The Easter season is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation of Christ’s resurrection. As we approach Easter Sunday, it’s important that we take time to meditate on the significance of this holiday and prepare our hearts to receive the joy and hope of the resurrection. Today’s reading focuses on Christ’s suffering and crucifixion, which provides the context for the miracle of the resurrection. Though difficult to read, these passages remind us of the immense sacrifice Jesus made to reconcile us to God. As we read, may we be filled with gratitude and marvel at Christ’s love that compelled Him to willingly lay down His life for us.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
In Matthew 26:1-5, we read about the plot of the religious leaders to secretly arrest and kill Jesus. They were threatened by His popularity and teaching which exposed their hypocrisy. Though Jesus knew what fate awaited Him in Jerusalem, He did not flee or back down, but proceeded in obedience to the Father’s will. Jesus understood that His death was necessary for the salvation of humanity. As Isaiah 53:10 states, “It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer.” Christ willingly took all our sin and shame upon Himself to reconcile us to God. What amazing, sacrificial love!
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
While Jesus was in Bethany just before Passover, a woman poured expensive perfume on His head to anoint Him (Matthew 26:6-13). When the disciples objected to the waste, Jesus rebuked them and said her act prepared Him for burial. This nameless woman lavishly worshipped Jesus though His death was imminent. Like her, we must praise Jesus whether our circumstances are good or bad, for He is worthy at all times. Her sacrificial gift also reminds us to generously pour ourselves out for Christ.
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
After the anointing at Bethany, Judas went to the chief priests and agreed to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins (Matthew 26:14-16). Judas likely expected Jesus to overthrow Roman oppression and establish an earthly kingdom. When those hopes faded, Judas betrayed Jesus for his own gain. We must examine our hearts for any expectation of earthly reward from following Christ. He calls us to surrender everything to Him. May we cling to Jesus alone, not what we hope to get from Him.
The Last Supper
In Matthew 26:17-30, we read about Jesus’ last Passover meal with His disciples before His death. At this meal, He instituted Communion, a remembrance of His sacrificial death on our behalf. Jesus again predicted His betrayal and identified Judas as the one who would hand Him over. During Communion, we likewise remember and proclaim Christ’s death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). Not only did Jesus initiate this memorial, He also gave His disciples a model of servant leadership by washing their feet. May we serve one another humbly as Christ served us.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
After supper, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny knowing Him 3 times before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:31-35). Peter insisted he would never disown Jesus, yet he did exactly that. Like Peter, we often overestimate our devotion. Apart from Christ, we are weak and fickle. But Jesus interceded for Peter and restored him after his failure. And He graciously forgives and restores us when we stumble. Our salvation rests secure in Christ alone, not our own strength.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
After supper, Jesus took His disciples to Gethsemane to pray (Matthew 26:36-46). He was deeply distressed about His coming crucifixion and asked them to keep watch. When He returned, Jesus found them sleeping. He told Peter, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Even close friends could not grasp the sorrow Christ bore. Three times Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done. He surrendered Himself fully to the Father’s plan though it meant unfathomable suffering. In our trials, we too must pray for God’s will above our own.
Jesus Arrested
In Matthew 26:47-56, Judas arrived with a crowd to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane. When Peter tried to defend Jesus with his sword, Christ rebuked him saying, “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (v.52). Though innocent, Jesus willingly surrendered knowing His death would fulfill Scripture. The disciples fled, leaving Jesus alone. Though we often abandon Him like the disciples, Jesus never abandons us. Even in our weakness, He remains faithful.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
After His arrest, Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council (Matthew 26:57-68). They tried conjuring up false witnesses against Him but failed to establish a case. When asked if He was the Christ, Jesus boldly declared “I am.” For this “blasphemy” they condemned Him deserving of death. Though Jesus was sinless, He suffered humiliation and false accusations on our behalf. By His stripes, we are healed and declared righteous before God (Isaiah 53:5).
