Matthew 26:47-68 (ESV)While he was still speaking,

Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from

the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.”

And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands

on Jesus and seized him.

And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will

perish by the sword.

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more

than twelve legions of angels?

But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it

must be so?”

At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple

teaching, and you did not seize me.

But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might

be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.

And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the

courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.

Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking

false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to

death,

but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came

forward

and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three

days.’”

And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these

men testify against you?”

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God,

tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from

now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the

clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered

blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You

have now heard his blasphemy.

What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves

death.”

Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped

him,

saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck

you?”

While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the

elders of the people. Matthew 26:47, ESV

The Betrayer ApproachesThe Betrayer Approaches• While Jesus is rousing His disciples Judas comes to While Jesus is rousing His disciples Judas comes to betray Jesusbetray Jesus• Matthew has shown us previously how Judas would be Matthew has shown us previously how Judas would be the betrayer (26:14, 25)the betrayer (26:14, 25)• Now, though, we see Judas the betrayer in the fleshNow, though, we see Judas the betrayer in the flesh

• The specific mention as, “one of the twelve” reminds The specific mention as, “one of the twelve” reminds us of Jesus’ prediction that one of the disciples would us of Jesus’ prediction that one of the disciples would betray Him (26:21)betray Him (26:21)• We also learn of a group accompanying Judas with We also learn of a group accompanying Judas with swords and clubsswords and clubs• The group is predominately Jewish, though it is The group is predominately Jewish, though it is possible that some Roman guards were also mixed possible that some Roman guards were also mixed with the groupwith the group

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings,

Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to

do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Matthew

26:48-50

The BetrayalThe Betrayal• Judas is simply called the betrayerJudas is simply called the betrayer• It appears that a sign was needed to identify It appears that a sign was needed to identify JesusJesus• Part of this was because it occurred in the middle of Part of this was because it occurred in the middle of the nightthe night• Another may be that, unlike today, even famous Another may be that, unlike today, even famous individuals during that time period would not easily individuals during that time period would not easily be recognizedbe recognized• It is for this reason a kiss is given to Jesus so that It is for this reason a kiss is given to Jesus so that the group knows who to arrestthe group knows who to arrest

• Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi”Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi”• Because Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi” instead of “Lord” Because Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi” instead of “Lord” reminds us how Judas is now disassociated with the reminds us how Judas is now disassociated with the disciple community, as those who belong to Christ, at disciple community, as those who belong to Christ, at least in the Gospel of Matthew, call Jesus “Lord”least in the Gospel of Matthew, call Jesus “Lord”

The Betrayal (2)The Betrayal (2)• The fact that Jesus calls Judas friend is The fact that Jesus calls Judas friend is interestinginteresting• If we take Jesus’ statements earlier in Matthew If we take Jesus’ statements earlier in Matthew into account then it appears this further indicates into account then it appears this further indicates the separation of Judas from Christ (see 12:48-49)the separation of Judas from Christ (see 12:48-49)

• Jesus then says, “Do what you came to do”Jesus then says, “Do what you came to do”• The Greek is notorious here as it could be in the The Greek is notorious here as it could be in the form of a question, “what are you doing here?”form of a question, “what are you doing here?”• If this is the case it is more ironical than a If this is the case it is more ironical than a questionquestion• Regardless, the group comes and seizes Jesus at Regardless, the group comes and seizes Jesus at this timethis time

And behold, one of those who were with And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the his sword and struck the servant of the

high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its said to him, “Put your sword back into its

place. For all who take the sword will place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will cannot appeal to my Father, and he will

at once send me more than twelve at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should legions of angels? But how then should

the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” so?”

