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Away With You READ Matthew 25:41-43 41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’” Matthew 25:41 reveals the purpose of eternal fire. It is prepared by God for the devil and his demons. His demons were fallen angels. There is only one devil but many demons. In this passage, Jesus tells of opportunities people had to minister to others but did not. REFLECT The devil is a created being and does not have the power of God. Read 1 John 4:4 in this regard. Spend more time thinking about God than the devil. Also read the first two chapters of the book of Job that show the devil can go no further than God allows. RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about caring for the needs of others. You cannot help everyone, but you can surely do something for those around you. Although you cannot do all they need, every little bit will help. Refused to Help READ Matthew 25:44-45 44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ 45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’” People will be surprised to learn they did not have opportunity to do these things for Jesus because He was no longer living among them. His answer is that when they refused to help others they were actually refusing to help Him. REFLECT Have you considered that helping others is really helping Jesus? RESPOND When Paul was on the Damascus road he was on the way to persecute Christians when he saw a light from heaven. Read Acts 9:1-6 to see that Jesus considered Paul was really persecuting Him by persecuting believers. Eternal Destinations READ Matthew 25:46 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” This verse is important because some people believe while Christ-followers have eternal life, unbelievers will not have eternal punishment. The word in the original Greek language used the same word for “eternal” in both cases. What a terrible thought this is that loved ones will be sent to eternal punishment for rejecting Jesus as Savior. REFLECT Pray for people to trust in Jesus as Savior before it is eternally too late. RESPOND Perhaps it does not seem logical to you that a loving God would send anyone to eternal punishment. Consider what God did in sending His only Son to enter the human race to live with all of its limitations and die on the cross for everyone. It is a better question to ask how a holy God could ever forgive sinners. Romans 3:23-26 tells of this. In Luke 18:13 the tax collector prayed that God would be merciful to him. God has been merciful in sending His Son to die for us. Now the question is whether one will receive what God has done for him or not. In Two Days READ Matthew 26:1-2 1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Jesus concluded His comments on the Mount of Olives, as recorded in Matthew 24 and 25. Jesus told His disciples the Passover was near when He would be turned over to be crucified. His disciples had believed that the Messiah would come to overthrow the Roman Empire and set up His own kingdom. Although He had talked to them about His death, they didn’t fully grasp it. REFLECT Think what a sobering statement Jesus’ words must have been to His disciples. RESPOND Jesus was the Passover lamb and He would be sacrificed during Passover. The Jews were accustomed to sacrificing lambs at Passover. John the Baptist described Jesus as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Plots and Plans READ Matthew 26:3-5 3 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.” This reveals the background of how the Jewish religious leaders were plotting to arrest and kill Jesus. All males had to attend in Jerusalem for three celebrations (see Exodus 23:14-17). One of these celebrations was Passover. The leaders knew there would be a big crowd there at that time. See John 11:54-56 in this regard. The leaders had to decide on another plan. REFLECT When reading the Bible, remember that the word “Jews” can refer to the common people, many of whom believed in Jesus. It can also refer to the religious leaders who hated Jesus and wanted to have Him killed. RESPOND Do you know of people who do not want to have anything to do with religion? You can tell them that Jesus felt the same way because it was the religious leaders who wanted Him killed. Use this opportunity to share with them that “religion” is man’s attempt to reach up to God, and that “Christianity” is God’s attempt to reach mankind by sending His only Son. It’s not about religion; it’s about a relationship by believing in Jesus.

