I’m in Thailand, speaking at a conference, so these posts are short!

Matthew 26

Events are leading towards Christ’s crucifixion. On the way to the Passover Jesus and the disciples stop at Bethany, where a woman pours very expensive perfume on Jesus as an act of worship actually to prepare him for burial.

Judas then agrees to betray Jesus – other gospels hint at his annoyance at the “waste” of money in the perfume anointing.

Jesus and the disciples celebrate the Passover feast, where Jesus introduces the Lord’s supper as a lasting act of remembering his death for us.

Peter rashly promises not to Jesus, who answers by prophecying he will deny Jesus 3 times before the cock crows.

At Gethsemane Jesus prays – “my Father, may this cup be taken from me if it be your will.” – It wasn’t The Father’s will for Jesus’ to avoid the cup of suffering, so Jesus for the joy set before him endured the cross.

Jesus is arrested, betrayed with a kiss and taken before the Sanhedrin for a mockery of a trial. Meanwhile, Peter does disown Jesus 3 times (the 3rd time with some cursing) before the cock crows. When he realises his failure, he weeps bitterly.