👑 Matthew Chapters 25 – 26 🦁

🙏🏻 Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit – Help us read these chapters, Lord. Speak to us in a way that reveals both Your truth and Your love that is being told in these tough sections. We ask for Your help in doing this, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.


Where have we been so far?  (Click here to jump to the recap of chapters 1 through 24.)

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Parable of the Bags of Gold

The Sheep and the Goats

The Plot Against Jesus

26 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”



Jesus Anointed at Bethany

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, [Deuteronomy 15:11] but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

The Last Supper

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!

Jesus Arrested

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

52 Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally, two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

64 You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” [Psalm 110:1, Daniel 7:13]

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?”

He is worthy of death,” they answered.

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

Peter Disowns Jesus

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”

74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.


Summary: In these chapters we see the love of Jesus as He shares with His disciples the hard truth of what to expect as we live in a broken world in anticipation of that final day that will usher in an eternal glorious life.  Let us keep our eye on what awaits us. We read in Revelation 21:1-4

Jesus has told us throughout His ministry that we have one job – Love the LORD our God and love our neighbors. [Matthew 22:37-39]

Loving God must be first

Loving God is also the hardest thing we will ever do. 

Loving God enables us to see our neighbors as He does so we’re capable of loving them. 

Loving God means putting Him above all others – including ourselves

Loving God means knowing His Will, which is revealed in His Word, and committing ourselves to doing it. [James 4:17]

Loving God means trusting Him and obeying Him.

Jesus knew the scriptures and had to fulfill them in order to save us. He knew about the cross. He knew about the betrayal and the denial and the false accusations. He knew that even though His offer of salvation is open to all, not all will accept.  He went to the cross anyway.