The Alabaster Jar READ Matthew 26:6-9 6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. 8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” In his Gospel, Matthew tells the reader of Jesus visiting the home of one who previously had been untouchable. At mealtime they reclined rather than sitting in chairs. While this was occurring, a woman poured expensive perfume over the head of Jesus. In his Gospel, John reports the woman was Mary and that Judas was disturbed about this (see John 12:3-6). Mark’s Gospel only records that “some” were indignant (see Mark 14:4-5). Matthew recorded that all the disciples were saying this. REFLECT Have you had some criticize you for giving your money to religious causes rather than to something else? RESPOND Talk with a Christian friend about not criticizing how others spend their money, unless they are a parent supervising a child. Each person will someday stand to give account for how he or she has served Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). This Woman's Deeds READ Matthew 26:10-13 10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Jesus rebuked those who thought the woman was foolish for pouring the expensive perfume over the head of Jesus. He also predicted that her act would be “remembered and discussed” wherever the Gospel is preached “throughout the world.” That is seen now by what she did being recorded in the Bible that has been translated into so many languages and is available on the Internet the world over. REFLECT How would you like to be remembered after your death? Think of two or three things you hope will come to the minds of others about you after you leave this earth. RESPOND Talk with a Christian friend about making it your desire not only to go to heaven but also taking as many people as possible with you. After you are gone, may others remember how you told others about Jesus and the need for them to place their faith in Him. Thirty Pieces of Silver READ Matthew 26:14-16 14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Always concerned about money, Judas decided he would betray Jesus if the religious leaders would pay him enough. The price was agreed for thirty pieces of silver. This was enough to satisfy Judas to betray the one he had followed with the other disciples. All Judas needed after the money was agreed on was to find an opportunity to betray Jesus. REFLECT What do you imagine was going through the mind of Judas as he planned to betray the one he had followed? RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about the need to be cautious in assuming everyone is a believer who says they believe. Judas must have been doing all the things the other disciples were doing such as praying, casting out demons, and performing miracles. Someday, however, Judas, and others like him will hear what Jesus told some in Matthew 7:22-23. Preparing for Passover READ Matthew 26:17-19 17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?” 18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there. Jesus gave some vague instructions to the disciples about how to find the place for the Passover meal. Luke 22:8 indicates the two disciples involved were Peter and John. This revealed the omniscience of Jesus. He already knew who the man was who would welcome Him and the disciples into his dwelling to celebrate the Passover meal. These two disciples were also involved in preparing the Passover meal. REFLECT Do you find it interesting that it was Peter and John who sought out the location of the house and prepared the meal? Why these two? RESPOND For Luke’s recording about this event, read Luke 22:7-13. The Gospel writers wrote about similar events but they did not all tell the same details. It would be like four people today writing about the same event but doing it from four different perspectives. A Betrayer Among Us READ Matthew 26:20-22 20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?” Some modern translations picture Jesus as sitting at a table, but that was not the custom at the time. They would recline, likely with most leaning on their left arm so they could eat with their right hand. Reclining on either side of the host would be guests of honor. When Jesus said someone would betray Him, each disciple thought he might be the one. This reveals they had no suspicion about Judas Iscariot. REFLECT What if you had been at the meal that day? Would you have thought Jesus was referring to you? RESPOND To be reminded of all 12 of the disciples, see Matthew 10:2-4. Judas was a common name in that day so the one who would betray Jesus was usually indicated in the text. Notice that two of the disciples had the name “James” so they were distinguished by the names of their fathers.

The Scriptures Declared READ Matthew 26:23-24 23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” Jesus had said that one of those present would betray Him. Each disciple asked if he was the one to whom Jesus was referring. Jesus identified the person in this statement. Some believe Judas was reclining on the left of Jesus, which was a place of honor. Jesus was still treating him with grace even though He knew Judas was the one who would betray Him. REFLECT Does it amaze you that Jesus keeps showing grace to Judas even though He knows Judas will betray Him? Does it help you to better understand the grace He has shown to you? RESPOND Talk with a friend about God’s grace and mercy. Even though He knows many will reject what He has done to provide salvation, He still loves them and wants them to be saved. Although He has prepared hell for the devil and his demons (see Matthew 25:41), He wants all to be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9). Judas READ Matthew 26:25 25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” Judas addressed Jesus as “Rabbi,” and not as “Lord.” Judas did not recognize Jesus as God nor as the Lord of his life. Judas knew he was the one who would betray Jesus. One wonders why he asked the question. Apparently the other disciples did not hear this interaction or they might never have let Judas leave the room. REFLECT Think how serious the hatred was in the heart of Judas that he would want to send Jesus to His ultimate trial and death. RESPOND Talk again with a friend about some who may seem to go along with what believers are doing, as Judas did, but have hatred in their hearts about Jesus. They may even refer to Him as a great person but do not believe He is God and should be Lord of their lives. Communion READ Matthew 26:26-28 26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” Some debate about whether the bread and cup of wine are only symbols or if they turn into the actual body and blood of the Lord Jesus. There would have been no mistaking this had you been reclining at the meal with