(Matthew 26:51-54)(Matthew 26:51-54)

To Flee or FightTo Flee or Fight• In John we learn that it is Peter who strikes the ear of In John we learn that it is Peter who strikes the ear of the servant of the High Priest (we also learn his name was the servant of the High Priest (we also learn his name was Malchus, See John 18:10)Malchus, See John 18:10)• The most logical reason for this attack was that he The most logical reason for this attack was that he was the designated leader of the groupwas the designated leader of the group• Judas was merely an informant, this man had actual Judas was merely an informant, this man had actual authorityauthority

• Why did Peter do this?Why did Peter do this?• Probably because He was willing to die for Christ (see Probably because He was willing to die for Christ (see 26:35)26:35)• If Peter believed this to be a martyrdom he is If Peter believed this to be a martyrdom he is mistakenmistaken• Jesus calms the storm before anything can erupt Jesus calms the storm before anything can erupt commanding Peter to place his sword back in its placecommanding Peter to place his sword back in its place

To Flee or Fight (2)To Flee or Fight (2)• Jesus then informs them that if He so chose He could Jesus then informs them that if He so chose He could call forth 12 legions of angelscall forth 12 legions of angels• Assuming Jesus has the Roman legion in mind that Assuming Jesus has the Roman legion in mind that would be 72,000 which would come to His aid (6,000 would be 72,000 which would come to His aid (6,000 in each Roman Legion)in each Roman Legion)• The logic is simple, do they really believe Jesus The logic is simple, do they really believe Jesus would only have Himself and the 11 disciples with would only have Himself and the 11 disciples with Him? He could call forth on angels to fight for Him if Him? He could call forth on angels to fight for Him if He so desiredHe so desired

• If Jesus were to call down the angels then how could If Jesus were to call down the angels then how could the Scriptures be fulfilled?the Scriptures be fulfilled?• This is the Father’s will that He should be This is the Father’s will that He should be apprehended which has been foretold by the apprehended which has been foretold by the ScripturesScriptures

At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, “Have you come out as against a robber,

with swords and clubs to capture me? Day with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and after day I sat in the temple teaching, and

you did not seize me. But all this has you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the taken place that the Scriptures of the

prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.disciples left him and fled.(Matthew 26:55-56, ESV)(Matthew 26:55-56, ESV)

Jesus addresses the CrowdJesus addresses the Crowd• Jesus turns His attention to the crowdsJesus turns His attention to the crowds• Have they come to arrest a robber?Have they come to arrest a robber?• A better word which might be better suited is A better word which might be better suited is “Terrorist” “Terrorist” • The fact that Jesus does not hold the same The fact that Jesus does not hold the same national zeal as the other Jews may help promote national zeal as the other Jews may help promote such a conceptsuch a concept

• Still, why did they come with clubs and swords?Still, why did they come with clubs and swords?• Jesus was previously in the temple, yet they did Jesus was previously in the temple, yet they did not apprehend Him thennot apprehend Him then• The fact that they have come as they have The fact that they have come as they have indicates their desire to arrest Jesus away from indicates their desire to arrest Jesus away from the crowds (which we learned was their goal in the crowds (which we learned was their goal in 26:3-5)26:3-5)

Jesus addresses the Crowd (2)Jesus addresses the Crowd (2)• Still, Jesus is making the point that He would Still, Jesus is making the point that He would not make a ruckus now if He put Himself in not make a ruckus now if He put Himself in such a vulnerable position earlier such a vulnerable position earlier • This, though, is not the pointThis, though, is not the point• Him being betrayed into the hands of sinners Him being betrayed into the hands of sinners is not the point eitheris not the point either• Instead we find the point is these things are Instead we find the point is these things are taking place because of the Scripturestaking place because of the Scriptures

• That is the point of all that is taking placeThat is the point of all that is taking place• It is all part of God’s divine plan It is all part of God’s divine plan

Then those who had seized Jesus led Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, him to Caiaphas the high priest,

where the scribes and the elders had where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following gathered. And Peter was following

him at a distance, as far as the him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going courtyard of the high priest, and going

inside he sat with the guards to see inside he sat with the guards to see the end. the end.

