The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

This week we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 26:47-75. In our passage this morning we see three scenes of heartache. In verses 47-56, Jesus is betrayed by a friend with a kiss and all of his disciples left him and fled. In verses 57-68, Jesus is brought before the council and judged. He’s mistreated and mocked. He’s beaten, spit on, and slapped as they mock him saying, “Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who was it that hit you?” In verses 69-75, Jesus is disowned and denied three times by the Apostle Peter, the one Jesus said would be the leader of the church. Matthew 26:47-75 shows us that Jesus is the submissive Son of Man who was betrayed, judged, and denied that the Scriptures would be fulfilled. Jesus remains steadfast to the Father’s saving plan through enduring the scorn and suffering at the hands of sinners. The good news of the Christian faith is not, "Don't be like Peter", but "Look and see the submissive Son of Man stand in our place." Behold the steadfast Savior and trust in Him! May God give us grace to weep bitterly when we're faced with our failures and to run to Jesus. As we remember Jesus on the cross, we pray for renewed experiences of his mercy and forgiveness. Jesus is betrayed and arrested, that we might be befriended and set free from being slaves to sin. Jesus is judged and condemned to take our condemnation. He stands steadfast while we slip and fall.