Matthew 26

Memory Verse: "I life my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? 2My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." -Psalm 121:1-2

Notes: (v.1-5) Jesus told his disciples that he will be handed over to be crucified, as the Passover is two days away. The chief priests and elders assembled and plotted the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus

-(v.6-13) When Jesus was in Bethany, a woman came to him and poured an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on his head. The disciples thought that the perfume was going to waste, but Jesus says that she has done a beautiful thing.

"When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her"

-(v.14-16) Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty silver coins from the chief priests

-(v.17-30) When Jesus was eating the Passover meal with his disciples, he said that one of them will betray him. All the disciples began to deny his unfaithfulness when Jesus said that the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with him will betray him. Jesus then took bread, gave thanks, and told his disciples to take and eat it, for it is his body. Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and told them to drink from it, for it is his blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

-(v.31-35) Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows, even though Peter denies it.

-(v.36-46) At Gethsemane, Jesus went alone to pray with his disciples standing watch. He was sorrowful and asked God to take this cup from him, if possible. However, he ultimately sought God's will. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping multiple times, he told them to "watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak"

-(v.47-56) Judas came with an armed crowd and betrayed Jesus. The men stepped forward and seized Jesus, causing one of his companions to cut off the servant's year. Jesus told him to put the sword back in place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

-(v.57-67) Jesus was taken to Caiaphas, and the chief priests looked for false evidence against Jesus, but could not find any. Finally, they charged him for claiming that he is the Christ, the Son of God. The people spit in his face and mocked him, demanding his death.

-(v.69-75) Peter's 1st Denial: A servant girl came to him and recognized him as being with Jesus of Galilee, but Peter denied it

Peter's 2nd Denial: At the gateway, another girl saw him and told the people that he was with Jesus of Nazareth. Again he denied knowing Jesus

Peter's 3rd Denial: Those that were standing there said that he was, for his accent gave it away. Once again Peter swore that he doesn't know Jesus. Immediately after, a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus' words. He went off and wept bitterly.