PREPARING FOR THE SERMON
May 25, 2025
Matthew 26:1-27:2
Context:
This section begins with Jesus giving specific time frames for His death. The chief priests and the Pharisees scheme to kill Jesus and in the final verses, they hand Jesus off to Pilate. In between, Jesus enacts many meaningful occurrences including the Passover, Lord’s Supper, prayer in Gethsemane, and Peter’s denial prediction with its fulfillment. After this section, Judas will respond to his betrayal, and Jesus will stand judged before Pilate.
Structure:
26:1-2 Jesus outlines His impending death
26:3-5 the chief priests and elders plot to kill Jesus
26:6-13 Jesus is anointed with oil
26:14-16 Judas agrees to betray Jesus
26:17-25 Jesus celebrates Passover and indicates Judas will betray Him
26:26-9 the first Lord’s Supper
26:30-35 Jesus indicates all will fall away that night
26:36-46 Jesus prays as the disciples sleep
26:47-56 Jesus arrested
26:57-68 Jesus stands before Jewish leaders
26:69-75 Peter’s denial
27:1-2 Jesus handed over to Pilate
Key Ideas: betrayal, the new covenant, God’s will
Some things to think about: