Matthew 26

Plot to kill Jesus

Mat 26:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

Jesus had finished speaking about end time events.

Mat 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Jesus reminds them again of his soon coming death; in two days is the feast of the passover, the annual feast remembering God's deliverance of His people, Israel from death, by applying the blood of the lamb to the door entrances. Jesus, the Lamb of God will be betrayed at the time of the passover. As the Hebrews prepare to celebrate the event, each family provides a perfect lamb for sacrifice, as God the Father was providing His perfect Son, for sacrifice for sins; the perfect Lamb of God. John the Baptist introduced the Lamb of God to Israel at the baptism.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Why do we need to be baptized? Better yet, why did the sinless Jesus need to be baptized for remission of sins, the baptism of John? The answer is for us.

Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it (allow it) to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

To fulfill all righteousness, to let the world see and the spirit world see, that we are identified with God, the property of God, we are baptized after receiving Jesus. This especially is true for us who are baptized with the baptism of Jesus. By obedience of water baptism and faith, we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Mat 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Mat 26:4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.

Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

Those who seek their own way, consider the way of God to be one of restrictions and being bound. Jesus came bound in a human body to set us free from sin.

Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

The chief priests wanted their own way.

Mat 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

Always seeking power and the approval of the people, the chief priests plotted to destroy their Messiah. Why? Because they were jealous, he uncovered their sins and hypocrisy and did great works, receiving the admiration of the people. All are given two choices concerning Jesus: to receive him and receive God's kingdom and eternal life; or to reject him, kill his work and live for this world and be separated in torment from God for all eternity. Those who seek the here and now and are blinded by satan regarding the results of their choices, they are in unbelief and pride. Will we seek to serve God through Jesus and inherit eternal life, with some persecution on earth? Or will we seek the favor, power and approval of the world, and receive eternal torment and separation in the afterlife? The choice is clear; we abide in Jesus, serving God through him.

John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Ointment

Mat 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

He was at a lepers house, or the house of Simon who had been a Leper, for Jesus healed all who came to him. The gospel of John speaks of dinner in Bethany at the house of Mary and Martha.

John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
John 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Mat 26:7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

This woman according to John 12, was Mary, the sister to Martha and Lazarus, the man he raised from the dead. Yet, there may have been two anointings. For in the Gospel of Mark the ointment was applied to his feet.

John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Mat 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
Mat 26:9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

Matthew speaks of the disciples protesting about the wasting of the costly ointment. What an amazing lack of concern for Jesus, who was to give his life for all mankind. The Lord of glory humbling himself and becoming a man to show his great love for us, providing the way of our salvation, and they were so stingy over another’s gift to him. The gospel of John names only one disciple; Judas was upset over the use of the costly burial ointment.

John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Mat 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
Mat 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

John 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
John 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Mat 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Our Lord remembers sacrificial gifts of love. Do not be concerned when others try to undo what you have given, the Lord has received it and he shall remember your gift from your heart. Remember what David said regarding giving to the Lord?

2 Sam 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
2 Sam 24:25 And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

How can we show the Lord we love him? We show our love in giving to the needs of others, as unto the Lord. The physical body of Jesus is no longer here, but the poor you shall have always, there are many opportunities to give.

Judas

Mat 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
Mat 26:15 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.
Mat 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Contrast the actions of Judas, a disciple with Jesus night and day for three years, witnessing the healings and miracles and being present when the living word was flowing from the heart of the Lord. Contrast this to the woman, perhaps Mary, who loved the Lord, gave her best, was grateful for being saved, who sat at the Lord's feet and learned from him.

Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Mary listened to Jesus and showed her good friendship and love by pouring the anointing oil upon Jesus. He was refreshed and accepted the gift with a joyful heart. Judas was a covetous man, seeking only money for himself. He was upset at Mary for using up a valuable ointment that he could have sold to enrich himself. We cannot serve two masters.

Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).
Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Judas loved money more than the Lord, we know this because he left the room full of the fragrance of ointment to make a deal, to betray the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. That left a foul odor in God's presence.

How can we bring a pleasant fragrance before our Lord now? We give a sweet smell by giving to another's need, as Paul said to the Philippians

Phil 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Phil 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Another sweet smell is from our prayers.

Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Mary gave of herself, this was well pleasing to the Lord. Judas wanted for himself, he missed God. Do we pray for another's needs more than our own? Maybe we should, this is pleasing unto the Lord.

Passover preparation

Mat 26:17 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?

