'When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” '
Matthew 26:1-5
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.1-5
The Enduring Word Commentary points out that the religious leaders wanted to avoid Jesus being crucified during the Passover, but that was exactly when it happened. This shows how the Lord was actually in control this whole time. Jesus had to be crucified on the Passover because He was the Lamb of God to be slain for all the sin of mankind, after which no more animal sacrifices nor Passover lambs would be needed. Jesus came to fulfill the law and after He came, no more animal sacrifices were necessary.
'While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” '
Matthew 26:6-13
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.6-13
This woman knew this was Jesus the Messiah and that He is much more valuable than this expensive perfume. Her worship was extravagant because she knew that she was a sinful woman and that He would forgive her and save her. She probably also knew that He was a provider and would provide for her needs as well as for the poor. Her actions also served to anoint Jesus for His burial.
'Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. '
Matthew 26:14-16
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.14-16
Judas did not truly love Jesus even though He was in His inner circle. He easily handed Jesus over to be crucified for money. Money is the root of all evil. Some people will do evil or corrupt justice if money is involved, or they are offered a bribe. Those who truly love someone, cannot be bribed to harm them.
'Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. '
Matthew 26:17-30
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.17-30
Woe is the person who betrays Jesus who claims to be one of His servants but is not. God also takes it personally when people betray His people who trust in Him, especially those who claim to be of the household of God.
Lord, there is nothing in this world nor any person that I want more than you. I pray that I always maintain this position and not be swayed by anyone or anything.
'Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. '
Matthew 26:31-35
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.31-35
Peter was very passionate, and he had good intentions, but the Lord checked him in his pride that he too would deny Jesus 3 times. Lord, I know that we are humans and are all capable or denying you or betraying you or others. That is why I pray that you keep me in my current position that I will never turn from You. I do not want to be too prideful because I know that You are the one that keeps us from falling. To You be all the glory!! We may be well meaning, but any human is capable of doing as Peter did.
'Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” '
Matthew 26:36-46
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.36-46
Amen! Jesus set the example for how we are to deal with hard times. “Father, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but Yours be done.” The Father can ALWAYS be trusted, even when things are difficult or look bad. There WILL be a “resurrection.” The Father ALWAYS works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes. His plans are to prosper, not to harm, but to bring hope and a future. There may be things in life that we would prefer to skip over, but God brings us through them because He plans to do the miraculous so that He gets the glory.
We are to keep watch and pray so that we do not fall into temptation. It is vital to stay spiritually awake so that the Devil is not able to sneak in past our armor.
'While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. '
Matthew 26:47-56
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.47-56
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. If Jesus did not already know about the betrayal, it would look like His good friend Judas just came to greet Him and show affection. Judas did not really love Jesus, though. WE may come across people in our lives who pretend to love us but will actually betray us if it benefits them to do so or may even be in the act of doing while smiling in our faces. This is why our trust should be in God and not people.
'Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ” Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” '
Matthew 26:57-68
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.57-68
They took Jesus to the high priest where all the religious leaders were looking for false evidence against Jesus, but they could not find any. However, many false witnesses arose against Him and quoted something that He said only with the wrong understanding. They thought He was saying that He could destroy the physical temple in Jerusalem and rebuild it in three days, but He was talking about His own body. They were accusing Him of blasphemy because He said that He was the Messiah, but He was telling the Truth. This was all part of God’s divine plan of salvation, which is why their hearts were so hard and would not believe Him or release Him. Sometimes God will allow a situation to look so impossible or He will allow everyone to fail us, so that He can work miracles and get all the glory. He also wants to ensure that we trust and depend on Him over all.
Matthew 26:1-5
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.1-5
The Enduring Word Commentary points out that the religious leaders wanted to avoid Jesus being crucified during the Passover, but that was exactly when it happened. This shows how the Lord was actually in control this whole time. Jesus had to be crucified on the Passover because He was the Lamb of God to be slain for all the sin of mankind, after which no more animal sacrifices nor Passover lambs would be needed. Jesus came to fulfill the law and after He came, no more animal sacrifices were necessary.
'While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” '
Matthew 26:6-13
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.6-13
This woman knew this was Jesus the Messiah and that He is much more valuable than this expensive perfume. Her worship was extravagant because she knew that she was a sinful woman and that He would forgive her and save her. She probably also knew that He was a provider and would provide for her needs as well as for the poor. Her actions also served to anoint Jesus for His burial.
'Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. '
Matthew 26:14-16
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.14-16
Judas did not truly love Jesus even though He was in His inner circle. He easily handed Jesus over to be crucified for money. Money is the root of all evil. Some people will do evil or corrupt justice if money is involved, or they are offered a bribe. Those who truly love someone, cannot be bribed to harm them.
'Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. '
Matthew 26:17-30
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.17-30
Woe is the person who betrays Jesus who claims to be one of His servants but is not. God also takes it personally when people betray His people who trust in Him, especially those who claim to be of the household of God.
Lord, there is nothing in this world nor any person that I want more than you. I pray that I always maintain this position and not be swayed by anyone or anything.
'Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. '
Matthew 26:31-35
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.31-35
Peter was very passionate, and he had good intentions, but the Lord checked him in his pride that he too would deny Jesus 3 times. Lord, I know that we are humans and are all capable or denying you or betraying you or others. That is why I pray that you keep me in my current position that I will never turn from You. I do not want to be too prideful because I know that You are the one that keeps us from falling. To You be all the glory!! We may be well meaning, but any human is capable of doing as Peter did.
'Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” '
Matthew 26:36-46
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.36-46
Amen! Jesus set the example for how we are to deal with hard times. “Father, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but Yours be done.” The Father can ALWAYS be trusted, even when things are difficult or look bad. There WILL be a “resurrection.” The Father ALWAYS works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes. His plans are to prosper, not to harm, but to bring hope and a future. There may be things in life that we would prefer to skip over, but God brings us through them because He plans to do the miraculous so that He gets the glory.
We are to keep watch and pray so that we do not fall into temptation. It is vital to stay spiritually awake so that the Devil is not able to sneak in past our armor.
'While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. '
Matthew 26:47-56
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.47-56
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. If Jesus did not already know about the betrayal, it would look like His good friend Judas just came to greet Him and show affection. Judas did not really love Jesus, though. WE may come across people in our lives who pretend to love us but will actually betray us if it benefits them to do so or may even be in the act of doing while smiling in our faces. This is why our trust should be in God and not people.
'Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ” Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” '
Matthew 26:57-68
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.26.57-68
They took Jesus to the high priest where all the religious leaders were looking for false evidence against Jesus, but they could not find any. However, many false witnesses arose against Him and quoted something that He said only with the wrong understanding. They thought He was saying that He could destroy the physical temple in Jerusalem and rebuild it in three days, but He was talking about His own body. They were accusing Him of blasphemy because He said that He was the Messiah, but He was telling the Truth. This was all part of God’s divine plan of salvation, which is why their hearts were so hard and would not believe Him or release Him. Sometimes God will allow a situation to look so impossible or He will allow everyone to fail us, so that He can work miracles and get all the glory. He also wants to ensure that we trust and depend on Him over all.