A PRAYER TO START
The closing chapters of Matthew’s gospel story put us face to face with the realization that those who loved Jesus, who followed Jesus, and who knew him as friend; leave him at his most vulnerable hour. N.T. Wright encourages us to remember this part of the story, and to pray…
O Father, let me not abandon the Son when things are tough. When the cost of following Jesus become real, let me not cash out. Thank your Jesus for drinking the cup of wrath due sin, for me. Thank you for seeing your mission through to the end. Thank you for sending me your Spirit to see my mission through to the end as well. Amen.
TAKING A LOOK AHEAD
On any journey, whether a hike in the mountains or a trek to the grocery store, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, to be present. It’s also important to know where you are going! To look up, and take a peek at what is ahead.
Our journey’s conclusion is drawing near. Still, we have a few twists and turns before Matthew leads us to our destination. Chapter 26 is full of interactions around and with Jesus over his final few days before his crucifiction. Matthew chooses these stories, of all the stories he could of chosen. Why? What makes these important for us to hear as we journey with Jesus to the cross and empty tomb?
As you read Matthew 26:1-75, keep that question in mind. What makes these stories stand out or connect to the overarching themes we have encountered thus far in the narrative? Why are these stories important?
CONNECTING THE DOTS
The chapter opens with the predictions Jesus has made (16:21, 17:22-23, 19:17-19) of his necessary suffering beginning to unfold as the religious and political leaders conspire together to arrest this man who has spent the last three years flipping their picture and experience of life with God upside down. A turnover that ultimately cost them their place of privilege as Jesus leveled out the hierarchy of the kingdom.
The story immediately following, in verses 6-13, is intriguing; especially considering the context of the plotters that precedes it and the story of the betrayer that follows after. As you consider the questions below, take note that the disciples have the same emotions towards the woman and her “beautiful” actions, “they were indignant” (v. 8), as the chief priests and scribes did toward Jesus and his “wonderful” actions earlier in Matthew’s story, “they [too] were indignant” (21:15).
What point(s) do you think Matthew is trying to make by including this story at the beginning of Jesus’ end?
How might this scene have impacted Judas’ betrayal scene that follows?
The stories in this chapter include: tales of the betrayer (v. 14-16, 20-25, 47-50), a promise by all the “faithful” (v. 35), unkempt (v. 56), to remain with Jesus throughout the upcoming turmoil, the inability of the disciples to stay awake in the garden at Jesus’ hour of most angst (v 36-46), and finally the denial of Jesus by the representative disciple, Peter (v. 69-75).
What do we learn about the nature of those following Jesus?
What do we learn bout the nature of Jesus?
In scenes of his arrest and trial (v. 47-68), how does Jesus attempt (or not attempt) to defend himself? Why does he act in this way?
Who do you identify the most with in this passage? Why?
A THOUGHT TO PONDER
“Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved.”
(Marin Luther)