Reflections on Holy Week: The Path to the Cross - Part Two

by Jessica Jones

Introduction

In the solemn journey through Holy Week, we reach a pivotal moment in Matthew chapters 26, where the narrative of Jesus's passion unfolds with profound intensity. Here, betrayal, sacrifice, and the path to crucifixion are described, each step laden with the fulfillment of prophecy and the expression of unfathomable divine love. This post will be quite long, comparatively - as we take a deep dive into the Word.

Matthew 26: The Path of Sacrifice

The Plot Against Jesus (Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16)

As Jesus's earthly ministry drew to a close, a dark conspiracy emerged among the highest ranks of religious leadership. The chief priests and elders, driven by fear and jealousy, sought a clandestine method to apprehend Jesus, wary of the public's reaction:

"And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, He said to His disciples, ‘You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.’ Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, ‘Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.’"

(Matthew 26:1-5, NKJV)

Amidst this treacherous backdrop, Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, became the linchpin in their plan. Driven by motives that the scriptures hint at but never fully explain, Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, a sum that eerily echoes the price of a slave:

"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought an opportunity to betray Him."

(Matthew 26:14-16, NKJV)

This act of betrayal was not a mere historical coincidence but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy, as recorded by the prophet Zechariah:

"Then I said to them, ‘If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.’ So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord for the potter."

(Zechariah 11:12-13, NKJV)

The specificity of this prophecy and its fulfillment in the actions of Judas underscore the divine orchestration of these events. The "princely price" — a term dripping with irony — highlights the contemptuous valuation of Jesus's life by those He came to save. Yet, even this betrayal plays into the larger narrative of redemption that God had sovereignly planned.

In these moments, we witness the convergence of human free will and divine sovereignty. The chief priests and Judas make choices that are entirely their own, yet unknowingly fulfill God’s redemptive plan as foretold by the prophets. This narrative thread invites reflection on the nature of betrayal, the cost of discipleship, and the unfathomable depth of Jesus's sacrifice, willingly offered even for those who would betray Him.

As we contemplate the plot against Jesus, we are invited to consider the weight of betrayal and the profound fulfillment of prophecy in our Savior's journey to the cross. It is a stark reminder of the cost of our salvation and the lengths to which God will go to redeem His people.

The Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13)

In the quiet moments before the storm, Jesus finds Himself in Bethany, in the home of Simon the leper. A woman approaches with an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, which she pours on His head as He sits at the table. This act, signifying honor and preparation for His forthcoming burial, is met with indignation by some who see it as wasteful. Yet, Jesus defends her actions as beautiful and prophetic:

"But Jesus said, 'Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.'"

(Matthew 26:10-13, NKJV)

This moment highlights the tension between temporal understanding and eternal perspective, underscoring Jesus's acceptance of His path to the cross and the significance of preparing for His sacrificial death.

The Passover with the Disciples (Matthew 26:17-25)

The preparation for and observance of the Passover meal becomes the setting for one of the most intimate yet foreboding gatherings of Jesus with His disciples. As they dine, Jesus reveals the betrayal that will lead to His arrest:

"And as they were eating, He said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.' And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, 'Lord, is it I?' He answered and said, 'He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.' Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, 'Rabbi, is it I?' He said to him, 'You have said it.'"

(Matthew 26:21-25, NKJV)

This passage reflects the deep betrayal from within Jesus's own circle and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding His death. The sorrowful response of the disciples and Jesus's identification of Judas as the betrayer underscore the personal and cosmic drama unfolding.

The Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28)

The Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, unfolds within the context of the Passover meal. This sacred Jewish feast commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, yet Jesus imbued it with new meaning, foreshadowing His imminent sacrifice for humanity's ultimate redemption.

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’"

(Matthew 26:26-28, NKJV)

Symbolic Acts of Profound Significance

The Bread: His Body

By breaking the bread and declaring it as His body, Jesus symbolizes His willingness to be broken for our sake. This act foretells the physical suffering He was about to endure on the cross. The breaking of bread has since become a central act in Christian worship, a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice and a call to partake in His sufferings.

The Cup: His Blood

The cup, representing His blood "of the new covenant," signifies the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity. His blood, shed for many, echoes the sacrificial system of the Old Testament but transcends it, offering not temporary atonement but permanent remission of sins. Through His blood, we are cleansed and brought into a new covenant—a promise of eternal life and forgiveness.

