Matthew 26:14-30
Q.1. What made the actions of Judas Iscariot unforgivable? Did Jesus normally partake of the Passover with His disciples? What arrangements were made for the meal? – (Mt.26:14-19 c.f. Zech.11:12; Lk.22:12)
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve chosen apostles (Mt.10:1-4). To go behind the back of Jesus and his companions, was the ultimate treachery. All kinds of reasons have been given for his deception. Matthew identified it as greed, because he went to the chief priests and asked – What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you? (Mt.26:15 c.f. Jn.12:6). The price of 30 pieces of silver (about 120 day’s wages for a skilled labourer) was predicted by Zechariah, generations before (Mt.26:15 c.f. Zech.11:12-13). As the ultimate betrayer – from then on, he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus (Mt.26:16). From the disciples’ point of view, this was just another Passover that they would have with Jesus (Mt.26:17). For Jesus, this Passover was of immense significance, and He was a step ahead with the preparations. A spacious upper room was chosen for the Last Supper (Mt.26:18-19 c.f. Lk.22:12).
Q.2. What shocking news did Jesus announce? How did the disciples react? Did Jesus know the identity of His betrayer? Why was Christ’s death inevitable? How did Jesus treat Judas? – (Mt.26:20-25)
After Jesus had washed the feet of His disciples, the atmosphere was shattered, when Jesus announced – Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me (Mt.26:21). Eleven of them were shocked and deeply grieved, while the heart of one must have skipped a beat, fearing exposure (Mt.26:22). Jesus accepted His death because – the Son of Man is to go, just as it is written … (Mt.26:24). However, this did not absolve the perpetrator, as Jesus declared – … 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 (Mt.26:24). Jesus had quizzically stated – He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me (Mt.26:23). That had been all of them. Judas then brazenly asked Jesus point-blank – Surely it is not I, Rabbi? Jesus replied – You have said it yourself (Mt.26:25). John recorded the incident more fully, and explained that none suspected Judas, because he had the money box. They assumed Jesus had sent him on some legitimate business (c.f. Jn.13:21-29).
Q.3. What would the disciples never forget about this Passover meal? What made the partaking of the cup unique? What startling prophecy did Jesus make about this meal? – (Mt.26:26-30)
It cannot be disputed that Jesus and His disciples prepared and shared in the Jewish Passover (Mt.26:19 & 26; Mk.14:12; Lk.22:14-16; Jn.13:1). At some time during this Passover, Jesus forever transformed the feast. When – 26 Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins (Mt.26:26-27). Luke recorded that Jesus told them to – do this in remembrance of Me (Lk.22:19). The synoptic Gospel writers all agreed that the shedding of His blood would seal the New Covenant (Mt.26:28 c.f. Jer.31:31-34; Mk.14:24; Lk.22:25; 1 Cor.11:25; Heb.8:7-13). His death was no tragic accident, nor was it the end. Before He died, Jesus foretold His future reign in His Father’s kingdom (Mt.26:29).