Lesson 35

I.       Observation

A.     Outline

Prediction and Plot (26:1-5)

Anointing at Bethany (26:6-13)

Plan of Betrayal (26:14-16)

Preparation for Passover (26:17-19)

Prediction of Betrayal (26:20-25)

Institution of Holy Communion (26:26-30)

Prediction of Scattering and Denial (26:31-35)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

Son of Man, good work, Passover, broke, body, blood of the new covenant, remission of sins, kingdom, stumble.

II.    General Analysis

1. He made numerous predictions about His death and burial, even down to the exact day and the form of execution (2,11,12). He commanded the disciples to ask a man for the use of his house for the Passover meal. Everything turned out to be just as He had commanded (18, 19; cf. Lk 22:8-13). He knew that Judas was going to betray Him (21,23,25). He knew that the disciples would stumble and even deny Him (31-34). He knew that he would rise from the dead (32). From His predictions and foreknowledge we know that Jesus was God, who had complete control over the situation. Even so, He offered up Himself willingly in order to redeem us.

III. Segment Analysis

1. The Passover was a foreshadow of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of God’s people. Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb that God had prepared for us (1Cor 5:7).

2. Even though it was the chief priests, scribes, and elders who plotted Jesus’ death, all these thing happened under God’s sovereign will.

3a. They cared more about the oil than about the Lord.

3b. They didn’t think the Lord deserved such costly offering. They were also unaware of how great a price the Lord was about to pay to redeem the sins of the world.

4. The woman offered her gift without a word; the disciples had nothing to offer except their complaint. The woman was probably aware of the events that lay ahead of the Lord whereas the disciples were not. The woman exalted the Lord as one who was worthy of the best; the disciples placed less value on their master than on the price of the oil.

5. It was done at the right time (“Me you do not have always”). Matthew also made special mention that the oil was very costly. The woman’s offering was beautiful not because the oil was expensive, but because she considered the Lord worthy to receive her best.

6. God does not take our offerings lightly. Even though others may criticize us for our service, God takes note of our every deed of love for him and gives lasting value to the work we do today (cf 1Cor 15:58).

7. Judas, probably speaking for the other disciples, complained about the woman’s offering. He might have wished that he could have some of the money (Jn 12:4-6). His greed, and perhaps also his anger, drove him to sell his master.

8a. The woman honored Christ by giving Him the best. Judas, instead of giving anything to the Lord, sold the Lord for a small profit..

8b. By choosing some material gains or temporary pleasure over obeying the Lord.

9a. So that his conscience may be stricken and repent immediately.

9b. Had Jesus pointed at Judas directly, Judas would have probably hardened his heart right away because of the sudden exposure and embarrassment. By speaking to the disciples without mentioning who it was, Jesus warned everyone the seriousness of the sin of betrayal while giving Judas a chance to repent privately.

10. While it was God’s sovereign will that Christ be delivered up to be crucified, and in His foreknowledge He had predicted the betrayal, God did not make Judas do what he did, for God does not cause anyone to sin (cf Jas 1:13-15).

11a. The Lord said, “This is my body,” and “This is my blood.” The communion is not symbolic of, but is in fact, Christ’s body and blood.

11b. In Jer 31:31-34, the Lord promised a new covenant with His people. The Israelites had failed to obey God. But God in His mercy offered His children the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph 1:7; Rev 1:5).

12. We partake of the communion in remembrance of Christ and to proclaim His death (Lk 22:19; 1Cor 11:24-26). We must remember how Christ poured out His blood for the forgiveness of our sins (Mt 26:28). We are also to look forward to His coming (29; 1Cor 11:26).

13a. He had a strong determination to sacrifice for the Lord, even though his will was stronger than his flesh. At this point, Peter showed that he was very self-confident. In his own judgment, he was stronger than and more resolute than any other disciple.