The New Covenant

The concept of a new covenant was not unknown to Jesus's audience. Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesies a time when God would establish a new covenant, not like the one made with their ancestors but written on their hearts. Jesus's declaration at the Last Supper fulfills this prophecy, marking the transition from the old covenant based on the law to the new one grounded in grace and redemption through His sacrifice.

"‘Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not like the covenant that I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’"

(Jeremiah 31:31-33, NKJV)

Reflection

The Last Supper stands as a profound invitation to remember and participate in the mystery of Jesus's sacrifice. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are called to a deeper communion with Christ, reflecting on His body broken and His blood shed for us. It's a moment that transcends time, connecting believers across the ages to the very heart of the Gospel—the sacrificial love of Jesus that brings redemption and life.

In commemorating the Last Supper, we are reminded of the cost of our salvation and the depth of Jesus's love for us. Each time we partake of this meal, let it be with a heart of gratitude and a renewed commitment to live in the light of the sacrifice it represents.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:29-35)

In the wake of the Last Supper, Jesus predicts the scattering of His disciples and Peter's specific denial, despite Peter's protests of unwavering loyalty:

"Jesus said to them, 'All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.' Peter answered and said to Him, 'Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.' Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' Peter said to Him, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!' And so said all the disciples."

(Matthew 26:31-35, NKJV)

This prediction not only foreshadows the immediate future but also reveals the frailty of human commitment in the face of fear and persecution. It highlights the contrast between human intention and action, and the grace that will be needed to restore these relationships in the aftermath of Jesus's resurrection.

Gethsemane’s Agony (Matthew 26:36-46)

The agony in Gethsemane is a profound testament to Jesus’s humanity and divine submission. As He steps away from His disciples to pray, we encounter a moment of deep distress and heartfelt prayer that unveils the depth of His impending sacrifice.

"Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.’ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’"

(Matthew 26:36-39, NKJV)

The Weight of the Cup

The "cup" Jesus refers to symbolizes the immense suffering He was about to endure—not just the physical torment of crucifixion but the spiritual burden of bearing the world's sins. This cup represented the wrath of God against sin, a cup that Jesus, in His holiness, was willing to drink on behalf of humanity.

Jesus’s Humanity and Divine Submission

In Gethsemane, Jesus’s humanity is unmistakably evident. He experiences sorrow, distress, and the desire for another way if possible. Yet, His prayer in Gethsemane isn't a sign of reluctance but an expression of His deep commitment to fulfilling God's redemptive plan, no matter the personal cost. This duality of experiencing genuine human emotion while remaining unwaveringly obedient to the Father's will underscores the unique nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine.

A Model of Prayer and Surrender

Jesus’s prayer in Gethsemane also serves as a powerful model for believers in facing trials and seeking God’s will. His vulnerability in expressing His desires, coupled with His ultimate surrender to the Father's will, teaches us about the nature of prayer. It's not about bending God’s will to ours but aligning our hearts with His purposes, even when it leads us through suffering.

The Isolation of Gethsemane

Notably, this moment of agony was also marked by isolation. Though Jesus sought the presence and watchfulness of Peter, James, and John, they fell asleep, leaving Him to face His approaching passion alone. This isolation was both physical and spiritual, foreshadowing the abandonment He would feel on the cross when He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46).

Reflection

Gethsemane stands as a sacred ground of suffering, prayer, and submission. It invites us to reflect on the enormity of what Jesus was prepared to endure for our sake. His willingness to drink the cup of suffering to its dregs demonstrates not only the depth of His love for us but also the profound obedience to His Father. As we contemplate Gethsemane's agony, let it deepen our understanding of the cost of our redemption and inspire us to live lives marked by gratitude, obedience, and surrender to God’s will.

Betrayal and Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56)

The scenes of betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane represent one of the most poignant and dramatic moments of the Passion narrative. Judas Iscariot's act of betrayal not only sets the stage for Jesus's crucifixion but also embodies the ultimate betrayal of trust and love.

"And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.’ Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, why have you come?’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him."

(Matthew 26:47-50, NKJV)

The Kiss of Betrayal

The kiss, a universal sign of affection and respect, is here twisted into a signal for treachery. Jesus's response to Judas, calling him "Friend" and questioning his actions, underscores the depth of Jesus's compassion and the sadness of the betrayal. Even in this moment of deep personal betrayal, Jesus's address to Judas reveals a profound love and perhaps a final appeal to his betrayer's conscience.