All Jewish people were to prepare a Passover meal to commemorate the death angel passing over the dwellings where the lamb’s blood was placed around the door. Jesus himself was to shed his blood; the Lamb of God. His blood would be placed at the entrance of our heart to keep evil from entering. The lamb without spot or blemish, a picture of our Lord, was to be sacrificed the same day as the Passover meal, between 3 and 5 PM. A place was to be prepared for the ceremonial meal. Each part of the meal had a story, for example bitter herbs were served to remember the bitterness of slavery. Just as the LORD sent Moses to deliver his people, he sent his son Jesus to make them free from all bondage's; including the bondage's of the flesh and the law.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Free from the bondage to the flesh

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Free from the bondage of the law

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
Gal 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Mat 26:18 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.
Mat 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

A certain man, supplied the upper room where Jesus and his disciples would have the last Passover, the last supper. It is thought that this meal was before the regular Passover, because Jesus hung on the cross the day of the Passover. A New Covenant would replace Passover. A New Covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ, to remove our sins. There would be no more lambs required as offerings for sin; Jesus is the Lamb that was to be offered once and for all time. Have you come to Jesus for the cleansing blood? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you free from sins penalty and in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Judas leaves the 12

Mat 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

Jesus sat down with the twelve disciples, called the apostles. It was the evening that they would celebrate the Passover together, also called the last supper of Jesus.

Mat 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Mat 26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

None of them would intentionally betray their Lord, no one but Judas. He had already agreed on thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus. Later in Jesus' prayer to His Father he mentions the disciples as being given to him by the Father.

John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

From the beginning, Jesus knew he had an unbeliever in his group. Just one unbeliever serving Satan in a fellowship can bring destruction.

Mat 26:23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
Mat 26:24 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.
Mat 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

Perhaps Judas thought he could get by with his charade. But, Jesus knew that he had already betrayed him. God knows who are his; he knows the goats and the sheep. We all have seen people who had no desire for the things of God; Judas was one of those. Did God make Judas as a vessel fit for destruction?

Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

"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."

All should fear God, especially the disobedient who act as if he does not exist. Our future and our very existence is in His hands, we are but clay, but he has made us beloved family who trust in His Son Jesus.

John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
John 13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
John 13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Satan may enter anyone who hides secret sins and has not the Holy Spirit. Remember, God sees all. Judas chose temporary gain, and would receive everlasting separation from God.

Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

New testament

Mat 26:26 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.

We remember the Lord through these symbols, the broken bread; His body and the wine; His blood. This is the Lord's Supper or communion that we do in remembrance of him. The bread was unleavened, no yeast, for leaven is a type of sin. Jesus had no sin, yet his body, his flesh was broken for us. No bone was broken, because the Law of Moses said no bone would be broken.

Num 9:11 The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it (Passover), and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Num 9:12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.

At the cross, no bone was broken

John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:
John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
John 19:35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

Jesus is the bread from heaven, the living bread of life, the Word of God, The manna of life, to be gathered fresh each morning.

Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mat 26:29 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.

Drink the cup, the new wine, the red grape juice symbolic of the shed blood he would spill on the cross, for the remission of sins.

The word "remission" means 1) release from bondage or imprisonment 2) forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty

Jesus' blood paid to make us free, we are redeemed and justified, pardoned from sins penalty, completely cleared of all blame in the justice of God our Father.

His broken flesh brought healing to our soul and body.

Isa 53:5 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.
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The Last supper was to remember what Jesus was about to do for all who would trust him.

The New Testament, is a covenant and as a last will and testament. Through this we receive an inheritance, we inherit all that pertains to a son of God. Without the death of the body, there is no inheritance. Jesus provided a way for us to be forgiven and received as God's own children. The Lord's Supper commemorates this New Testament in His blood. He was broken and bled, died that we may live. He is raised again in new life for our new hope.

Resurrection promised

Mat 26:32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

After the Good Shepherd was stricken, he would rise again, and go before them in Galilee. He had already called Lazarus back from death, he was able to overcome death; through God's Power.

Martha interceeds for Lazarus

John 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
John 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
John 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Here is the proof that all seek. If any are seeking the way, Jesus is the way to everlasting life.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

No other belief can guarantee life after death. Jesus is our proof, the Holy Spirit the seal of God's power within us. The light shines from within.

2 Cor 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

His broken body (flesh) was for our healing; his shed blood was for our redemption and justification and finally his resurrection completes our salvation. This is the gospel message we preach; by Jesus we receive our new life.

Put off fear and the hurts of the past through faith in Jesus. Walk with God as Jesus walked in Galilee; a new creation in God's Spirit. You are blessed to walk with Jesus.

Deny

Mat 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

Peter meant well, but flesh cannot do what only God can provide. We can do nothing of our own will, but fail. Listen to the word spoken through Jeremiah:

Jer 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Mat 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Mat 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Peter and the disciples had not yet received the indwelling Holy Spirit power to follow God and to witness for Jesus. They had good intentions, but to be true and faithful, the power of God is required. Jesus would speak to his disciples after His resurrection about the coming Holy Spirit of truth and power.

