Lectionary Calendar

Saturday, December 21st, 2024
the Third Week of Advent

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Matthew 26

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Introduction

Introduction
1. Matthew 26:1-5

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Introduction

Introduction
1. Matthew 26:1-5

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Verses 1-13

Are You a Worshipper?
Matthew 26:6-13
1. Spikenard
  1. Spikenard is a highly aromatic plant growing in India, from which was made a very perfume that was typically used at the ancient baths and feasts. It grows up out of the ground with thirty and forty spikes (from which it gets its name), each of which are from 6-12” long.
2. Mary Was a Worshipper
  1. Mary’s gift was remarkably sacrificial…she was taking NO THOUGHT for herself, and sacrificially was giving her life (custom was this was probably here dowry) to the LORD!
  2. Mary’s gift was remarkably extravagant. (John’s gospel (John 12:5) says it was estimated at 300 denarii, which was worth a year’s wages for a working man.
  3. Mary’s gift was remarkably humble. Not only did she give the gift of the expensive oil, she also anointed His feet as well (only the lowest slave would wash feet)and then she wiped them with her hair. This means that she let down her hair in public, something a Jewish woman would rarely (if ever) do.
3. Why Worship God?
  1. He is Awesome!
    1. Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
  2. He is Good!
    1. Psa 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
    2. Psa 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
    3. Psa 107:8, 15, 21, 31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
    4. Isa 63:7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us…
    5. Zec 9:17a For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!
  3. He is Worthy!
    1. Rev 4:9-11 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth forever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
    2. Revelation 5:6-14 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
  4. He Desires Worship!
    1. Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
    2. 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
4. Our Response:
  1. We come before His throne with reverence and godly fear: Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
  2. He desires a pure heart: Psa 24:1-5 (A Psalm of David.) The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
  3. He desires that we worship in Spirit and in truth: Joh 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
    1. He desires that we trust Him and not ourselves: Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
    2. He desires that we live obediently to His Word: 1Jn 1:5-6 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
  4. Ultimately, our lives are to “BE” a Living Sacrifice: Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  5. Pure Worship is when we give God our best because HE IS WORTHY!
    > We can ASK Ourselves: Do we give God our best?
    1. Do we give God our best at Home?
      1. With ourselves (personal purity)?
      2. With our Spouse?
      3. With our kids?
      4. With our neighbors?
    2. Do we give God our best at Work?
      1. Arriving Early?
      2. With our boss?
      3. With our co-workers?
    3. Do we give God our best at Church?
      1. Arriving Early? (if you can show up at work on time, can you at church?)
      2. Singing Praises unto God – a song in our hearts?
      3. Allowing God to fill us and speak to us? / Taking notes? / Minimizing distractions?
      4. Seeking to serve and not to be served?
      5. Time / Talents / Treasures
  6. Do we glimpse “HOW MUCH” we have been forgiven?
  7. Pure Worship -- When we give God our best because HE IS WORTHY! …Do we?

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Verses 1-13

Are You a Worshipper?
Matthew 26:6-13
1. Spikenard
  1. Spikenard is a highly aromatic plant growing in India, from which was made a very perfume that was typically used at the ancient baths and feasts. It grows up out of the ground with thirty and forty spikes (from which it gets its name), each of which are from 6-12” long.
2. Mary Was a Worshipper
  1. Mary’s gift was remarkably sacrificial…she was taking NO THOUGHT for herself, and sacrificially was giving her life (custom was this was probably here dowry) to the LORD!
  2. Mary’s gift was remarkably extravagant. (John’s gospel (John 12:5) says it was estimated at 300 denarii, which was worth a year’s wages for a working man.
  3. Mary’s gift was remarkably humble. Not only did she give the gift of the expensive oil, she also anointed His feet as well (only the lowest slave would wash feet)and then she wiped them with her hair. This means that she let down her hair in public, something a Jewish woman would rarely (if ever) do.
3. Why Worship God?
  1. He is Awesome!
    1. Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
  2. He is Good!
    1. Psa 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
    2. Psa 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
    3. Psa 107:8, 15, 21, 31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
    4. Isa 63:7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us…
    5. Zec 9:17a For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!
  3. He is Worthy!
    1. Rev 4:9-11 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth forever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
    2. Revelation 5:6-14 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
  4. He Desires Worship!
    1. Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
    2. 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
4. Our Response:
  1. We come before His throne with reverence and godly fear: Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
  2. He desires a pure heart: Psa 24:1-5 (A Psalm of David.) The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
  3. He desires that we worship in Spirit and in truth: Joh 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
    1. He desires that we trust Him and not ourselves: Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
    2. He desires that we live obediently to His Word: 1Jn 1:5-6 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
  4. Ultimately, our lives are to “BE” a Living Sacrifice: Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  5. Pure Worship is when we give God our best because HE IS WORTHY!
    > We can ASK Ourselves: Do we give God our best?
    1. Do we give God our best at Home?
      1. With ourselves (personal purity)?
      2. With our Spouse?
      3. With our kids?
      4. With our neighbors?
    2. Do we give God our best at Work?
      1. Arriving Early?
      2. With our boss?
      3. With our co-workers?
    3. Do we give God our best at Church?
      1. Arriving Early? (if you can show up at work on time, can you at church?)
      2. Singing Praises unto God – a song in our hearts?
      3. Allowing God to fill us and speak to us? / Taking notes? / Minimizing distractions?
      4. Seeking to serve and not to be served?
      5. Time / Talents / Treasures
  6. Do we glimpse “HOW MUCH” we have been forgiven?
  7. Pure Worship -- When we give God our best because HE IS WORTHY! …Do we?

