The Night He Was Betrayed

Scripture: Matthew 26:1–16, 36–56

We have come together today in remembrance of our dear Lord and Rabbi, Jesus. So much has happened this week, and I want to remind each of us of what took place.

Plot to Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:1–5)

“As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Jesus knew what lay ahead. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders gathered at the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, to plot Jesus’ arrest and death. But they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6–13)

While Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it on his head as he reclined at the table.

The disciples were upset: “Why this waste? It could’ve been sold and given to the poor!”

But Jesus said,

“She has done a beautiful thing to me… When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.”

He honored her, saying,

“Wherever this gospel is preached… what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Judas’ Betrayal (Matthew 26:14–16)

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests and asked:

“What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?”

They gave him thirty pieces of silver. From then on, Judas watched for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46)

Jesus went with His disciples to Gethsemane. He told them to sit while He prayed. Taking Peter, James, and John with Him, He became deeply sorrowful.

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Three times He prayed to the Father, asking if the cup might pass—but always submitting:

“Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Each time He returned, He found His disciples sleeping.

The Arrest (Matthew 26:47–56)

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas arrived with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He greeted Jesus with a kiss—the signal of betrayal.

Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”

Jesus was seized. One of His companions struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. But Jesus said:

“Put your sword back. Do you think I cannot call on my Father to send twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled?”

He turned to the crowd:

“Every day I taught in the temple—and you didn’t arrest me. But this has all happened to fulfill the writings of the prophets.”

Then, all His disciples deserted Him and fled.

Reflections

As John and Mary later told us, Jesus was taken away, beaten, questioned, and crucified. He told us He would die—we didn’t fully understand.

Scripture says:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus did this for us.

Communion

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”
(Matthew 26:26)

“Then He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’”
(Matthew 26:27–29)

Discussion Questions for Reflection

1. Why do you think the woman’s act of anointing Jesus was so significant to Him?

2. What does Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane teach us about facing difficult circumstances?

3. How does Judas’ betrayal speak to the nature of temptation and personal choices?

4. Jesus said, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.” What does this teach us about responding to conflict?

5. What does communion mean to you personally in light of Jesus’ sacrifice?