(Matthew 26:57-58, ESV)(Matthew 26:57-58, ESV)

To CaiaphasTo Caiaphas• They bring Jesus to CaiaphasThey bring Jesus to Caiaphas• In John we find Annas also questions Jesus (See In John we find Annas also questions Jesus (See 18:13)18:13)• Annas was the High Priest before Caiaphas and Annas was the High Priest before Caiaphas and Caiaphas was his son in lawCaiaphas was his son in law• It is likely Annas had a great deal of influence and It is likely Annas had a great deal of influence and probably agreed with Caiaphas in his condemnation probably agreed with Caiaphas in his condemnation of Jesusof Jesus

• The Scribes and Elders are involved with the The Scribes and Elders are involved with the questioningquestioning• They are most likely members of the Sanhedrin They are most likely members of the Sanhedrin (Leaders of the Jewish people)(Leaders of the Jewish people)• It is likely Judas needed to inform them of when to It is likely Judas needed to inform them of when to arrest Jesus in haste, causing them to trickle in as the arrest Jesus in haste, causing them to trickle in as the night wears onnight wears on

PeterPeter• We then learn that Peter is following at a distanceWe then learn that Peter is following at a distance• Peter had previously vowed not to leave Jesus even if Peter had previously vowed not to leave Jesus even if all else didall else did• He is not willing to let go and flee, but neither is he He is not willing to let go and flee, but neither is he willing to go and be at Jesus’ sidewilling to go and be at Jesus’ side

• This also seems to be an informal meeting for the This also seems to be an informal meeting for the SanhedrinSanhedrin• We learn that Peter goes as far as the courtyard of We learn that Peter goes as far as the courtyard of the high priestthe high priest• This means that this meeting is occurring in Caiaphas’ This means that this meeting is occurring in Caiaphas’ homehome• Normally, at least according to some scholars, Normally, at least according to some scholars, meetings such as these would take place at the meetings such as these would take place at the “chamber of hewn stone” which was on the western “chamber of hewn stone” which was on the western side of the temple mountside of the temple mount

Now the chief priests and the whole Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony council were seeking false testimony

against Jesus that they might put him to against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I

am able to destroy the temple of God, and am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” to rebuild it in three days.’”

(Matthew 26:59-61, ESV)(Matthew 26:59-61, ESV)

TestimonyTestimony• We find they are seeking testimony against We find they are seeking testimony against JesusJesus• Jesus is not yet charged with anything, Jesus is not yet charged with anything, instead, as with a normal procedure, Jesus instead, as with a normal procedure, Jesus must be found worthy of condemnationmust be found worthy of condemnation• They are truly seeking to make sure Jesus They are truly seeking to make sure Jesus is worthy of the condemnation which they is worthy of the condemnation which they seekseek

TestimonyTestimony• The “whole council” does not necessarily The “whole council” does not necessarily mean that all 71 members of the Sanhedrin mean that all 71 members of the Sanhedrin were currently present (only 1/3 needed to be were currently present (only 1/3 needed to be present for a quorum)present for a quorum)• Regardless, we find that they are unable to Regardless, we find that they are unable to find conclusive evidence against Jesus, until find conclusive evidence against Jesus, until the evidence is presented concerning Jesus’ the evidence is presented concerning Jesus’ discussion on the templediscussion on the temple• Also, it was necessary to have at least two Also, it was necessary to have at least two witnesses for evidence to be valid (Duet witnesses for evidence to be valid (Duet 19:15)19:15)

And the high priest stood up and said, And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But that these men testify against you?” But

Jesus remained silent. And the high Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, living God, tell us if you are the Christ,

the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on have said so. But I tell you, from now on

you will see the Son of Man seated at the you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the right hand of Power and coming on the

clouds of heaven.” clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:62-64, ESV)(Matthew 26:62-64, ESV)

Caiaphas Questions JesusCaiaphas Questions Jesus• Caiaphas takes things into his own handsCaiaphas takes things into his own hands• It is a serious crime to talk of the temple in this It is a serious crime to talk of the temple in this manner as it represents either terroristic actions manner as it represents either terroristic actions and or neglected national zealand or neglected national zeal

