Matthew Chapter 26 brings us into the final hours before the cross. After Matthew Ch25 taught watchfulness, faithfulness, and readiness for the coming King, Matthew 26 shows the King preparing to suffer. The plot against Jesus begins, Judas betrays Him, the disciples fail Him, and Christ obeys the Father all the way to the cross.

The chapter opens with Jesus saying that the Passover is coming and that the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified. This matters because Jesus is not surprised by His death. He knows exactly what is coming. The cross is not an accident. It is the appointed plan of God.

The religious leaders plot secretly to arrest Jesus and kill Him, but even their evil is under God’s sovereign rule. From a Christian Reformed lens, Matthew 26 shows both human responsibility and God’s sovereignty. Judas is guilty. The leaders are guilty. The disciples are weak. Yet God’s saving plan is not failing. Christ is moving willingly toward redemption.

A woman then anoints Jesus with expensive ointment. The disciples call it waste, but Jesus calls it beautiful. She is preparing Him for burial. This moment shows true devotion. She sees the worth of Christ more clearly than many around her. What looks wasteful to the world can be worship before God.

Then Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The contrast is painful. One person pours out costly devotion. Another sells the Savior for money. Matthew shows us two hearts near Jesus, but going in opposite directions.

At the Passover meal, Jesus gives the bread and cup. He says, “This is my body,” and “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” The Passover finds its fulfillment in Christ. He is the true Lamb. His blood brings forgiveness. His death establishes the new covenant.

Then Jesus tells the disciples they will all fall away. Peter insists he will never deny Him, but Jesus says Peter will deny Him three times. This warns us not to trust our own spiritual confidence too much. Peter means well, but he is weaker than he knows.

In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in deep sorrow. He asks that, if possible, the cup pass from Him, yet He submits: “Not as I will, but as you will.” The cup points to the judgment He will bear for sinners. Here we see the obedience of Christ. Adam failed in a garden, but Christ obeys in a garden.

Judas then arrives with a crowd and betrays Jesus with a kiss. One disciple takes a sword, but Jesus stops him. Christ does not need to be defended by human force. He could call legions of angels, but the Scriptures must be fulfilled. He gives Himself willingly.

Jesus is taken before the council, where false witnesses rise against Him. When asked if He is the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus says that they will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. The suffering Jesus is still the reigning Son of Man.

The chapter ends with Peter denying Jesus three times. When the rooster crows, Peter remembers the word of Christ and weeps bitterly. Peter’s failure is real, but it is not the end of his story. Christ will rise, restore, and use him.

Matthew Chapter 26 shows us the Savior betrayed, abandoned, accused, and denied.

Yet He remains obedient.

He gives His body.

He pours out His blood.

He drinks the cup.

He fulfills Scripture.

He goes willingly to the cross.

The disciples fail.

Judas betrays.

Peter denies.

But Christ obeys.

And through His obedience, sinners receive forgiveness.