Recap for Matthew

  • Chapter 1 – The genealogy of Jesus showing this has always been God’s plan to restore humanity. GOD IS FAITHFUL.
  • Chapter 2 – The wise men, the outsiders search for the king. His own people reject and try to kill Jesus. NOT ALL HAVE EYES TO SEE.
  • Chapter 3 – John the Baptist prepares the way by calling people to repentance and baptizing Jesus. IF WE ‘SEE’, HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?
  • Chapter 4 – Jesus is tested by Satan in the wilderness. He remains faithful and standing strong using the Word of God. Jesus begins His mission – gathering disciples, healing, and preaching about God’s Kingdom. JESUS SHOWS US THE WAY.
  • Chapter 5Sermon on the Mount – Part 1.  Rethink everything! What it means to be blessed… what is our purpose… this was always the message of the Old Testament. You think you know right from wrong? Not just murder, but anger and dismissing others is wrong. Not just adultery, but leering is wrong. Divorce may be legal but it was never part of God’s design – keep your promises – all of them… integrity matters to the people around you.  Eye-for-eye? No!   Learn to love your enemies.
  • Chapter 6Sermon on the Mount – Part 2. Draw near to God, your father, in relationship. No showy religion when serving God or others. Pray to God, earnestly. Fast for a purpose.  Do all this in secret where your Father sees you and rewards you in heaven.  Don’t worry about the things of this world… He sees your giving… he sees your working… he hears your praying… he sees and knows what you need?  Trust Him – Seek Him first; everything else falls into place.
  • Chapter 7 Sermon on the Mount – Part 3. Living it out as a disciple of Christ.  DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME… ALONE. 😉 Christian life is designed to be lived out in a community – connected to God through Jesus in order to connect to other believers.  As this new life progresses, this life is designed to be generational.  You start as a baby… you need to learn from your Christian siblings and your Christian parents.  Don’t judge others, you’re still a child!  Pray always… continually… He’s waiting to spend time with you! And be bold… try something new. Do something for someone else that you would like.  This is the  way He told us to live – not everyone will be faithful, but you are in charge of your decisions. Building your life on the teachings of Jesus is akin to a house on a solid foundation.
  • Chapter 8 – JESUS WALKS THE TALK. He teaches and He puts it into action – healing a leper, healing the servant of a Roman officer – nothing is outside of His domain. He heals those with fevers and those possessed by demons. People want a piece of the action, but He reminds them that He has no home here.  If you want a piece of His Kingdom, you have to give up this one.  (And if you still doubt the value of such a choice – Jesus spoke to calm a storm.)
  • Chapter 9 – WHAT DOES HIS KINGDOM LOOK LIKE? First and foremost – our sins are forgiven, completely.  Religious formality has no authority over sin, Jesus does. We watch Jesus call the outcasts that religion often overlooks and bids them, ‘Follow Me.’   Jesus teaches us to rethink the motivation behind religious practices. Instead of becoming unclean by associating with the unclean, Jesus is Lord over all the corruption in life – He brings new life and restores the broken and unclean around Him.  Everyone is hungry for the life that Jesus offers, except for the religious leaders.
  • Chapter 10 – THE DISCIPLES ARE SENT TO WORK THE HARVEST.  For a time, they are empowered to heal diseases, raise the dead, and cast out evil spirits.  All must hear the Gospel message of the Kingdom and choose for themselves.  We are to go boldly and unashamed.
  • Chapter 11 – THERE’S TWO OPTIONS… BEING A CHILD OF GOD OR BEING CHILDISH IN YOUR REFUSAL. He is Lord; we are not.  Insisting on your own way is not only childish, but incredibly dangerous. Being a child of God opens up your heart and mind to learn from God.
  • Chapter 12 – GOD’S CHOSEN SERVANT – behavior that is not always modeled by religious leaders. 💔 We are all tempted by the real enemy – The Tempter. We are either under the influence of Satan, doubting God or we are God’s children, turning our backs on Satan’s influence in this world and aligning ourselves with the will of God as revealed in Scripture.
  • Chapter 13 – Parables for this pre-harvest age and parables for the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • Chapter 14 – The horrific death of John the Baptist and Jesus’ response – feeding 5000+ and walking on water.
  • Chapter 15 – A Gentile woman reveals more faith than the Pharisees and the disciples.
  • Chapter 16 – The Pharisees demand a sign – Jesus calls them wicked but promises the sign of Jonah. God reveals to Peter that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus shares the details of His suffering, death, and resurrection with His disciples then has to rebuke Peter as Satan when Peter objects to the plan!
  • Chapter 17 – Jesus is transfigured; a few disciples get a glimpse. But it is beyond comprehension.
  • Chapter 18 – Who’s the greatest in the kingdom? The humble child. We are given a few guidelines and warnings as to how we are to live this Christian life connected to other Christians.
  • Chapter 19 – Can we divorce for any and every reason? No. But… but… stop and remember that the kingdom of heaven if for such as these… the children that come to Jesus… not the arrogant adults that justify their sinful, selfish behaviors that negatively affect others.  Even the ‘good’ people… the ‘rich’ people… those that seem ‘naturally’ blessed in this world don’t have eternal life without submitting to Jesus.
  • Chapter 20 – there is only one Master – God. We are all servants. Whether we’ve been Christians for decades or days – we’re on equal footing… servants to the same master.  There is no hierarchy among the servants.  Humble yourself and serve… there’s no grumbling or complaining that can be justified.
  • Chapter 21 – Jesus begins His triumphal entry into Jerusalem as a king… on a donkey. Matthew weaves in quite an assortment of Old Testament prophecies. Jesus asserts His authority and demonstrates it on a fig tree! 😊 There are two parables, the Two Sons and the Tenants, which are a clear warning to the religious leadership in Jerusalem.
  • Chapter 22 – Another sobering parable for all listeners, regarding the Wedding Banquet.  No one gets to sneak in just because the original invitees refused to come.  ‘Wedding clothes’ are required. We are reminded that we are made in God’s image with the coin used to pay Caesar’s taxes… let Caesar have his coin… let God have His children. 💞 We are reminded that the marriage relationship is strictly an earthly relationship – it has an end date… until death do we part. Our priority is to love God first – get that vertical relationship straight, so you can properly love others.  (That is the great fruit He is looking for… love others right into heaven with you!  Bring them to Jesus to get properly clothed for the wedding feast!)  Time will end… Psalm 90:12 reminds us – So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
  • Chapter 23 – Jesus warns against hypocrisy.  Outward appearances of righteousness won’t get you into the kingdom, even if you were blessed with a gift of sharing God’s Word. 
  • Chapter 24 – We are all servants of a master. We are given the dignity to choose which master to serve.  Time is running out for us to make the choice.

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