• Jesus remains silent and allows things to Jesus remains silent and allows things to proceed as they areproceed as they are• If Jesus wanted to, He could argue against the If Jesus wanted to, He could argue against the wording of the testimonieswording of the testimonies• Jesus never claimed that He would destroy the Jesus never claimed that He would destroy the templetemple• Instead He has said, in Matthew, that one greater Instead He has said, in Matthew, that one greater than the temple is here (indicating Himself…see than the temple is here (indicating Himself…see 12:6)12:6)

Caiaphas Questions Jesus (2)Caiaphas Questions Jesus (2)• Likewise in John 2:19 Jesus specifically says that Likewise in John 2:19 Jesus specifically says that should they destroy this temple He will raise it in three should they destroy this temple He will raise it in three days, but this is in regards to His body, not the temple days, but this is in regards to His body, not the temple in Jerusalemin Jerusalem• It is possible that there is a connection It is possible that there is a connection between the discussion on the temple and between the discussion on the temple and Caiaphas’ follow up questionCaiaphas’ follow up question• If they had been told, possibly by Judas, of Jesus’ If they had been told, possibly by Judas, of Jesus’ teaching concerning one greater than the temple, it teaching concerning one greater than the temple, it may prompt Caiaphas into asking this next questionmay prompt Caiaphas into asking this next question• It is not until this question is asked that Jesus finally It is not until this question is asked that Jesus finally respondsresponds

Jesus’ ResponseJesus’ Response• Jesus’ answer is similar to the one given to Judas Jesus’ answer is similar to the one given to Judas during the last supper “you said it not I”during the last supper “you said it not I”• Jesus affirms Caiaphas’ basic statementJesus affirms Caiaphas’ basic statement• However there is an added “but…”However there is an added “but…”• They have this belief that the Messiah will be a They have this belief that the Messiah will be a political powerpolitical power• Hence Jesus basically says, “Yes, but not in the Hence Jesus basically says, “Yes, but not in the way you think, more like this instead”way you think, more like this instead”

• The “like this” is a reflection of Daniel 7:13-14 and The “like this” is a reflection of Daniel 7:13-14 and Psalm 110:1-2Psalm 110:1-2• Right now they are in control, but in the end Right now they are in control, but in the end Jesus will be the one with the authorityJesus will be the one with the authority

Jesus’ Response (2)Jesus’ Response (2)• It is possible Jesus is here viewing His second comingIt is possible Jesus is here viewing His second coming• Though it is more likely He is speaking of an Though it is more likely He is speaking of an imminent event rather than a future eventimminent event rather than a future event

• Previously Jesus made a similar claim in Matthew Previously Jesus made a similar claim in Matthew 24:29-31, and there it was coupled with the destruction 24:29-31, and there it was coupled with the destruction of the temple and Jerusalemof the temple and Jerusalem• The interpretation held there should be seen here The interpretation held there should be seen here as wellas well• Jesus is vindicated at His resurrection, and as He Jesus is vindicated at His resurrection, and as He states later in Matthew all power and authority is states later in Matthew all power and authority is given to Himgiven to Him• Therefore what they see is not necessarily Jesus Therefore what they see is not necessarily Jesus Himself, but the Gospel being proclaimed among the Himself, but the Gospel being proclaimed among the nations which shows Jesus is triumphant, because His nations which shows Jesus is triumphant, because His Gospel is triumphantGospel is triumphant

Then the high priest tore his robes and Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What

further witnesses do we need? You have further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your now heard his blasphemy. What is your

judgment?” They answered, “He judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his deserves death.” Then they spit in his

face and struck him. And some slapped face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ!