Jesus. They could only be symbols. The “covenant” referred to would refer back to Jeremiah 31:31-34. This covenant promised forgiveness of sin for the nation of Israel. The symbols Jesus used also looked ahead to His death on the cross “as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” REFLECT Consider how important it is for you to observe the Lord’s Supper. RESPOND With another believer read what the apostle Paul wrote about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Notice there are no instructions for how often one should observe it. Also notice what it is to help you remember. Mark My Words READ Matthew 26:29-30 29 “Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” 30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus said He would not drink wine again until He did it in His Father’s kingdom. The sample prayer He taught the disciples has the statement, “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In the future when the kingdom is on earth Jesus will again celebrate this Passover Supper as a remembrance. In the Old Testament the Passover looked ahead to the time when Jesus would be the sacrificial lamb. In the future 1000-year kingdom on earth the view will look back to His sacrificial death. REFLECT Think of all the symbolism being pictured as Jesus took the elements at the Last Supper. RESPOND Matthew 26:30 reveals a pivotal moment. The supper was over and the scene shifts to the Mount of Olives. Read these passages together with a friend so these last days of Jesus’ life on earth sink deeply into your hearts. Scattered Sheep READ Matthew 26:31-32 31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” This is a sobering message from Jesus to His disciples. Although He’d referred to His death and resurrection before, the disciples did not grasp the full significance. Even later when Peter and John would come to the empty tomb, John 20:3-9 reveals they did not understand until that time that Jesus would rise from the dead. REFLECT Had you been following Jesus with the disciples, do you think you would have grasped the thought that He would someday die and rise from the dead? RESPOND Talk with a friend about what you would have done had you been with Jesus and He said you would desert Him. After following Him for three years, do you think His words would describe what you would do?

Before the Rooster Crows READ Matthew 26:33-34 33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Peter was insulted by Jesus’ comments that all of them would desert Him. Peter boasted that he would never do that even if the others did. In answer to that, Jesus gave this prediction of Peter’s denial of Him. It would have been serious enough had Jesus predicted Peter’s denial would eventually occur, but how startling it must have been to Peter that it would happen in the same night. REFLECT Think of this serious confrontation of Jesus with Peter. Surely Peter thought the possibility of him denying Jesus was impossible. RESPOND Discuss with a Christian friend the seriousness of denying Jesus. Talk about times when you did not speak up in defense of Jesus that you now think you should have. In this regard, consider 2 Timothy 2:11-13. Vows of Loyalty READ Matthew 26:35 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. As expected, Peter rejected any possibility of him denying that he knew Jesus. Although Peter was usually the first to speak as he did this time, the other disciples often agreed with him as they did here. It is hard to know what people will do when their own lives are threatened for knowing Jesus. REFLECT Think how serious it was for all the disciples to vow they would never deny Jesus. They would eventually also feel guilty of deserting Jesus. RESPOND Some wonder if they would have the grace to die for Jesus as many have done over the centuries. One person has said, “You won’t have dying grace until you need it.” This means the most important thing now is to apply and enjoy the grace God has given us to live for Him. See Ephesians 5:1-3 for how the apostle Paul said believers ought to live. Crushed With Grief READ Matthew 26:36-38 36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Of the disciples, Peter, James and John seem to have been the closest to Jesus. They were with Him at the Transfiguration (see Matthew 17:1). Jesus wanted them to wait for Him while He prayed. He was “anguished and distressed”, and His soul was “crushed with grief to the point of death.” These statements reveal that Jesus in His humanity was fully man as well as fully God. He wanted the three men to “keep watch” with Him. REFLECT Does this give you more insight into the humanity of Jesus? He went through all of this for lost humanity. RESPOND With another believer read some passages about the suffering of Jesus. The inspired Scriptures could have told us much more but see now Philippians 2:5-8 and Hebrews 12:1-4. Much more will be said in the Gospels as they comment about the crucifixion of Jesus. Your Will Be Done READ Matthew 26:39 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” After telling the three men to stay where they were and keep watch, Jesus went on a short distance to pray. He was fully aware of the agonizing death that was ahead of Him. He asked the heavenly Father to remove that cup of suffering from Him. Jesus’ greater desire, however, was to do the Father’s will, not His own. REFLECT In your prayers for some special interest, do you ask above all that the heavenly Father’s will be done and not yours? RESPOND Dwell on the agony of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Think about His desire to escape what was ahead of Him and yet He wanted to do the Father’s will. As John 3:16 says, the Father sent His only son as an act of His love. Jesus came to pay the penalty of sin for lost mankind. In His prayer, Jesus wanted to carry out the Father’s love more than anything else. Caught Asleep READ Matthew 26:40-41 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Jesus wanted the three disciples to be praying for Him, but they were tired and fell asleep. Jesus questioned why they could not watch with Him for even an hour. He commanded them again to keep watch and be in prayer so they would not yield to temptation. He added, “For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Jesus acknowledged their weakness and tiredness at night with this statement. REFLECT Is it helpful to realize that Jesus understands the weakness of your flesh even as He desires you to serve His wishes? RESPOND Ask a friend how it is going with weakness. The apostle Paul told of being caught up to heaven. He would not boast about that; however, he would boast about his weaknesses. Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 and talk with a friend how this might apply to you.