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Verses 14-16

The Betrayer within Us
Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
1. Doubt, disillusionment, discouragement, even depression can lead us to betrayal…
2. Betrayal means to be false or disloyal…did you commit your life to Christ and then take it back?
3. My Flesh: Rom 7:18-23 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
4. Walk in the Spirit: Gal 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5. War in the Spirit: 2Co 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
6. Our Flesh will keep us from obedience which then derails our worship, our witness and our walk!

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Verses 14-16

The Betrayer within Us
Matthew 26:14-16 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
1. Doubt, disillusionment, discouragement, even depression can lead us to betrayal…
2. Betrayal means to be false or disloyal…did you commit your life to Christ and then take it back?
3. My Flesh: Rom 7:18-23 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
4. Walk in the Spirit: Gal 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5. War in the Spirit: 2Co 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
6. Our Flesh will keep us from obedience which then derails our worship, our witness and our walk!

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Verses 17-30

The Last Supper
1. The Upper Room
  Mat 26:17-19 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
  1. He said to His disciples…Mark says there were “TWO” disciples, Luke tells us it was “Peter and John”
  2. “Such a man”: Mark and Luke both tell us they will know the man because he’ll be the man carrying the pitcher of water (which was culturally “women’s work”)
  3. Mark and Luke also both add, “…and he will show you a large upper room already furnished”
2. The Betrayer
  1. Seating
    Mat 26:20-25 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
    1. Traditionally they would recline at the table lying on their left sides with their heads facing the table and eating with their right hand.
    2. The position of honor, therefore, was on the host’s left as the guest of honor would be facing the host as he ate with his right hand. John 13:23 tells us that John was sitting on Jesus’ right (as he leaned his head against His chest.
    3. Think about our Lord’s abundant love and mercy, that even moments before Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus was trying to show him love, honor and respect.
  2. One Shall Betray Me
    Mat 26:21-25 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
    1. For us, as them, we don’t REALLY know our own hearts, do we?
    2. Think of the arrogance of one who knows who Jesus is, but makes the choice to not follow and obey Him…do we really know “what is best for us” better than GOD?
    3. Also, think about the fact that all who reject Christ would rather they had NOT been born – eternal torment is not going to be fun!
3. Broken and Poured Out
  Mat 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  1. The Bread
    1. Joh 6:28-51 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
    2. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
    3. John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,… full of grace and truth.
    4. Isa 53:5-9 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
    5. The scourging, the beatings “broke” His flesh…He was broken for our transgressions and byHis stripes we are healed.
    6. Heb 10:9-14 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
    7. We are to “REMEMBER” …1Co 11:23-24 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
    8. This is NOT LITERALLY Jesus’ body…this is not transubstantiation…this is a figurative analogy.
  2. The Wine
    Mat 26:27-28 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
    1. 1John 1:6-9 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
    2. 1Pe 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
    3. Heb 9:11-15 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
4. The Kingdom
  Mat 26:29-30 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
  1. Traditionally, the Jews sang one of the Hillel Psalms at the end of the Passover meal.
  2. Drinking it again in “my Father’s kingdom” is most probably speaking of the Marriage supper of the lamb.

