Book of Matthew - Lesson 35
(Read Matthew
26:1-30)
Introduction: In the first part of the 26th chapter of Matthew we find some very
interesting things happening shortly before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, in addition
to the establishment of the Lord’s Supper. The time we are told is --”two
days” before the Passover, when the “Son of man” would be “betrayed to
be crucified” (Matt. 26:1-2). Jesus was aware of the time and the even that was
surely approaching, but His disciples were unaware, evidently, even though He had told
them a number of times. This is indicative of the difficulty of accepting something that
is plainly stated when our minds are not conditioned to receive it.
1. The assembling together of the chief priests, scribes, and the elders unto the place of
the high priest Caiaphais (Matt. 26:3-5). They wanted so badly to terminate Jesus’
existence on the earth, but they were concerned that to do such on the “feast
day”: would cause an undesirable “uproar.”
2. Jesus at Bethany (Vs.6-13), the “memorial” of a woman pouring the ointment on
Jesus for His “burial.” This was not very acceptable to the disciples, they were
critical, thinking that such was a “waste.” Jesus corrects their view, saying
that she would be remembered wherever the “gospel is preached.”
3. Judas Iscariot’s going to the priest offering to “deliver” Jesus for
“thirty pieces of silver.” (Vs. 14-16).
4. Preparing for the Passover (Vs. 17-25), announcing that one of the disciples would
“betray” Him.
5. While they ate the Passover (Vs. 26-30), Jesus took bread, and explained that it was to be eaten as his “body.” Then He took the cup, giving thanks, telling them all to drink “of it,” as His “blood of the New Testament,” which is SHED “for the remission of sins.”
6. After singing a hymn, they went
out into the mount of Olives (Vs. 30-35). Jesus explained that all would be “offended
because” of Him (v.31), but after He was risen, He would go before them into Galilee.
Peter took exception, stating that others might be offended but that he would stand with
the Lord (v. 33). However, Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself: “this night,
before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” (V. 34). Peter still insisted that
he would “die with” him
before he would deny Him. How wrong he was. Perhaps this shows each of us that we need to
be humble and not so confident that we will not fall under certain pressure (Cf. 1 Cor.
10:12). Yet, we need to be convinced that we need not yield, and if and when we do we are
responsible and NEED forgiveness (1 Cor. 10:13).
Questions:
1. What marks the time at the start of this chapter?
2. What did the “chief priests” and other leaders do with what aim — yet
what held them back?
3. What did the woman do with what response from Jesus and the disciples?
4. What did “Judas Iscariot” covenant to do for what reward?
5. What did the “disciples” ask Jesus about the “Passover” (Vs. 17-18)
and His response?
6. What was done before Jesus institutes the Lords supper?
7. What did Jesus do and say relative to the bread (v. 26)
8. What did Jesus say the “cup” was (v. 28)?
9. When did Jesus say He would “drink it new with you” (v. 29)
10. What did they do before they went out (v.30)?
11. What did Jesus say would happen “this night” and Peter’s reaction (vs.
31-35)?