Sleeping Again READ Matthew 26:42-43 42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. Jesus left Peter, James and John alone so He could go pray by Himself. His desire was to have the cup of suffering facing Him to be removed. His greater desire, however, was to do the will of His heavenly Father. The first time He went away to pray, the three disciples fell asleep. The second time He went away and returned He found them sleeping again. REFLECT Does it seem that Jesus would have been exasperated with the three disciples? Do you think they felt guilty? How do you feel when you fall asleep when someone is speaking? RESPOND Talk with a friend about not being hard on some people who fall asleep during a sermon. You may not know they have medical problems that cause that. They also may have come from physical labor and are extremely tired. They also may be mothers who have been up much of the night with children. The Time Has Come READ Matthew 26:44-46 44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” Jesus went away the third time from the three disciples. He prayed in much the same way as He had prayed previously. He told the disciples to have their rest but then announced His betrayer had come. Jesus asked the three disciples to come with Him as He went to meet the traitor. REFLECT Think about Jesus wanting the disciples to be with Him when He knew what was about to take place. Jesus desired the friendship of His disciples, and that now includes all believers. RESPOND Notice Jesus said, “The time has come.” This is similar to saying, “My hour has come.” Many times the Scriptures say His hour had not yet come (see John 2:4; 7:8, 30; 8:20). Then notice when He said His hour had come (John 17:1). Betrayed With a Kiss READ Matthew 26:47-49 47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Judas arrived with an armed crowd sent by the religious leaders. Judas addressed Jesus as “Rabbi” not Lord, and gave Him a kiss. This was a kiss that tarnished all kisses. Later when the apostle Paul was writing his letters he would urge believers to greet each other with a “holy kiss” or “sacred kiss” (see Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). REFLECT Whatever the custom of greeting is in your culture, be sure it is done with love. RESPOND Talk with a friend about the kind of greeting with which you feel comfortable. It should be one that you would feel comfortable with and that the person being greeted would also be comfortable with it. Arrested READ Matthew 26:50-51 50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. Notice the grace of Jesus in calling His traitor “My friend.” Jesus was immediately arrested and one of his disciples used his sword and slashed off the ear of the high priest’s slave. The disciple was likely trying to cut off his head and missed his target. Matthew does not specify who the disciple was that did this, but John identified the attacker as Peter his Gospel and gave us the name of the slave, Malchus (see John 18:10). Luke 22:51 also reveals that Jesus healed the slave’s ear. REFLECT Try to imagine what this terrible time was like as Jesus was arrested and the disciples were frightened. RESPOND Talk with someone about what you would have done had you been with Jesus on that scary night. Do you blame any disciple for what occurred that night? Would you have run or tried to defend Jesus? What Must Happen READ Matthew 26:52-54 52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” This was Jesus’ response to using the sword. Doing so minimized the power He had to call “thousands of angels” for protection. Some translations render this as more than “twelve legions of angels.” This was an expression that only the Son of God could justify using. He was more interested, however, in carrying out the will of the heavenly Father who had sent Him to fulfill prophecy. REFLECT Think of the power of the armies of angels at Jesus’ disposal, yet He was willing to go through all of this for lost mankind. RESPOND Spend time with a friend worshiping God for all that He did to provide salvation for you. The Father sent His only Son to suffer horribly and die on the cross that any person who would believe in Him could have salvation. As you think of this, read 1 John 4:7-12.