Who is it that struck you?”Who is it that struck you?”(Matthew 26:65-68, ESV)(Matthew 26:65-68, ESV)

The VerdictThe Verdict• Caiaphas tears His robesCaiaphas tears His robes• Jesus’ proclamation is one teetering on claiming Jesus’ proclamation is one teetering on claiming divinity, something no mortal should ever speakdivinity, something no mortal should ever speak

• The fact that Caiaphas tears his robes is to separate The fact that Caiaphas tears his robes is to separate Himself from the blasphemy and show great Himself from the blasphemy and show great distraughtdistraught• This is the answer they have been waiting forThis is the answer they have been waiting for• They agree with Caiaphas and come to the They agree with Caiaphas and come to the conclusion that Jesus’ blasphemous statement is conclusion that Jesus’ blasphemous statement is worthy of executionworthy of execution

The Verdict (2)The Verdict (2)• Once the verdict is made clear Jesus is abused Once the verdict is made clear Jesus is abused physicallyphysically• Some may wonder if this kind of treatment Some may wonder if this kind of treatment should be beyond the Sanhedrin, but it may be a should be beyond the Sanhedrin, but it may be a way for them to further separate themselves way for them to further separate themselves from the blasphemyfrom the blasphemy

• This might also be a reference to an Old Testament This might also be a reference to an Old Testament understanding that the Messiah would be able to understanding that the Messiah would be able to prophecy even by smell if not by sightprophecy even by smell if not by sight• Jesus does not do as they say, but in His silence Jesus does not do as they say, but in His silence He allows His own prophetic messages speak for He allows His own prophetic messages speak for themselvesthemselves• He has already foretold the physical abuse which He has already foretold the physical abuse which they now give to Him (see Matthew 16:21, 20:17-they now give to Him (see Matthew 16:21, 20:17-19) 19)

Final PointsFinal Points• The SwordThe Sword• This passage is often used as an argument for This passage is often used as an argument for pacifism in the Churchpacifism in the Church• Within the passage itself Jesus does not say to Within the passage itself Jesus does not say to throw the sword away, but to return it to it’s throw the sword away, but to return it to it’s placeplace• Likewise if Jesus were to call the angel armies Likewise if Jesus were to call the angel armies they seem as though they would fight for Jesusthey seem as though they would fight for Jesus• It seems more likely Jesus is informing the It seems more likely Jesus is informing the disciples that the fight which He is now involved disciples that the fight which He is now involved in is not one fought with swordsin is not one fought with swords• This fight is between Light and Darkness, death This fight is between Light and Darkness, death and life, sin and righteousnessand life, sin and righteousness

Final PointsFinal Points• The Sword (2)The Sword (2)• It is interesting to consider another It is interesting to consider another implicationimplication• Jesus does not need anyone to use a sword Jesus does not need anyone to use a sword or gun to further His causeor gun to further His cause•This may be the point of the sword This may be the point of the sword statementstatement• No one can be forced to be a good No one can be forced to be a good ChristianChristian• Even if one can be forced to follow Even if one can be forced to follow Christian morality this does not mean that Christian morality this does not mean that one accepts the Gospelone accepts the Gospel

Final PointsFinal Points• The Sword (3)The Sword (3)• So we need to be careful not to fall sway into So we need to be careful not to fall sway into believing that certain strength will win the day, believing that certain strength will win the day, whether it be political or through forcewhether it be political or through force• Instead we need to accept the ideology of the Instead we need to accept the ideology of the Kingdom of Christ and be willing to bring Kingdom Kingdom of Christ and be willing to bring Kingdom beliefs to the table, defending the Truth with couragebeliefs to the table, defending the Truth with courage• Knowing Christ is seated at the right hand of Power, Knowing Christ is seated at the right hand of Power, knowing that His strength is greater than all other knowing that His strength is greater than all other strength combinedstrength combined• The truths and ideologies of Christianity should be The truths and ideologies of Christianity should be presented with as much peace as possible and we presented with as much peace as possible and we should recognize that if all societies and policies fall should recognize that if all societies and policies fall into immorality, we must stand in obedience to Christinto immorality, we must stand in obedience to Christ

Final PointsFinal Points• In ControlIn Control• Jesus comes face to face with the DarknessJesus comes face to face with the Darkness• Earlier in the chapter we see the predictions of the Earlier in the chapter we see the predictions of the betrayal (21), the disciples fleeing (31), Peter’s betrayal (21), the disciples fleeing (31), Peter’s denials (34), and His trepidation of Suffering denials (34), and His trepidation of Suffering Servant (36-46)Servant (36-46)• Even though this is the case, Jesus accepts His roleEven though this is the case, Jesus accepts His role• So when Peter responds harshly with the sword, So when Peter responds harshly with the sword, Jesus is the one who steps in and keeps the calmJesus is the one who steps in and keeps the calm• The fight which Jesus is entering is one of darkness The fight which Jesus is entering is one of darkness against lightagainst light• In light of this, Jesus shows control in these In light of this, Jesus shows control in these circumstancescircumstances

