40 Day Bible Reading Challenge: Day 24 Last Supper, Jesus Betrayed by Judas, Peter denies Jesus 3 times

 

Matthew Chapter 26 begins the narrative of the final days leading up to Jesus Christ's crucifixion. The chapter opens with Jesus at Bethany, where a woman anoints him with expensive perfume, signifying his impending burial. This act of devotion contrasts sharply with the betrayal planned by Judas Iscariot, who agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. Meanwhile, Jesus prepares for the Passover and instructs his disciples on how to make arrangements for the meal, during which he predicts his betrayal by one among them, fulfilling the prophecy of his suffering and death.

During the Passover meal, known as the Last Supper, Jesus establishes the sacrament of Holy Communion, instructing his disciples to eat bread and drink wine in remembrance of his body and blood, which will be sacrificed for the forgiveness of sins. This moment is pivotal, marking a new covenant between God and humanity. Jesus then predicts Peter's denial, foretelling that Peter will disown him three times before the rooster crows. The narrative then moves to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus experiences deep anguish and prays for the cup of suffering to be taken from him, yet submits to God's will. His disciples, unable to stay awake and pray with him, foreshadow their forthcoming abandonment in his most critical hours.

The chapter concludes with the arrest of Jesus, which is initiated by Judas's betrayal with a kiss, a sign to the arresting soldiers of whom to apprehend. Despite a brief resistance from his followers, Jesus rebukes violence and submits to the authorities, emphasizing that his kingdom is not of this world and that these events must unfold to fulfill the Scriptures. He is taken to Caiaphas, the high priest, where he is falsely accused and put on trial. Despite his silence in the face of false testimony, Jesus affirms his identity as the Messiah when directly asked, leading to accusations of blasphemy and a unanimous death sentence by the council. The chapter ends with Peter's denial of Jesus, just as predicted, signifying the fulfillment of Jesus's forewarning and the human frailty even among his closest followers.