Fulfilling Scripture READ Matthew 26:55-56 55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled. Jesus faced the crowd and tried to use reasoning. Their minds were already made up, however. They had opportunity to arrest Him earlier but did not do so because of the fear of His followers and the public. Again, Jesus referred to the evening as fulfilling prophecy. Earlier when He told the disciples that they would desert Him, they all denied it. Now they ran for their own lives. REFLECT Think about the disciples going back on their vow to stay with Jesus even if all the others deserted Him. What would you have done in their situation? RESPOND To be reminded of Peter and each of the other disciples vowing not to desert Jesus, read Matthew 26:35. Before being hard on them, consider if you have sometimes failed to defend Jesus in front of those who despise Him. The Home of Caiaphas READ Matthew 26:57-58 57 Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. 58 Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end. The various trials now begin for Jesus. Jewish law did not permit trials at night but the hatred was so strong against Jesus that the Jewish leaders couldn’t wait to try Him. They were willing to break their own laws so they could condemn Jesus. Peter was close enough to see and follow Jesus at a distance. One wonders where the other disciples were. Peter came to the courtyard of the high priest where he sat with the guards. REFLECT What do you think is on Peter’s mind at this time? Do you think he is afraid? RESPOND Talk with a friend about the way some people will deny their own religious beliefs to carry out what they want to do. Some have been known to say, “I know this is contrary to what the Bible says I should do, but I am going to do it anyway.” This would be considered a sin of presumption—presuming on God’s grace. Read Hebrews 12:5-11 to see how God disciplines a disobedient child. False Witnesses READ Matthew 26:59-61 59 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. 60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” While Peter is waiting in the courtyard to see what develops, inside the Sanhedrin is meeting. The Sanhedrin was the Jewish Supreme Court. Unable at first to find false witnesses against Jesus whose testimony was consistent, finally two came forward and referred to a statement they overheard Jesus make. REFLECT Think of the Jewish Supreme Court wanting to hear false witnesses testify against Jesus. They were not interested in hearing from any true witnesses. The hatred of Jesus was raging. RESPOND With a friend, read John 2:18-22 to see the context for Jesus’ statement about rebuilding the temple. To read about where the temple is today, read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Talk about how this should relate to you today. Making Demands READ Matthew 26:62-63 62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” The high priest could not take the suspense any longer so he stood and made a demand of Jesus. When Jesus remained silent about answering any of the charges, the high priest put Jesus under an oath. He demanded “in the name of the living God” for Jesus to say whether He was “the Messiah, the Son of God.” REFLECT Think of Jesus before the Jewish Supreme Court being charged and bullied by the religious leaders. It seems that Jesus will be forced to answer the high priest. What will He say? RESPOND Talk with a friend about yourselves being caught in a situation when you thought it was wise to keep quiet but were being forced to give an answer. What did you do? The Place of Power READ Matthew 26:64-66 64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?” “Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!” Jesus needed to respond to the high priest and said he had spoken the truth. Jesus also told what the Scriptures had prophesied concerning Him. The unbelieving religious leaders had already decided His fate, but now they had the excuse to add “blasphemy.” Then all present were convinced that Jesus deserved to die. REFLECT As Jesus had mentioned earlier, He could have called armies of angels to deliver Him, but He was willing to go through all of this for the joy set before Him (see Hebrews 12:2). RESPOND Read John 5:18 to see that the Jewish leaders criticized Jesus for breaking the Sabbath and understood that He was making Himself equal with God. Calling God His Father would not seem to mean that to us now, but it did to the Jews then. This reveals that those who say Jesus did not claim to be God is not what the Jews understood. This is why they wanted Him put to death.