Final PointsFinal Points• In Control (2)In Control (2)• He shows control during the trialHe shows control during the trial• It is true that He is as a sheep being led to the It is true that He is as a sheep being led to the slaughterslaughter• Yet, remarkably, He is also the one who is in total Yet, remarkably, He is also the one who is in total control throughout the entire episodecontrol throughout the entire episode• He is the one who is speaks when He wants and He is the one who is speaks when He wants and remains silentremains silent• He is the one who affirms, yet redefines the role of He is the one who affirms, yet redefines the role of the Messiahthe Messiah• While it may seem Jesus is going into these things While it may seem Jesus is going into these things against His will, the truth is He is in controlagainst His will, the truth is He is in control• He follows the course in silence when necessary, He follows the course in silence when necessary, and speaks when necessary, to keep the progression and speaks when necessary, to keep the progression going toward His destinygoing toward His destiny

Final PointsFinal Points• HistoryHistory• It is interesting to consider what has occurred in It is interesting to consider what has occurred in historyhistory• Many Jews have been persecuted because of the Many Jews have been persecuted because of the belief that they are the ones who killed Jesusbelief that they are the ones who killed Jesus• It probably does not help when Pilate washes his It probably does not help when Pilate washes his hands of the incident (see Matthew 27:26-27)hands of the incident (see Matthew 27:26-27)• Though crucifixion is still Roman form of capital Though crucifixion is still Roman form of capital punishmentpunishment• Likewise when we consider the current intrigue of Likewise when we consider the current intrigue of the Sanhedrin many fall to anti-Semitic viewsthe Sanhedrin many fall to anti-Semitic views• Yet, we see that Jesus is in full control, and could Yet, we see that Jesus is in full control, and could easily have called down angels to help Himeasily have called down angels to help Him

Final PointsFinal Points• History (2)History (2)• Therefore there should be unity that certain Therefore there should be unity that certain treatment of Jewish groups based upon this treatment of Jewish groups based upon this misconception should be condemnedmisconception should be condemned• Jesus places Himself in this situationJesus places Himself in this situation• Likewise, while the Jews expedited the death of Likewise, while the Jews expedited the death of Christ, and the Romans actually killed Him, the good Christ, and the Romans actually killed Him, the good student of Christian doctrine will look to their own student of Christian doctrine will look to their own hands for the blood of Christhands for the blood of Christ• So we should encourage others and each other not So we should encourage others and each other not to hold certain ethnic group responsible for Jesus’ to hold certain ethnic group responsible for Jesus’ deathdeath• Instead we should recognize Jesus’ own authority, Instead we should recognize Jesus’ own authority, and what ultimately causes Jesus to follow the road and what ultimately causes Jesus to follow the road laid out before Himlaid out before Him

Final PointsFinal Points• God’s PlanGod’s Plan• That road did not come unexpectedlyThat road did not come unexpectedly• Jesus makes reference to the Scriptures which Jesus makes reference to the Scriptures which must be fulfilledmust be fulfilled• This is the reason Jesus stops Peter and why He This is the reason Jesus stops Peter and why He does not call down angelsdoes not call down angels• We saw what this entailed last week when we We saw what this entailed last week when we learn Jesus needed to drink the cup of wrath learn Jesus needed to drink the cup of wrath placed before Himplaced before Him• Since the Scriptures predicted what must Since the Scriptures predicted what must occurred we can be sure we see the patience, occurred we can be sure we see the patience, mercy, grace, knowledge, and predestination of mercy, grace, knowledge, and predestination of GodGod