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Verses 17-30

The Last Supper
1. The Upper Room
  Mat 26:17-19 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
  1. He said to His disciples…Mark says there were “TWO” disciples, Luke tells us it was “Peter and John”
  2. “Such a man”: Mark and Luke both tell us they will know the man because he’ll be the man carrying the pitcher of water (which was culturally “women’s work”)
  3. Mark and Luke also both add, “…and he will show you a large upper room already furnished”
2. The Betrayer
  1. Seating
    Mat 26:20-25 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
    1. Traditionally they would recline at the table lying on their left sides with their heads facing the table and eating with their right hand.
    2. The position of honor, therefore, was on the host’s left as the guest of honor would be facing the host as he ate with his right hand. John 13:23 tells us that John was sitting on Jesus’ right (as he leaned his head against His chest.
    3. Think about our Lord’s abundant love and mercy, that even moments before Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus was trying to show him love, honor and respect.
  2. One Shall Betray Me
    Mat 26:21-25 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
    1. For us, as them, we don’t REALLY know our own hearts, do we?
    2. Think of the arrogance of one who knows who Jesus is, but makes the choice to not follow and obey Him…do we really know “what is best for us” better than GOD?
    3. Also, think about the fact that all who reject Christ would rather they had NOT been born – eternal torment is not going to be fun!
3. Broken and Poured Out
  Mat 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  1. The Bread
    1. Joh 6:28-51 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
    2. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
    3. John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,… full of grace and truth.
    4. Isa 53:5-9 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
    5. The scourging, the beatings “broke” His flesh…He was broken for our transgressions and byHis stripes we are healed.
    6. Heb 10:9-14 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
    7. We are to “REMEMBER” …1Co 11:23-24 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
    8. This is NOT LITERALLY Jesus’ body…this is not transubstantiation…this is a figurative analogy.
  2. The Wine
    Mat 26:27-28 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
    1. 1John 1:6-9 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
    2. 1Pe 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
    3. Heb 9:11-15 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
4. The Kingdom
  Mat 26:29-30 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
  1. Traditionally, the Jews sang one of the Hillel Psalms at the end of the Passover meal.
  2. Drinking it again in “my Father’s kingdom” is most probably speaking of the Marriage supper of the lamb.

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Verses 31-35

The Mount of Olives
1. All Shall Leave Him
  Mat 26:31-35
  1. Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
  2. 1Co 10:12-14 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
2. In the Garden of Gethsemane
  Mat 26:36-45
  1. Heb 5:7-9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
  2. If we truly love God...obedience to His Word and His will is something that will come naturally. Often our flesh comes against this idea, but to walk in the light of God's will we must obey irregardless. We have a promise in Proverbs 16:3...if we commit our ways to the Lord, HE WILL establish our thoughts.
  3. We must fight our emotions, our flesh and the ways of the world and CHOOSE God's ways! There is NO OTHER WAY TO WALK IN VICTORY than to walk under the leading of the Holy Spirit who WILL lead us to victory over our flesh! ...PRAY!
  4. 1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
  5. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

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Verses 31-35

The Mount of Olives
1. All Shall Leave Him
  Mat 26:31-35
  1. Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
  2. 1Co 10:12-14 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
2. In the Garden of Gethsemane
  Mat 26:36-45
  1. Heb 5:7-9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
  2. If we truly love God...obedience to His Word and His will is something that will come naturally. Often our flesh comes against this idea, but to walk in the light of God's will we must obey irregardless. We have a promise in Proverbs 16:3...if we commit our ways to the Lord, HE WILL establish our thoughts.
  3. We must fight our emotions, our flesh and the ways of the world and CHOOSE God's ways! There is NO OTHER WAY TO WALK IN VICTORY than to walk under the leading of the Holy Spirit who WILL lead us to victory over our flesh! ...PRAY!
  4. 1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
  5. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