A Commitment to Peace

The narrative quickly shifts to violence when one of Jesus's disciples, identified in John's Gospel as Peter, draws a sword and strikes the servant of the high priest. Jesus's immediate response, commanding Peter to sheathe his sword and warning against the use of violence, reaffirms His message of peace and submission to God's will:

"Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" (Matthew 26:52-54, NKJV)

In this admonition, Jesus not only rejects violence but also emphasizes His voluntary path to the cross. His reference to the possibility of calling down legions of angels yet choosing not to do so powerfully illustrates His commitment to fulfilling prophecy and the salvation plan through His suffering and death.

The Psalms and the Messiah

Additionally, Jesus’s experiences during His arrest and crucifixion fulfill the words of David in the Psalms, which often foreshadow the Messiah’s sufferings. For example, Psalm 41:9, which speaks of betrayal by a close friend, is poignantly fulfilled in Judas’s betrayal:

"Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

(Psalm 41:9, NKJV)

This passage, written centuries before Christ’s birth, encapsulates the betrayal Jesus would face, highlighting the scriptural foresight of His suffering and the betrayal’s role in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Divine Necessity and Sovereign Plan

Jesus’s own words during His arrest underscore the necessity of fulfilling Scripture. His challenge to the mob that came to arrest Him, questioning why they did not seize Him while He taught openly in the temple, points to the orchestrated timing of these events:

"But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled."

(Matthew 26:56, NKJV)

By highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus reiterates that His arrest, suffering, and death are not arbitrary acts of violence but essential elements of God’s plan for salvation. This divine necessity emphasizes Jesus's submission to the Father’s will and His active role in fulfilling the prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Reflection

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus mark not just a turning point in the Gospel narrative but also serve as profound lessons on the nature of discipleship, the cost of loyalty, and the power of nonviolent resistance. Jesus's responses to Judas's betrayal and Peter's violence offer us deep insights into handling betrayal, maintaining peace in the face of aggression, and the profound trust in God's plan, even when it leads through the valley of the shadow of death.

As we reflect on this passage, let it challenge us to consider our own responses to betrayal and conflict. May we, like Jesus, choose paths of peace and reconciliation, trusting in God’s overarching plan and purpose for our lives, even when they lead us into difficult and painful situations.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)

The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin marks a critical juncture, showcasing the stark contrast between human authority and divine truth. This episode, fraught with legal irregularities and spiritual significance, not only underscores the fulfillment of prophecy but also reveals the depth of Jesus's commitment to His mission.

The Setting of the Trial

"And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled."

(Matthew 26:57, NKJV)

The trial occurs under the cover of darkness, a detail that emphasizes its dubious legality and the urgency of the religious leaders to condemn Jesus without public uproar. The gathering of the Sanhedrin, Israel's highest religious court, signifies the grave implications of the trial, not just for Jesus but for the entire course of Jewish faith and history.

The Silence of the Suffering Servant

Throughout the proceedings, Jesus exhibits a profound silence, responding only when directly questioned by Caiaphas. This silence fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, which portrays the Messiah as a suffering servant who, despite unjust treatment, does not protest:

"He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

yet He opened not His mouth;

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so He opened not His mouth."

(Isaiah 53:7, NKJV)

Jesus's demeanor during the trial exemplifies His submission to the Father's will and His acceptance of the sacrificial role He must play for humanity's redemption.

The Accusation of Blasphemy

The pivotal moment of the trial comes when Caiaphas confronts Jesus about His messianic identity:

"The high priest said to Him, 'I put You under oath by the living God:

Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.'

Jesus said to him, 'It is as you said.'"

(Matthew 26:63-64, NKJV)

Jesus's affirmation of His identity as the Christ and the Son of God leads to accusations of blasphemy, a charge that, under Jewish law, carries the death penalty. This exchange crystallizes the theological divide between Jesus and the religious leaders: for them, Jesus's claim to divinity is an unforgivable offense; for Jesus, it is the truth upon which His entire ministry—and the salvation of the world—rests.

The Fulfillment of Jesus's Predictions

This trial before the Sanhedrin not only fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah but also confirms Jesus's own predictions about His passion. Jesus's calm amidst the false accusations and His unwavering declaration of His identity underscore His divine authority and the inevitability of His sacrificial death. The trial, thus, serves as a stark reminder of the world's inability to comprehend or accept the truth of Jesus's mission, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospel narrative.

Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)

In the cold shadows of a Jerusalem night, as Jesus faces the gravest challenge of His earthly ministry, one of the most poignant personal dramas unfolds with Peter—a story that mirrors the fragility of human commitment and the boundless capacity for forgiveness inherent in divine love.