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

The Holy Spirit had not yet come. Now he has come; you need not wait to receive the Holy Spirit. You may receive a filling at conversion, after seeking him, at water baptism or after water baptism. Jesus spoke of the Spirit as a wind.

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Gethsemane

I think we miss great needs in another's life, because we do not take time to watch and pray. Perhaps we are concerned about our own problems, needs or desires? We need to take time to watch and to pray. At the time when Jesus, in the flesh needed the comfort of his closest friends, they slept.

Mat 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Mat 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Mat 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

Peter, James and John were with Jesus, before Judas would betray him. We should know the friends that we can trust and go to them when in need. Jesus knew that he was going to suffer more than any man and be crucified on a cruel cross. Watch and pray, watch for the trouble coming and sound an alert. Watch the countenance of Jesus, see that he is sorrowful and carrying a heavy burden. Come along side and pray with him, encourage him; watch and pray. Can we apply this? Yes, trouble is coming to our nation, the signs are everywhere; watch, sound the gospel message forth unto all in the land; repent and come to Jesus, now is the time of salvation. Backslider, repent and come back to the Lord who has given you his own life, to save your soul.

Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Jesus speaks his need to his friends. How will we know of a need if we do not share, one with another? Share with trusted friends, not a Judas, but those who are faithful. My soul is exceedingly sorrowful; he was grieved so very much even to the point of death. He just wanted to die and cast off the body of flesh, but he always did the Father's will. We must not seek death; watch and pray, there are others grieving more than you; they need your help and love. Watch with me, love me and understand with me what I am suffering. Yes, there is much to watch for.

Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Here is the essence of prayer. We may ask anything, in His will and we will receive it. Always submit your request to the will of the Father, for He has a greater purpose for you than we can ask or think.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Watch and pray in the Spirit and he will reveal the deep things of God to you. Jesus was not allowed to escape the cross, because God the Father used this to defeat satan and to bring a multitude of souls to Himself. Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. It was time to make our salvation possible; we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins. We are bought with a great price. God so loved the world, He chose to come as a man to buy back our souls that were taken by satan, because of our sin. We are bought with the price of the blood and death of Jesus, followed by His resurrection to glory. We are become as Jesus, son's of God, our sins are removed in him, for he took them all to the cross never to be remembered again. This great sacrifice was not easy, for he suffered greatly for us, being our Great High priest to make intercessions for us, as well as our Savior.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

watch: gregorio, to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one. Another similar word, watchings: agrypnia, means sleeplessness, watching.

Paul described his afflictions in Christ;

2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Jesus was asking them to stay awake. He was not asking them to pray for an hour; when we pray and are tired and we may go to sleep. He was asking them to stay awake and pray, trouble is coming, be alert and perhaps share with me my sorrows by bearing them with me. Most of us have casual fellowship of greetings. When asked, "how are you", we say fine, because we know they do not want to take time to really hear our needs.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

The law of Christ is to love the brethren.

John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Do not expect the world to help you when in afflictions, unless you have money.

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Watch and pray for yourselves as well, that ye enter not into temptation, the temptation of lust or idolatry.

Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Seek to be like Jesus, not to seek personal glory. He gave up all, we give up all, to do his will. Look up, your redemption is near; watch and pray and do the work of an evangelist. Love one another and seek to share with one another until he comes to wipe away all tears.

Asleep on the watch

Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

A second time Jesus goes to pray in the Father's will, not in his emotions, although he felt the emotions of a human.

Mat 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

His night watch and prayer team were heavy in sleep. Often satan will keep people from sleep, but when it is time to pray and watch, they get sooo sleepy.

Isa 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Mat 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Mat 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Mat 26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Thanks for nothing. The son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners, Woe to Judas, woe to evil parents who betray their children into the hand of sinners. There is no difference.

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Betrayed with a kiss

Mat 26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Mat 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Judas, was not alone in the blame. The Chief leaders were jealous of Jesus and wanted prominence. They had planned to kill him.

What was subtle about a great crowd with swords and staves? The only thing subtle was the two faced kiss of Judas.

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Prov 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Mat 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

Judas had been with him as a disciple for three years. Jesus wanted Judas to confess his actions to him; what reason have you come, friend? Was this the act of a friend? Beware of false friends who may even kiss you; what are they after? You know them by their fruits. Judas had gone too far, there would be no repentance, no forgiveness for him. It would have been better if he were never born. Jesus paid the price for our sins. If you feel your sins are too great to be forgiven and to lead a good life, then you do not understand the power of grace. Jesus offers forgiveness and a new life, no matter what the past life was like. Judas turned on Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and lost everything, even his soul.