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Verses 36-45

Introduction
1. Last week, we looked at Communion as it originates from the last supper of Jesus and His disciples…and perhaps the His last time on the Mount of Olives.
2. He said, “Do this in Remembrance of Me”!
3. Finishing Last Week’s Teaching: “The Kingdom”
  1. Mat 26:29-30 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
    1. Traditionally, the Jews sang one of the Hillel Psalms at the end of the Passover meal.
    2. Drinking it again in “my Father’s kingdom” is most probably speaking of the Marriage supper of the lamb.
The Mount of Olives
1. All Shall Leave Him
  1. All the Disciples
    Mat 26:31-35 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
    1. Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
  2. Peter
    Mat 26:33-35 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
    1. 1Co 10:12-14 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
    2. Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
2. In the Garden of Gethsemane
  Mat 26:36-45
  1. Learn of Jesus
    1. Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  2. Learn Obedience
    1. Heb 5:7-9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
    2. If we truly love God...obedience to His Word and His will is something that will come naturally. Often our flesh comes against this idea, but to walk in the light of God's will we must obey irregardless. We have a promise in Proverbs 16:3...if we commit our ways to the Lord, HE WILL establish our thoughts.
    3. We must fight our emotions, our flesh and the ways of the world and CHOOSE God's ways! There is NO OTHER WAY TO WALK IN VICTORY than to walk under the leading of the Holy Spirit who WILL lead us to victory over our flesh! ...PRAY!
    4. 1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
    5. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
3. Peter in his Weakness
  1. Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
  2. Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
  3. Rom 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

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Verses 36-45

Introduction
1. Last week, we looked at Communion as it originates from the last supper of Jesus and His disciples…and perhaps the His last time on the Mount of Olives.
2. He said, “Do this in Remembrance of Me”!
3. Finishing Last Week’s Teaching: “The Kingdom”
  1. Mat 26:29-30 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
    1. Traditionally, the Jews sang one of the Hillel Psalms at the end of the Passover meal.
    2. Drinking it again in “my Father’s kingdom” is most probably speaking of the Marriage supper of the lamb.
The Mount of Olives
1. All Shall Leave Him
  1. All the Disciples
    Mat 26:31-35 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
    1. Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
  2. Peter
    Mat 26:33-35 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
    1. 1Co 10:12-14 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
    2. Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
2. In the Garden of Gethsemane
  Mat 26:36-45
  1. Learn of Jesus
    1. Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  2. Learn Obedience
    1. Heb 5:7-9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
    2. If we truly love God...obedience to His Word and His will is something that will come naturally. Often our flesh comes against this idea, but to walk in the light of God's will we must obey irregardless. We have a promise in Proverbs 16:3...if we commit our ways to the Lord, HE WILL establish our thoughts.
    3. We must fight our emotions, our flesh and the ways of the world and CHOOSE God's ways! There is NO OTHER WAY TO WALK IN VICTORY than to walk under the leading of the Holy Spirit who WILL lead us to victory over our flesh! ...PRAY!
    4. 1John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
    5. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
3. Peter in his Weakness
  1. Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
  2. Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
  3. Rom 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

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Verses 46-75

The Betrayal
1. Jesus Betrayed
  TEXT: Mat 26:46-57
  1. Here again, we find Peter in his flesh…lopping off ears and needing Jesus to put them back on!
  2. Jesus, in His graciousness, is always right there beside us to help us and guide us!
2. Jesus Denied
  TEXT: Mat 26:58, 69-75
  1. [ Mat 59-68 (save for Next Time!)]
  2. It is dangerous to follow Jesus from afar! (v. 58) We see 3 things result from this distance:
    1.  “You’ll sit with the enemy” (v. 69)
    2. “You’ll swear like the enemy” (v. 74)
    3. “But you’ll NEVER look like the enemy or sound like them” (v. 69 & 73)

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Verses 46-75

The Betrayal
1. Jesus Betrayed
  TEXT: Mat 26:46-57
  1. Here again, we find Peter in his flesh…lopping off ears and needing Jesus to put them back on!
  2. Jesus, in His graciousness, is always right there beside us to help us and guide us!
2. Jesus Denied
  TEXT: Mat 26:58, 69-75
  1. [ Mat 59-68 (save for Next Time!)]
  2. It is dangerous to follow Jesus from afar! (v. 58) We see 3 things result from this distance:
    1.  “You’ll sit with the enemy” (v. 69)
    2. “You’ll swear like the enemy” (v. 74)
    3. “But you’ll NEVER look like the enemy or sound like them” (v. 69 & 73)

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Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Matthew 26". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/matthew-26.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesMatthew 26

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Bible Commentaries
Matthew 26