[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 26
Bible Verses:
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for 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 again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29)
“Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:34-35)
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS (vs. 1-5)
Jesus told his disciples that he will be handed over to be crucified. the chief priests and the elders assembled at the place of high priest Caiaphas where they plotted to arrest Jesus.
JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY (vs. 6-13)
When Jesus was at the house of Simon the Leper, Mary took an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and poured on Jesus’ head. The disciples criticized her saying: “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money give to the poor” (v. 9). But Jesus answered: “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. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, im memory of her” (vs. 10-13)
JUDAS AGREED TO BETRAY JESUS (vs. 14-16)
Jesus agreed to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins. He was looking the opportunity to hand him down.
THE LORD’S SUPPER (vs. 17-30)
The disciples prepared the Passover for Jesus. During the Last Supper, Jesus revealed that one of the disciples will betray him. The disciples were sad and and began saying: “Surely not I Rabbi?”. But Jesus answered: “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.” (vs. 23-24)
Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying: Take and eat. This is my body” (v. 26). Then, he took the cup, gave thanks and offered 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” (vs. 27-28)
JESUS PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL (vs. 31-35)
When Jesus told his disciples that they will all fall away, he also assured them that he will be risen and met them at Galilee. Peter boasted and said: “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will” (v. 33). Jesus answered: This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” (v. 34). But Peter declared: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (v. 35)
GETHSEMANE (vs. 36-46)
Jesus went with his disciples to Gethsemane. He told them to stay and keep watch while he went to pray to the Father. Jesus prayed 3 times to his Father: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (v. 39)
When Jesus returned to his disciples, they were all sleeping. Then He said: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (v. 41)
JESUS ARRESTED (vs. 47-56)
A large crowd armed with swords and clubs sent by the chief priest and the elders of the people came to arrest Jesus. Judas arranged a “kiss” signal to identify the person to be arrested. When the men seized Jesus, one of Jesus’ disciples got a sword and struck the ear of the servant of the high priest. But Jesus rebuked him saying: “Put your sword back in its place for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (v. 52). Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN (vs. 57-68)
They took Jesus to Caiaphas while Peter followed at a distance. They tried to ask Jesus many questions but He refused to answer. But when they ask: “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God”. Jesus replied: “Yes, it is as you say. But I say to all of you: in the future you will see the son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (v. 64). So, they condemned him of blasphemy and arrested him.
PETER DISOWNS JESUS (vs. 69-75)
While Peter was sitting in a courtyard, a servant girl recognized Peter as follower of Jesus. Peter denied saying: ” I don’t know what you are talking about” (v. 70). Then at the gateway, another girl said: “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth” (v. 71). Peter denied saying: “I don’t know the man” (v. 71). After a while, those standing there told Peter: “Surely you are one of them for your accent gives you away” (v. 73). The Peter answered: “I don’t know the man!” (v. 74). Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus said” “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times” And he went outside and wept bitterly (v. 75)
REFLECTION:
- Mary expressed her devotion to Jesus by offering him the most expensive perfume. How do you express your devotion to Christ?
- Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins. In what manner have you betrayed Jesus?
- During communion service, do we remember His suffering and sacrifice for us?
- Peter boasted about his willingness to die for Jesus but failed. However, he was reinstated because he wept bitterly and repented. We may have failed in many aspect of our life, but as long as we repent, Jesus still opens his arms to accept us.
- Jesus prayed to His Father to take away the cup, but not his will but according to His Father’s will. When you pray, are you willing to follow God’s will?
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