Prophesy to Us READ Matthew 26:67-68 67 Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68 jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?” This continues the account of the insults and humiliation that Jesus endured when He could have prevented it by calling armies of angels. It is one thing if you suffer abuse when you can do nothing about it, but quite another if you could have stopped it but endured it for others. Our love for each other is caused by His love for us first (see 1 John 4:19). REFLECT Think about the terrible abuse Jesus endured so He could eventually die on the cross for all mankind. RESPOND Join with a fellow believer in reading not only Matthew’s account but also Mark’s in Mark 14:55-65 and Luke’s in Luke 22:63-65. Give time for this story to sink into your heads and hearts about the love Jesus had that caused Him to be willing to suffer all of this. In the Courtyard READ Matthew 26:69-70 69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Peter had declared he would never deny Jesus but here he did in front of everyone present in the courtyard with him. This was not caused because he was frightened of an angry and armed military guard but from a simple statement by a servant girl. Peter feigned ignorance of knowing what she was talking about. REFLECT Have you let someone’s statement cause you to be reluctant to admit you know Jesus? RESPOND Read Acts 4:23-31 to see the believers praying for boldness in preaching the Gospel because of persecution expected by the religious leaders. This chapter in Acts justifies civil disobedience when the government requests something that would dishonor God. Denial READ Matthew 26:71-72 71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. Peter changed his location but was approached by another servant girl. He stood out among the group and raised their curiosity. For the second time he denied he knew Jesus. Peter was emphatic about not knowing “the man” even though he had followed Jesus for three years and was in the inner circle, along with James and John. REFLECT If you are relatively new in your relationship with Jesus, you can be encouraged if you have difficulty taking a stand for Jesus because Peter also had such difficulty. RESPOND Talk with a friend about what a dangerous situation Peter was in. If the ringleader of his group was in danger, surely they would be coming after Jesus’ followers. Peter may have realized his own life was in danger if he admitted being a follower of Jesus. The Rooster Crowed READ Matthew 26:73-75 73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. Verse 74 says “Peter swore.” This means he took an oath, not that he used foul language. Now more than the servant girls were curious. The Galileans had a different accent than those in Judea so others were suspicious of Peter. After his third denial, the rooster crowed, as Jesus promised it would. Jesus’ comment raced through Peter’s mind, and he immediately realized what he had done. He left where he was with his heart broken and weeping bitterly. REFLECT What has it been like for you after you failed to stand up for Jesus as you know you should have? RESPOND Discuss with a fellow believer how heartbroken Peter must have been. Then remember this is not the end of the story and he will later be greatly used in proclaiming the Gospel. In considering what sins can be forgiven, see 1 John 1:7 that Jesus’ blood cleanses from all sin. The only unforgivable sin is that of refusing to believe in Jesus as Savior and passing from this earth in that condition. The Next Morning READ Matthew 27:1-2 1 Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. 2 Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. The religious leaders were more determined than ever to have Jesus put to death. The Jewish people did not have the authority to put someone to death so they took Him to the Roman governor who had this power. Pilate’s headquarters were at Caesarea on the Mediterranean, but he came to Jerusalem during the feast of Passover because of the troubles that often developed there. REFLECT Does this help you to better understand the hatred the religious leaders had for Jesus? Religion is not a friend to Christianity. RESPOND For Scriptural proof that the Jews did not have the authority to execute anyone, see John 18:31.

Filled with Remorse READ Matthew 27:3-4 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” Although Judas had remorse, there is no indication he changed his mind about the sin he had committed in betraying the Son of God. He admitted he had “betrayed an innocent man,” but there is no record in the Scripture that He asked forgiveness for his sin. Jesus had forgiven others during His time on earth so there was no reason He would not have forgiven Judas had he requested such even at this final hour. REFLECT Do you understand it takes more than just being sorry for your sin; you need to believe in Jesus for salvation. RESPOND It is popular to talk about the need to “repent of one’s sin,” which means “to change one’s mind.” This would assume a change of direction as well, but if the person does not believe in Jesus for salvation after changing his mind, he does not become a Christ-follower. Judas is an example of this. Payment for Murder READ Matthew 27:5-6 5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself. 6 The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” There are different words in the New Testament Greek that referred to the temple. One word, hieron, referred to the space dedicated to deity and denoted the entire temple area. Another word, naos, referred to an “inhabited place” and referred to the inner sanctuary and was used of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. It is this word used in today’s passage. Only the priests were to enter these areas, and only the high priest was allowed in the most holy place once a year. This reveals Judas’ disregard for holy things and also for the priests to whom he had betrayed Jesus. Notice how hypocritical the religious leaders were. They were guilty of murder yet they didn’t want to put the money in the temple treasury. REFLECT Think of the hatred in the heart of Judas as well as in the hearts of the religious leaders. RESPOND With a friend read about the most holy place in Hebrews 9:6-8. Notice the high priest had to offer blood for his own sins, but Jesus never had to do that. Read Hebrews 4:14-16 to see we can come to Jesus any time. Field of Blood READ Matthew 27:7-10 7 After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. 