Final PointsFinal Points• God’s Plan (2)God’s Plan (2)• These things do not occur by chance, instead it These things do not occur by chance, instead it required Sovereignty to step in in order that what required Sovereignty to step in in order that what God had planned would come to fruitionGod had planned would come to fruition•Since the beginning of the world this plan has Since the beginning of the world this plan has been set into motion (Matthew 25:34)been set into motion (Matthew 25:34)• That humanity would fall into sin, that in time That humanity would fall into sin, that in time Christ incarnate would come as preacher in Christ incarnate would come as preacher in GalileeGalilee•That He would have 12 disciples who would all That He would have 12 disciples who would all flee at His arrest, who would be placed on trial, flee at His arrest, who would be placed on trial, mocked, rejected, condemned, and crucifiedmocked, rejected, condemned, and crucified

Final PointsFinal Points• God’s Plan (3)God’s Plan (3)•This has been part of the plan since the This has been part of the plan since the beginningbeginning• It is now that God is bearing His arm showing It is now that God is bearing His arm showing salvation to all the nations through the death of salvation to all the nations through the death of Jesus (Isaiah 52:10, Romans 1-3)Jesus (Isaiah 52:10, Romans 1-3)• Salvation which comes through an obedient Son Salvation which comes through an obedient Son following the will of His loving Fatherfollowing the will of His loving Father

Final PointsFinal Points• God’s Plan (4)God’s Plan (4)• Therefore when we remember the Therefore when we remember the atrociousness, and the ignorance, we can be sure atrociousness, and the ignorance, we can be sure that God is not silent, but that He has a planthat God is not silent, but that He has a plan• The whole Biblical narrative is painting a picture The whole Biblical narrative is painting a picture of what is happening right before our eyesof what is happening right before our eyes• The darkest moment in human history would The darkest moment in human history would not be outside the will of God, but that it would not be outside the will of God, but that it would be directly under His Sovereigntybe directly under His Sovereignty• That through the greatest sin committed God That through the greatest sin committed God would bring about His redemptionwould bring about His redemption

Final PointsFinal Points• The GospelThe Gospel• All the events in Matthew are leading us to the All the events in Matthew are leading us to the GospelGospel• This is all part of God’s plan of salvation, a plan in This is all part of God’s plan of salvation, a plan in which God would receive all the glorywhich God would receive all the glory• God has predicted the coming of the Messiah in God has predicted the coming of the Messiah in the Scriptures, and now those predictions are the Scriptures, and now those predictions are coming truecoming true• In the Old Testament we can hear the echoes of In the Old Testament we can hear the echoes of the Gospelthe Gospel• Like a spring tightly wound, we are seeing the last Like a spring tightly wound, we are seeing the last turn occurring before the breakturn occurring before the break

Final PointsFinal Points• The Gospel (2)The Gospel (2)• Or like the darkness during the nightOr like the darkness during the night• It has gotten only ever darker and we are currently It has gotten only ever darker and we are currently at the darkest momentat the darkest moment• Yet like the night, the darkest moment is precedes Yet like the night, the darkest moment is precedes the dawnthe dawn•Christ is that Light, and His blood shed is the new Christ is that Light, and His blood shed is the new Covenant of God AlmightyCovenant of God Almighty• In Scripture we can be sure of these things, that In Scripture we can be sure of these things, that we were created in the Image of Godwe were created in the Image of God

Final PointsFinal Points• The Gospel (3)The Gospel (3)•That we have fallen into sin and deathThat we have fallen into sin and death• That God brought redemption through the death That God brought redemption through the death of Christ for those who repent and have faith in Himof Christ for those who repent and have faith in Him• And that those who have will inherit an eternal And that those who have will inherit an eternal kingdomkingdom• Without Jesus, there is no hope of salvation, yet Without Jesus, there is no hope of salvation, yet we find Jesus is ablewe find Jesus is able• He walks into the depths alone, and glory be to He walks into the depths alone, and glory be to God that He does not come out alone, but out of God that He does not come out alone, but out of the depths He carries His people on His shouldersthe depths He carries His people on His shoulders