Main Highlights
The climax of Jesus' earthly ministry approaches: the Last Supper is instituted, Jesus agonizes in Gethsemane, Judas betrays Him with a kiss, He faces a sham trial, and Peter tragically denies Him.
Key Verses
And while they were eating, 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.”- Matthew 26:26
for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.- Matthew 26:28
And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”- Matthew 26:39
And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.- Matthew 26:75
Related Scripture
He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief... But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; (Isaiah 53:3, 5)
Scholar Insight
""In Gethsemane, the weight of the sins of the world began to fall upon the soul of the sinless Son of God. The cup He dreaded was not merely physical death, but the unmitigated wrath of the Father against sin." - Charles Spurgeon"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God the Father's sovereign will is paramount. The horrific events of the betrayal and trial are completely under His sovereign control to fulfill the Scriptures and bring about redemption.
Christological Connection
Jesus is the perfect, submissive Son. He institutes the New Covenant in His blood, embraces the agonizing will of the Father, and stands silent and majestic in the face of false accusations.
Systematic Theology
Atonement (The inauguration of the New Covenant through substitutionary blood) and Christology (The humanity of Christ seen in His agony, and His deity affirmed before the High Priest).
Law & Grace
The Passover meal, a central pillar of the Old Testament Law, is transformed by Jesus into the Lord's Supper, a permanent sacrament of Grace signifying the forgiveness of sins through His sacrifice.
Personal Application
We must marvel at the depth of Christ's love and submission. We should regularly participate in the Lord's Supper to remember His sacrifice, while remaining vigilant in prayer lest we fall into temptation like Peter.