Read Matthew 26:14–25
Questions from the Scripture text: One of whom is acting (v14)? Which one? To whom did he go? What does he want to know about what they are willing to do (v15)? What does he propose to do? What do they weigh out to him? What does he begin to do (v16)? What day is it in v17? Who come to Whom? What do they ask Him? Where does He say to go (v18)? Whom are they to find? What are they to say to him? How does this go (v19)? What time is it in v20? What does Jesus do with whom? What are they doing in v21? About whom does Jesus speak? What will one of them do? How do they respond (v22)? What do each of them begin to do? What does Jesus now add about the betrayer (v23)? Who is going to die (v24)? According to what? But what does He say about the betrayer—what would have been better for that man? Who speaks in v25? What is he literally in the process of doing? What does he “ask”? How does Jesus answer?
What do we learn about Jesus’s betrayal? Matthew 26:14–25 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are to see treachery, sovereignty, obedience, and sinfulness, as we consider Jesus’s betrayal.
Treachery. The Jews could attack Jesus, but only a disciple could betray Him. He is “one of the twelve” (v14), who should have been serving Him (v17, 19), and counted as His own household with whom He would keep the Passover (v18). He was “one of you” (v21). He was one “who dipped his hand with Me in the dish” (v23). The passage emphasizes the treachery. The closer we are to Christ, whether spiritually, or even just covenantally, the more grievous are our sins against Him. There are ways that only professing believers can sin against Him.
Sovereignty. In the midst of all of this, Jesus performs an “unnecessary” miracle with respect to the location for their Passover (v18–19). Its purpose is to emphasize His sovereignty over His own betrayal. He Himself does that by referring to the Scriptures (v24) that He has given by His Spirit (cf. 1Pet 1:11). The Jews may be conspiring, and Judas betraying, but Jesus is sovereign over it all. No one takes His life from Him; He has authority to lay it down (cf. Jn 10:18). Jesus’s death must be an intentional act of God, in order for it to atone and save.
Obedience. Even while emphasizing His sovereignty over His betrayal, with respect to His divinity, Jesus also emphasizes His obedience in His betrayal, with respect to His humanity. He “goes just as it is written of Him” (v24). He is intentionally, resolutely going to do what the Scriptures say. We must marvel at this obedience, and rejoice that it is reckoned unto our righteousness through faith in Him.
Sinfulness. We see the deceitfulness and brazenness of sin. The disciples realize that sin is deceitful, and that Jesus knows their susceptibility to it better than they do (v22). But it is also brazen. Right after hearing Jesus’s curse upon the betrayer (v24), Judas pretends that he is just like the rest of them (v25), even while he is actively looking for his chance to betray Him (v16). His sinfulness has no fear and no shame. How deceitful, fearless, and shameless is sin!
How are your sins against Jesus more treacherous than sins of those who don’t know Him, or identify with Him? What situations do you most need to remember that Christ is sovereign over? How is Christ’s obedience important to you? For what, in your life, is it especially an example to you? How is your sin deceitful? About what sins do you most need to fear more or feel more shame?
Sample prayer: Father, we thank You that what You have willed to give for the life of the world is Your Son; and that He has willingly given Himself; and that Your Spirit gladly applies His salvation to us. And, we pray for the grace of Your Holy Spirit to do this to us and in us, even by making use of Your Word, and this time that we have just spent in it. For we ask it in Jesus's name. Amen.
Suggested Songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH98A “O Sing a New Song to the Lord”
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