Matthew 26
This chapter captures some of the most poignant moments of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
It begins with the plot against Jesus and His anointing at Bethany, moves to the Last Supper and the prediction of Peter’s denial, then shows Jesus’ agonizing prayer in Gethsemane,
His arrest, trial, and Peter’s subsequent denial. It is a chapter filled with betrayal, devotion, prediction, agony, surrender, and denial.
Reflections
1. The plot to kill Jesus 1- 5
2. Jesus anointed at Bethany 6 – 13.
3. The betrayal of Jesus 14 – 16
4. The Last Supper 17 – 30
5. Prediction of Peter’s denial 31- 35
6. Jesus prays in Gethsemane 36 – 46
7. Jesus betrayed and arrested 47 – 56
8. Jesus before the Council 57 – 68
9. Peter denies Jesus 69 – 75.
The Plot To Kill Jesus
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, He told His disciples, ‘You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’ (Matthew 26:1-2).
Jesus was fully aware of the impending betrayal and crucifixion, yet He willingly submitted to the Father’s plan.
The Anointing At Bethany
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. (Matthew 26:7).
This act of worship and devotion contrasts sharply with the betrayal that follows, highlighting the value of true worship.
Judas‘ Betrayal
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 hand Him over to you?’ So they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.
(Matthew 26:14-15). Judas’ betrayal for a paltry sum underscores the tragic consequences of greed and disloyalty.
The Last Supper
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ (Matthew 26:26). The institution of the Lord’s Supper is a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant in His blood.
Jesus‘ Prayer In Gethsemane
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’ (Matthew 26:39).
Jesus’ prayer in the garden reveals His humanity and His submission to God’s will, even in the face of immense suffering.
Peter’s Denial Foretold
Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ (Matthew 26:34).
Despite Peter’s confidence, Jesus predicts his denial, teaching us about human frailty and the need for divine strength.
Practical Applications
Embrace Sacrificial Worship
Like the woman with the alabaster jar, we are called to offer our best to Jesus, recognizing His worth above all else.
Guard Against Betrayal
Reflect on areas in your life where you might be tempted to compromise your faith for worldly gain, and seek God’s strength to remain faithful.
Remember The New Covenant
Regularly partake in the Lord’s Supper with a heart of gratitude, remembering the sacrifice of Christ and the promise of eternal life.
Submit To God’s Will
In times of trial, follow Jesus’ example in Gethsemane by seeking God’s will above your own desires.
Acknowledge Human Weakness
Recognize your own limitations and rely on God’s grace to sustain you, especially in moments of testing.
Prayer
Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus,
Strength to remain faithful,
Willingness to submit to God,
Protection from temptation,
And the power to worship God in Jesus name AMEN 🙏
Reflection On Matthew 27
Matthew 27 paints a vivid picture of betrayal, injustice, suffering, and ultimately, divine love.
Judas, overwhelmed with remorse after betraying Jesus, returned the thirty pieces of silver (vs 3–5).
His tragic end reminds us that sin brings sorrow, but true repentance runs to God’s mercy instead of despair.
When Jesus stood before Pilate, He answered little, astonishing the governor (vs 11–14).
His silence was not weakness, but fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:7) and an example of trusting God’s will in the face of false accusations.
The crowd’s demand to release Barabbas over Jesus (vs. 22–23) exposes humanity’s blindness under sin.
Jesus was mocked, stripped, and crowned with thorns (vs 28–31), carrying our shame so that we might share in His glory. At the cross, His anguished cry – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(vs. 45–46)— shows the depth of His suffering as He bore the weight of our sin. Yet His death tore the temple curtain in two (vs. 50–51), signifying that through His sacrifice, the barrier between God and man was forever removed.
Even the Roman centurion, witnessing the earthquake and all that happened, confessed, “Surely he was the Son of God” (vs 54).
Meanwhile, Joseph of Arimathea’s courage in burying Jesus (vs. 57–60) reminds us that discipleship often requires quiet faithfulness, even in dark times.
Matthew 27 calls us to see the cross not as defeat, but as the center of God’s redemptive plan. In Christ’s suffering we find forgiveness, in His death we gain life, and in His silence we receive peace with God.
Life Applications
– Turn to God in repentance: Don’t let guilt push you away; His mercy is greater than your failure.
– Trust God’s justice: Like Jesus, sometimes silence and faith are stronger than self-defense.
– Live With Gratitude For The Cross: Every stripe and thorn carried meaning for your salvation.
– Be Faithful In Small Acts: Like Joseph, quiet obedience matters greatly in God’s plan.
Prayer Points
– Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus and the open access we now have to Him.
– Ask for grace to remain faithful even when mocked, misunderstood, or overlooked.
– Pray for courage to stand for Christ, both publicly and privately.
– Invite the Holy Spirit to deepen your gratitude for the cross and strengthen your walk with God.
Practical Applications
Reflect on betrayal and forgiveness
Consider how betrayal affects relationships and the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
Embrace silence in trials
Learn from Jesus’ example of silence and submission during trials, trusting in God’s ultimate plan.
Choose truth over popular opinion
Stand firm in truth, even when the majority chooses otherwise, as seen in the choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
Recognize the cost of redemption
Meditate on the immense sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation and let it inspire gratitude and devotion.
Access to God through Christ
Appreciate the significance of the torn veil, symbolizing direct access to God through Jesus, and approach Him with confidence.
Matthew 28
This chapter features highlights of Jesus’ resurrection along with the Great Commission. Here’s a recap of the chapter with its notable verse and lesson.
Notable Verses
– Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The verse is known as the Great Commission, a term that is used to describe the order Jesus gave to his disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations and make disciples.
Key Lessons
– The Power of the Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus is the proof of his victory of death and sin. This gives us a lot of hope and assurance of the eternal life we have.
– The Importance of Obedience: Jesus commanded us to obey his teachings and make disciples of all nations, thus it is very vital to abide in the will of God.
– The Authority of Jesus: Jesus said that all authority in the heaven and on earth has been given to him, which affirms dominion of power of him and all his creations.
– The Assurance of Jesus’ Presence: Jesus’ presence in our lives is a comfort and a strength during our journey of faith because he provides promises to be with us always.
– The Call to Make Disciples: The Great Commission puts us to the challenge to share the Gospel to the best of our ability while also witnessing about Jesus.
