Matthew 26 :17-35

Preparation, perception and predictions

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 26:17–19 (Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13)

Most Bible students believe that the events recorded in Matthew 26:17–30 took place on Thursday of Passion Week. This was the first day of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. On that first day Passover lambs were sacrificed (Mark 14:12). The Feast of Unleavened Bread followed immediately after the Passover; the entire eight-day event was sometimes called the Passover Week

The disciples are sent off to prepare for the Passover meal in Jerusalem. They not only got the room but they also arranged for the food which must have taken most of the day. So, when evening came, Jesus entered the room that had been prepared. I would imagine it was a solemn moment for jesus as He knew what was to come. Jesus’ omniscience was once again revealed when he said one of the disciples would betray him.

#1 If Jesus’ omniscience was again evident, why do you not think Judas was saying “surely not I Rabbi?”

I believe Satan had indwelt in this man’s soul and the Deceiver tried once again to lead others astray by casting doubt on Jesus’ omniscience.

#2 Judas called Jesus Rabbi and not Lord. What is the significance of this?

Judas did not believe that Jesus was the son of God. He only professed faith and did not live and breathe it.

#3Why do you think

#3 Why do you think the disciples did not stop Judas from leaving once Jesus had outed him as the betrayer?

I think the disciples may not have fully understood how serious the betrayal would be. Their perception may have been cloudy because they had not been truly grasping Jesus’ predictions and prophecies of his death and crucifixion.

As the Passover feast continues, Jesus institutes a new element into it.

#4 With the correlation of the bread being His broken body and the wine being His blood, why is the Lord’s Supper significant?

It gives the believer hope and reminds us to long for the return of Jesus.

As they were leaving what I would have considered a not so happy and joyous celebration of the Passover feast because of the betrayal and the predictions of Jesus’ death, the disciples leave the room and head to the mount of Olives signing hymns. And that is when Jesus gives them another blow that would have knocked their socks off. They all would fail Him. Peter our brash, head strong and impulsive speak before you think disciple blurts out with arrogance that he would never stumble. No, he did not stumble - he crashed headlong into his pride.

We do this today as well. We do it every time we say “I can do this without God”. That is our pride talking. I can surely say to you all that my pride is always in the way.

#5 What steps can you take to keep your pride in check?

I desperately need the help of the Holy Spirit to rid me of my foolish pride. Every day I must humbly bow down and worship god for He is my Creator, my Shield and my all.