No defense needed

Mat 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

That was Peter, the one who did not like the idea of his master dying. Even though he said he would rise again on the third day. I don't think the disciples really heard or understood this.

John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Jesus, the word of God always said important words. The sword we are to use is our offensive sword, the sword of God's word. This is the sword Jesus referred to using, that would divide families.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Those who receive the word, receive Jesus. Those who are disobedient, they are separated from God and enemies of his people. Yes, even Saul opposed David, having different spirits.

Mat 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Jesus, the Lord of hosts, had at his command legions of angels. A legion is from one to three thousand in number.

Mat 26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

God keeps his word, the scriptures must be fulfilled.

Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Mat 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

Why were they coming, heavily armed after Jesus? What had he done wrong? He was no threat to them as he set teaching them each day in the temple. Why so great a show of force? Perhaps they were afraid of him?

Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

The Lord willingly was led away, as a sheep to the slaughter.

Mat 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

Mock trial

Mat 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

This being at night.

Mat 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Mat 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

It was unlawful to have a trial at night. They sought false witnesses to frame him, breaking another commandment.

Deu 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Mat 26:60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
Mat 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
John 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
John 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Mat 26:62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Then, Jesus would judge them.

Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

It was all a game of power and fear for the Jewish leaders. A mocking pretend trial and pretend justice as they pretended to be religious. All was pretending and hypocrisy. To this day they pretend to not know what they did to their Messiah. The devil rubbed his hands in glee, as a fly. Beezlebub, Lord of the flies. He was no match for the Living God. They soon would see that Jesus had come willingly to give his life a ransom, for you and for me, only to rise from the grave in triumph as victor over the devil and death.

Unbelief

Mat 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

What blasphemy was this?

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Their unbelief fit in with all their hypocrisy. When people say Jesus was a good man or a teacher or a prophet; they are as these who refused to see Jesus as the Son of God. They are of unbelief. If Jesus was not what he said he was, then he would be a liar, but, he was and is the Son of God.

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Truth is truth; Jesus is who he says he is. His word is true; we are not guilty of any wrong in believing his word. If accused, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb because we are children of light, forever the children of God.

2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

If men destroy Jesus, then they destroy their hope. For only through Jesus have we access to God the Father. Popular opinion has drawn many a professing believer into the many paths the world says lead to God. No, there is but one path; through the Door Way, that is Jesus. All other roads lead to destruction. We are accountable for what we know, if we lead others in a false path, we are accountable to God for their life.

Mat 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Do you want someone to agree with your lie? Go to the world, there are many willing to agree with you. These were coconspirators in the death of Jesus.

Mat 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

They spit in his face; one of the most contemptible acts to another, meant to disgrace him. Jesus had used his spit to give hearing and sight to the afflicted. Those who spit in stupidity could not hear or see that Jesus was Lord. They spit at their hope and salvation.

Jesus healed the deaf and brought clear speech, with his spit .

Mark 7:32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

His spit brought sight to the blind.

Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
Mark 8:24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

... and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Mat 26:68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Mocking him, they accuse him of being a false prophet.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

They did the same thing to God's prophets sent to them.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
We see not the whole, but in part.

Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

They openly judged and maligned the anointed one of God.

The Cock Crows

Mat 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

A young woman recognizes Peter as a disciple. Peter was upset that Jesus was taken, he was confused, and his spirit was low. He did not want to be confronted in this frame of mind. We all have felt times when we just want to be alone to sort things out.

Mat 26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

He did the very thing he promised Jesus he would not do, he denied the master.

Mat 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Mat 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Mat 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
Mat 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

Peter, grieved in the flesh and fearful, again denies the Lord this time with swearing.

Mat 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Now many witnesses proclaim that he was with Jesus; he has that peculiar Galilean accent in his speaking.

Mat 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

Peter being very angry and fearful lashes out with his human emotions, cursing and swearing; and immediately the cock crew. Whether this was a rooster, or the town crier giving the time and all is well, we do not know. This too was called the crowing rooster. It was as Jesus had prophesied.

Mat 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

He knew that he had failed in his flesh. We cannot serve God in the strength of the flesh. When we feel good we are strong, but what if we are sad or distraught? Perhaps, Peter remembered what Jesus said when they could not stay awake when Jesus needed them to pray with him in the garden. This was the start of the fall of Peter and he was unable to pray.

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

How often have we failed? What is our reaction? Do we think that we are no longer of the Lord, or do we remember the scriptures? If we are of his Spirit he keeps us, even when we fail.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We have these assurances. Peter had not yet received the Holy Spirit; he was relying on his flesh. After Pentecost he would be a bold witness for the Lord. It was the Spirit in him that would be the power to continue without failing. Have you the Spirit of the Lord? If so, you are his forever. Learn of him and know that you have the power within for everything the Lord desires of you.

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