9 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says, “They took the thirty pieces of silver—the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel, 10 and purchased the potter’s field, as the Lord directed.” The “potter’s field” seems to have been a field from which clay was taken to make pottery. It became known as “the Field of Blood” because of Gentiles being buried there. The price they paid Judas to betray Jesus was used to purchase this field. REFLECT Have you heard of the Potter’s Field before? Some funeral homes still have a cemetery called that. This is where those are buried who have no one to claim the body. RESPOND Think how sad it would be to pass from this life with no family or friends who would even claim your earthly remains. Sadder still would be to pass from this life without being sure of your salvation. Read John 3:16, 36 to know how to receive the life that lasts forever. Audience with Pilate READ Matthew 27:11-14 11 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him. Jesus replied, “You have said it.” 12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise. Jesus was before Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate would have the authority to put Him to death so this was an extremely serious situation. Jesus admitted to Pilate that He was the king of the Jews, but when the Jewish leaders made accusations, Jesus said nothing. Pilate did not understand why Jesus was not answering the religious leaders inasmuch as He claimed to be the king of the Jews. REFLECT Think again about the truth that Jesus could have called thousands of angels to defend Him, but He stood silent before His accusers. RESPOND To see the spiritual hypocrisy of the accusers, read John 18:28. They were willing to have the one who claimed to be the Son of God killed, but they didn’t want to ceremonially defile themselves. The Governor's Custom READ Matthew 27:15-18 15 Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. 16 This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. 17 As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.) Pilate thought the Jews would change their minds if offered a choice about having Barabbas released or the one arrested because of envy. Barabbas was known to be a murderer (see Mark 15:6-11). Luke reported the same and added that Pilate wanted to release Jesus (see Luke 23:18-20). REFLECT Think of the abuse Jesus had yet to go through even though Pilate thought He was innocent of violating any Roman law. RESPOND Spend time with another Christ-follower and consider all that Jesus went through for you and all mankind. Pray for your friends who need Jesus.

Give Us Barabbas READ Matthew 27:19-21 19 Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.” 20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” God sent Pilate a message that he should have nothing to do with executing Jesus. Pilate’s wife had a nightmare. She declared Jesus was innocent and Pilate should leave Him alone. At the same time the Jewish religious leaders wanted Jesus to be executed. They preferred a murderer to be released rather than Jesus. REFLECT Do you see the difference between those who have a relationship with Jesus and those who only have religion? RESPOND Matthew recorded previously how God had guided the wise men and Joseph through dreams (see Matthew 1:20; 2:12-13, 19-22). Matthew 27:19 reveals another attempt to communicate with Pilate and warn him not to proceed with the trial and execution of Jesus. Crucify Him READ Matthew 27:22-23 22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” Pilate was uncertain about what to do with Jesus and even referred to Him as the one “who is called the Messiah.” Nothing would satisfy the angry Jewish religious leaders. The crowd could not name a crime He had committed that would satisfy the Roman governor. They just wanted Him killed. REFLECT Think about how anger can blind people to the point where they are unable to use common sense. RESPOND Hopefully you are reading this account in Matthew with a friend so both of you are thinking about this trial before the Roman governor. Because Pilate thought Jesus was innocent, what would you expect Pilate to do next? Taking Responsibility READ Matthew 27:24-26 24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” 25 And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!” 26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Above all, Pilate did not want a riot to occur. To demonstrate he believed Jesus was innocent he washed his hands before the crowd and declared Jesus’ death would be their responsibility. Yet, the Jewish people did not have the authority to put anyone to death, only the Romans could do that. Even though Pilate thought Jesus was innocent he had Him flogged, which was an excruciating punishment. Then Jesus was turned over to be crucified. REFLECT Consider how terrible it was that Pilate thought Jesus was innocent and yet had Him severely punished and turned over to be crucified. RESPOND Talk with a friend how the pressure from a crowd can sometimes cause those in authority to do something they would not otherwise do. Can you think of examples in your lifetime where this has occurred? Mocking the Messiah READ Matthew 27:27-31 27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. This passage reveals what Jesus experienced by those He could have destroyed by a spoken word. He endured it all, however, because it was in God’s plan to provide salvation for all mankind who would believe in Jesus. He was likely unrecognizable at this point as they led Jesus away to be crucified. REFLECT Think of what Jesus’ mother would have thought if she knew her son was going through this horrible time. RESPOND To read about Jesus’ ability to destroy others by the spoken word, see Revelation 19:21 to see He will destroy an army by His spoken word. This will occur when He returns to the earth at His Second Advent. Place of the Skull READ Matthew 27:32-34 32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 33 And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). 34 The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. Understandably, Jesus had little strength to bear the load of the cross after being so severely beaten. A person from northern Africa was compelled to carry the cross. The terrain of Golgotha was reminiscent of a skull. The “wine mixed with bitter gall” was to help deaden the senses of pain, but Jesus refused to drink it. He wanted to experience the full effects of dying for the sins of others even though He was without sin (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). REFLECT Think of all that Jesus suffered for you and others who can have salvation by believing in Him. RESPOND Talk with a friend about why Jesus was willing to suffer so much in dying for others. Read passages such as Philippians 2:5-11 and Hebrews 12:1-4. Because of all Jesus has done for believers, may they honor Him in all they do, as instructed in Philippians 4:4-5.