The Setting of Denial

Peter, who had boldly claimed he would never deny Jesus, finds himself in the courtyard, warming himself by the fire. The stark contrast between his earlier proclamation of unwavering fidelity and his subsequent denials encapsulates the unpredictable nature of human courage under pressure.

"Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, 'You also were with Jesus of Galilee.' But he denied it before them all, saying, 'I do not know what you are saying.'"

(Matthew 26:69-70, NKJV)

The Sequence of Denial

As the night progresses, Peter faces not one but three accusations of association with Jesus, each met with increasingly vehement denials. From a mere disavowal to invoking curses and swearing, Peter's actions reveal the depth of his fear and the crumbling of his resolve: "

And again he denied with an oath, 'I do not know the man!'"

(Matthew 26:72, NKJV)

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

Peter's triple denial starkly fulfills Jesus's earlier prediction, serving as a testament to Jesus's profound understanding of human nature and the inevitability of prophecy. Jesus had foreseen Peter's denial, stating: "

Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'"

(Matthew 26:34, NKJV)

The realization of this prophecy not only underscores Jesus's divine insight but also highlights the pervasive theme of prophecy throughout the Gospels, where foreseen events unfold with divine precision.

The Moment of Realization

The crowing of the rooster and Peter's subsequent realization of his actions bring a moment of profound self-awareness and remorse:

“And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him,

'Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'

So he went out and wept bitterly."

(Matthew 26:75, NKJV)

This moment of bitter weeping reflects not just personal failure but also the pain of betraying a beloved friend and teacher. It marks a turning point for Peter, a painful yet necessary step in his journey from flawed follower to the rock upon which the Church would be built.

Reflection: The Journey from Failure to Redemption

Peter's denial of Jesus, couched in the fear and uncertainty of a tumultuous night, speaks volumes about the human condition—our vulnerability to fear, the ease with which we break our promises, and our capacity for self-deception. Yet, this story also heralds the message of hope and redemption. Jesus's foreknowledge of Peter's denial comes with an implicit promise of forgiveness and restoration, a reminder that our failures are not the end of our story with God.

In reflecting on Peter's denial, we are invited to consider our own moments of weakness and the times we have, in various ways, denied Christ through our actions or inactions. Yet, the narrative doesn't end in despair but in the transformative power of repentance and divine mercy. As we journey through the complexities of faith and doubt, let us hold fast to the assurance of God's unfailing love and forgiveness, ready to embrace us in our most broken moments and lead us back into His light.

The Choice

In the garden of Gethsemane and upon His arrest, Jesus faced the reality of His impending death. Despite His divine power and the legions of angels at His command, He chose submission to God's will over escape from suffering. This decision is highlighted in Matthew's Gospel:

"Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?"

(Matthew 26:53, NKJV)

This rhetorical question underscores the voluntary nature of Jesus's sacrifice. He had the power to avoid the cross but chose to endure it for the sake of humanity. This theme is beautifully captured in hymns and reflections that ponder the might-have-beens — the legions of angels that could have rescued Him — emphasizing that His sacrifice was a deliberate act of love:

"He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free.

He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone, for you and me."

Conclusion

Reflecting on Matthew 26, we see the contrast between human frailty and divine steadfastness. These stories, rich in lessons of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption, call us to appreciate the depth of Jesus's love and the price of our salvation. Let us live in a way that honors His sacrifice, embodying His love daily, inspired by His path to walk in faith and hope.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, in pondering Jesus's journey to the cross, we're struck by the enormity of His sacrifice and the boundless depth of His love. In Gethsemane, His choice of Your will over His own comfort speaks to us of ultimate surrender. Despite betrayal and denial, His mission of salvation never wavered.

Grant us the wisdom to grasp the fullness of His sacrifice for us. Let Peter's story remind us of Your mercy and the hope of redemption. May we walk humbly, relying on Your strength, and live in the light of the cross, sharing the love and grace Jesus exemplified.

As we reflect on these events, let our lives reflect Your transformative love and the resurrection's hope. We pray this in Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

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📚 Join the Conversation! 📚

As we contemplate the cross's shadow and Gethsemane's silence, we invite deeper insights into faith, sacrifice, and divine love. How do the stories of betrayal, denial, and Jesus's ultimate sacrifice resonate with you? Share your reflections on failure, forgiveness, and finding grace.

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