial before the Sanhedrin for His very life, John tells us that Peter stood by the fire with Jesus’ enemies in the door of the courtyard of Caiaphus’ house. Peter was undergoing a testing. In this testing, Peter would be given three opportunities to stand with Jesus and speak up for His Lord. How quickly the words of Jesus would come true, as they always do! “Assur- edly, I say to you (Peter) that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Jesus knows how we will be tested, and He knows what our response will be. Instead of standing with His Lord, he stood for himself. H.A. Ironside says it well, “To what depths can even a child of God sink when he is out of communion with his Master and is under the dominion of the flesh!” Let’s see how Peter responds when his sinful heart is exposed.

R RECEIVING God’s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 26:1-75 Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 26:69-75

E EXPERIENCING God’s Word 1. Who came to Peter in verse 69 and what did she ask him?

a. How did Peter respond in verse 70?

2. Who came to Peter in verse 71 and what did she ask him?

a. How did Peter respond in verse 72?

3. Who came to Peter in verse 73 and what did they say to him?

a. How did Peter respond in verse 74?

b. Why do you think he responded so violently the third time?

4. What happened immediately after the 3rd denial?

a. Read Luke 22:61 and note what also happened when the rooster crowed.

5. How did Peter respond to his sin? What does this tell you about Peter and His heart for the Lord?

A ACTING on God’s Word Sin will always be found out. It may take awhile, but your sin will be exposed and brought to the light at some point in time. God desires to forgive us and that is the very reason He went to the cross on our behalf. Jesus on the cross is the perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sins. We see with Peter that his denial of Jesus was exposed. As the rooster crowed, Jesus looked into Peter’s eyes. How that look must have pierced Peter’s soul. We know it did, for he went away weeping over his sin. When was the last time you wept over your sin?

Psalm 32:5 says, “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” What do you need to bring before the Lord today? What sin have you kept hidden from others? Nothing is hidden from the Lord. He is waiting for you to come to Him, repent and receive His forgiveness. Take a moment to allow the Lord to search your heart and bring to the surface the sin that is there.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like Peter, and wanted to fall into the crowd instead of proclaim your love for Jesus? Describe the situation. How did you feel afterwards? What can you do differently the next time a similar situation occurs? What does the Lord desire from each of us? May we all desire to be like Mary and freely give everything to the Lord, regardless of the audience.

D DELIGHTING in God’s Word Thank you Lord that you are Truth! Thank you Lord, that we can know the Truth (Jesus) and the Truth will set us free! (John 8:32) May I never take that freedom for granted.

Close in Prayer

NOTES