Today we read and discuss Matthew 26. I am posting the Notes here. I will post videos when the program is completed.
Matthew Chapter 26 offers a rich tapestry of teachings that are as relevant today as they were in biblical times. This chapter covers significant events such as the anointing at Bethany, the plot to betray Jesus, the Last Supper, Peter’s denial, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, and His arrest and trials. Each event is packed with lessons that can guide our daily lives as followers of Christ.
Matthew 26:1-5 – The Plot to Kill Jesus: God’s Plan Amid Darkness
Summary: As Jesus finishes teaching His disciples, He plainly reminds them that in two days He will be handed over to be crucified at Passover (26:1-2). Meanwhile, the chief priests, scribes, and elders assemble in the courtyard of the high priest, Caiaphas, plotting to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill Him (26:3-4). They scheme to avoid doing it during the feast to prevent an uproar (26:5). This opening section sets a dark backdrop of conspiracy even as God’s redemptive plan unfolds.
Insights: The religious leaders’ secret council fulfills Scripture’s portrayal of evil forces conspiring against God’s anointed. In fact, the language “assembled” and “plotted” in Matthew 26:3-4 echoes Psalm 31:13, where the righteous sufferer laments, “they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life”. Yet, God’s sovereign plan moves forward despite human schemes. The priests insist “Not during the feast,” but Jesus is ultimately killed on Passover itself, “another subtle indication that Jesus was in control of events”. Their attempt to avoid a public scene only results in prophecy being fulfilled on God’s timetable.
Kingdom Living Lessons:
- Trust God’s Sovereignty in Chaos: Even when powerful people scheme in darkness, God’s purpose cannot be thwarted. The authorities’ plan to kill Jesus in secret was woven into the “divine plan at work” through prophecy. In our lives, when we witness injustice or opposition to the truth, we can take comfort that God is still in control, working all things for good (cf. Isaiah 46:10, Romans 8:28).
- Expect Opposition: Jesus had forewarned that He would suffer and be rejected (Matthew 16:21). Similarly, those who live for God’s kingdom may face plots or persecution from a world that lies in darkness (John 15:18-20). Matthew 26’s beginning reminds us that darkness often intensifies before the breakthrough of God’s victory. We must not be surprised when we meet resistance for our faith, but remain “steadfast” in loyalty to Christ.
- God’s Timing is Perfect: The conspirators wanted to avoid killing Jesus during Passover, yet that is exactly when it happened – aligning with God’s prophetic timing (Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, was sacrificed at the very time the lambs were slain – cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7). This encourages us to submit to God’s timing in our lives. Even in dark moments, the Lord can turn the enemy’s plans to serve a higher purpose (Acts 2:23, Genesis 50:20).
The Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:1–13) Jesus allows a woman to anoint Him with expensive perfume—an act of extravagant worship at great personal cost. This reminds us that kingdom life values sacrificial devotion over economy. The disciples grumbled about waste, but Jesus affirmed her act as “a beautiful thing” (v. 10). Kingdom citizens cultivate a heart of worship even when “practical” voices object. Jesus links her anointing to His burial (v. 12), teaching us that acts of worship and service prepare our hearts for Christ’s return.
The Plot to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14–16) Judas Iscariot conspires for thirty pieces of silver—an example of moral compromise for personal gain. Kingdom living rejects “selling out” core values for material benefit. Judas’s heart was “greedy” (Luke 22:3), but kingdom life cultivates integrity and vigilance.
The Last Supper and the New Covenant (Matthew 26:17–30) Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, pointing to His body and blood as the foundation of the New Covenant. This shared meal binds believers into His body and daily recalls Christ’s work and proclaims His lordship. Jesus sets an example of humble service, reminding us to serve others sacrificially.
Peter’s Denial Foretold (Matthew 26:31–35) Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, teaching us that even the most devoted can falter. Kingdom culture encourages vulnerability and extends grace and restoration, reflecting Jesus’ forgiveness.
Gethsemane: Submission and Prayer (Matthew 26:36–46) In agony, Jesus prays “Not as I will, but as you will” (v. 39). This models wrestling with God’s will and engaging in persistent prayer, surrendering personal agendas. Kingdom living is not solitary; we bear one another’s burdens.
The Arrest and Trials (Matthew 26:47–68) Jesus faces betrayal, false witnesses, and abuse, modeling enduring injustice and trusting God’s timing. Kingdom citizens are called to stand for truth without resorting to worldly tactics and to anchor hope in the unseen kingdom.
Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:69–75) Peter denies Jesus and weeps bitterly, showing the cost of fear and the path to restoration. Kingdom life embraces both sober repentance and joyful restoration.
Living Daily in the Kingdom Matthew 26 shows us that kingdom life is marked by extravagant devotion, moral courage, humble service, persistent prayer, and gracious restoration. As we embody these rhythms, we shine as “light in the darkness” (Philippians 2:15), pointing all to the King who reigns despite every trial.
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