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Jesus' Last Day - Matthew 26
Jesus' Last Day - Matthew 26
Peter, speaking to Cornelius, summarized the life of Jesus: "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38). Again, Peter speaking on the day of Pentecost stated: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men" (Acts 2:22–23).
As we read the 26th chapter of Matthew, we see the last day of this great teacher of Israel. He knows he is about to die (vs. 24). The leaders of the Jews plot to kill him (vs. 4), a woman (Identified in John 12:3 as Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus), unknowingly anoints him for burial ( vs. 6-12), Judas betrays him for 30 pieces of silver (vs. 14-16), and he knows that the disciples will all abandon him (vs. 31).
In the midst of all of this, the lamb of God eats the Passover with his disciples. Jesus, the supper being over, institutes the Lord's supper. He took the bread that was used for the Passover and said: “Take, eat; this is my body” (vs. 26). Likewise he took the cup and said: "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (vs. 27-28).
The first disciples continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). They came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). They came together, they came together, they came together, they came together, they came together (1Cor. 11:17, 18, 19, 33, 34). The disciples are exhorted: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Heb. 10:24-25). Paul said concerning the partaking of this memorial: "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (1Cor. 10:16).
Jesus, the Word of God, the lamb of God, the Son of God - knowingly and willfully chose to die for us. This is the greatest event in recorded history in so far as it affects our eternal existence. In the partaking of this, we share together in the remembrance of His great sacrifice. In partaking of this, we declare our trust in Him as our savior. In partaking of this, we renew yet again our thinking concerning the very purpose of our existence.
He suffered the indignities of sinners that I might live.
He was obedient unto death that I might live.
He died that I might live.
When the saints meet to eat this bread and drink this cup, where will you be and what will you be doing?
Hugh DeLong