Three Crosses READ Matthew 27:35-38 35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. 37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. The God of the universe allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross. Unconcerned, the soldiers played dice for His clothing. The sign above His head read what He claimed to be, but the religious leaders wanted Him killed for blasphemy because He claimed to be equal with God. They did not realize He was fully God as well as fully man. Two criminals were crucified with Him. REFLECT Consider the humility of Jesus allowing Himself to be nailed to a cross for the sins of lost mankind. RESPOND With a fellow believer, read Psalm 22:1-18 and notice verses that remind readers of what occurred at the crucifixion of Jesus. The Old Testament looked ahead to Jesus. The New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) tell of His life and death. Other books in the New Testament look back to Jesus. Save Yourself READ Matthew 27:39-40 39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!” Crucifixions were in a public place allowing the Roman government to warn all who would rebel against it. The people referred to a comment Jesus made, not knowing He was referring to His body and not to the Temple building. Because He claimed to be the Son of God, the people challenged Him to use His power to come down from the cross. More than the nails, it was His love that bound Him to the cross. REFLECT Consider the love of God that kept Jesus on the cross. Enjoy songs that remind you of the love of God. RESPOND Read John 2:19-21 to see Jesus’ statement about rebuilding the temple in three days. This is what His listeners did not understand. Mocked and Ridiculed READ Matthew 27:41-44 41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way. Notice again that it was the religious leaders who mocked Jesus. Most of the priests were Sadducees who did not believe in the supernatural and would never agree to the teaching about anyone rising from the dead. Even the criminals being crucified with Jesus agreed with the religious leaders who were practical atheists. REFLECT Does your life reflect that you believe in a God who can do miracles? RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about people and systems of belief that will not recognize accountability to a higher power, especially God to whom all must give account someday. Even today, those who believe in religion but not in a relationship with Jesus can be some of the greatest enemies of the Gospel. Darkness READ Matthew 27:45-46 45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” God the Father could not watch His son bearing all the sins of humanity. He concealed it also from a watching world. The Son and Father were one, but here the Father permitted His Son to bear the cross alone. Some may think this was cruel of the Father, but the Son agreed to the plan in eternity past. REFLECT Do not attempt to understand everything in the mind of God; you would have to be God to fully understand. RESPOND With a Christian friend, read Ephesians 1:3-8 and Philippians 2:5-11 to be reminded about how things were planned by God from the beginning. Confused Response READ Matthew 27:47-49 47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.” The bystanders were confused by Jesus’ statement about being abandoned by God. Some thought He was calling for Elijah. The one who could have called thousands of angels, if He desired, would not need Elijah. At this point in his Gospel the apostle John added, “One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34). REFLECT Crucifixion was the cruelest means of execution and that is why the Romans used it. The government wanted everyone to fear such a death and, in this way, have them under its domination. RESPOND Consider the curse that Jesus endured for all mankind. Deuteronomy 21:23 reveals the cross was considered a curse. That is also emphasized in the New Testament in Galatians 3:13 by the apostle Paul when he wrote a letter to the Galatians.