Matthew 26

Summary

 

Matthew 26 sets the stage for the events of Jesus' crucifixion and highlights themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

 

  1. Plot to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:1-5): Jesus announces to his disciples that he will be crucified during the upcoming Passover, leading the chief priests and elders to conspire to arrest and kill him.

  2. Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13): A woman, later identified as Mary, anoints Jesus with expensive perfume at the home of Simon the leper. Some disciples criticize her for the perceived waste, but Jesus commends her, stating that she has prepared him for burial.

  3. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16): Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver.

  4. The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30): Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper or Communion. He predicts his betrayal, stating that one of the disciples will betray him. Judas, when asked, identifies himself as the betrayer. Jesus also predicts Peter's denial.

  5. Gethsemane Prayer (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, expressing his distress about the impending events. He asks Peter, James, and John to keep watch, but they repeatedly fall asleep. Jesus prays for the Father's will to be done, ultimately accepting his impending arrest and crucifixion.

  6. Jesus' Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56): Judas arrives with a crowd armed with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus. A brief struggle occurs, during which one of Jesus' disciples (Peter) cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus rebukes the violence and willingly goes with those arresting him.

  7. Jesus before the High Priest (Matthew 26:57-68): Jesus is taken to the high priest Caiaphas, where false witnesses testify against him. Jesus remains silent until asked directly about being the Messiah, to which he responds affirmatively, leading to accusations of blasphemy.

  8. Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75): Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prediction. The rooster crows, and Peter remembers Jesus' words, leading to his deep remorse.

 

 

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