Peter Denies Jesus
While Jesus was interrogated, Peter waited nearby (Matthew 26:69-75). Three times people recognized Peter as a disciple, but he denied even knowing Jesus. After the rooster crowed, Peter remembered Jesus’ prediction and wept bitterly. Though Peter failed Jesus, Christ later restored him with forgiveness and recommissioned him (John 21:15-19). Jesus patiently forgives our denials and failures too when we repent. He reconstructs our lives to honor Him.
Judas Hangs Himself
In Matthew 27:1-10, Judas saw that Jesus was condemned and regretted his betrayal. He returned the bribe money to the priests but they refused to take it back. In despair, Judas hanged himself. Though Jesus walked closely with Judas, he ultimately rejected Christ’s salvation. Only God’s grace can change a heart, not proximity to Jesus. We must pray for those who still reject Christ, that they would repent before it’s too late.
Jesus Before Pilate
The Jewish leaders brought Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor, seeking execution by crucifixion (Matthew 27:11-26). Though Pilate found no basis for the charges, he feared the crowd and washed his hands of the matter. Pilate’s wife even warned him not to harm Jesus, yet he sentenced an innocent man to death. Like Pilate, we are all accountable for our response to Christ. Will we wash our hands of Him or bow our knees to the King of kings? One day every knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10).
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
The Roman soldiers stripped, flogged and mocked Jesus before leading Him to crucifixion (Matthew 27:27-31). They spat on Him, struck Him, dressed Him like a king in mockery, and led Him to Golgotha to die. Despite their cruelty, Jesus endured in silence, allowing Scripture to be fulfilled (Isaiah 53:7). Even in intense suffering, Jesus trusted the Father’s plan was good. His quiet strength compels our worship. One day, those very soldiers would bow and declare Christ as Lord.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
In Matthew 27:32-56 we read about Christ’s crucifixion between two criminals. As He hung on the cross, Jesus was mocked but responded in love, praying, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Even one of the criminals repented and Jesus assured him of salvation. At noon, darkness fell for three hours as Jesus bore God’s wrath for humanity’s sin. Then Jesus cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying our debt was paid in full. Finally, Jesus gave up His spirit. Creation itself convulsed at the death of its Creator.
The Burial of Jesus
After Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathea received permission from Pilate to bury His body (Matthew 27:57-61). Joseph, a secret disciple, provided his own tomb cut into rock. Along with some women, he wrapped Jesus’ body in a clean linen cloth with spices and laid Him in the tomb. A large stone was rolled over the entrance. The ONE who is the Way, Truth and Life was now sealed in a grave. But this was not the end. On the third day, He would rise in victory over sin and death itself!
The Guards at the Tomb
The religious leaders feared Jesus’ prophecy that He would rise after three days (Matthew 27:62-66). So they requested guards and a seal be placed on His tomb. But no power on earth could stop the resurrection ordained by almighty God. Jesus later appeared to many witnesses, proving He had conquered the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Just as Jesus predicted, He laid down His life and took it up again in glory (John 10:18). Our hope rests on Christ’s finished work, not any human effort to suppress truth.
Reflecting on Christ’s Sacrifice
As we’ve read today, Jesus willingly went to the cross according to God’s sovereign plan for our salvation. He who knew no sin became sin for us, bearing the Father’s wrath so we could be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). What amazing, sacrificial love! May Christ’s death and resurrection fill us with eternal gratitude and hope. All our sin and shame died with Him that joyous day. Now we live as free, forgiven, beloved children of God.
On Easter we celebrate our Risen King, who conquered sin and death forever! The terrible darkness of Good Friday exploded into glorious light on Resurrection Day. The stone was rolled away to reveal an empty tomb – death could not hold Jesus! He appeared alive to many witnesses, promising eternal life to all who trust in Him. Jesus is alive and reigns forever. We have living hope because of the resurrection!
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, may we pause to reflect on the magnificent sacrifice Jesus made for us. He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf and suffered death, even death on a cross. Christ’s finished work fully paid our debt so we could be sons and daughters of God. What matchless love Jesus demonstrated! May our worship flow from hearts overflowing with gratitude.