August 26, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 27

¹ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

² And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

³ Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

⁴ Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

⁵ And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

⁶ And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

⁷ And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.

⁸ Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

⁹ Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

¹⁰ And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.

¹¹ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

¹² And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

¹³ Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

¹⁴ And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

¹⁵ Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

¹⁶ And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

¹⁷ Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

¹⁸ For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

¹⁹ When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

²¹ The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

²² Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

²³ And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

²⁵ Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

²⁷ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

²⁸ And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

²⁹ And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

³⁰ And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

³¹ And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

³² And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

³³ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

³⁴ They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

³⁵ And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

³⁶ And sitting down they watched him there;

³⁷ And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

³⁸ Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

³⁹ And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

⁴⁰ And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

⁴¹ Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

⁴² He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

⁴³ He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

⁴⁴ The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

⁴⁷ Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

⁴⁸ And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

⁴⁹ The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

⁵⁰ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

⁵¹ And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

⁵² And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

⁵³ And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

⁵⁴ Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

⁵⁵ And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

⁵⁶ Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.

⁵⁷ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

⁵⁸ He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

⁵⁹ And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

⁶⁰ And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

⁶¹ And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

⁶² Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

⁶³ Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

⁶⁴ Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

⁶⁵ Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

⁶⁶ So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

The 27th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew describes the dramatic and fateful events leading up to the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It begins with the condemnation by the chief priests and elders, the betrayal and tragic end of Judas, and culminates in the crucifixion of Jesus. This narrative not only illuminates human cruelty and failure but also the fulfillment of divine prophecies and the triumphant culmination associated with Jesus’ death.

Commentary:

Matthew 27 is a chapter filled with profound tragedy and spiritual significance, depicting the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. It starts with the decision of the Jewish leaders to hand Jesus over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. This decision not only expresses their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah but also fulfills the Scriptures that predicted the course of the Passion.

Judas Iscariot, who has betrayed Jesus, is portrayed in a particularly tragic light in this chapter. Overwhelmed by guilt upon realizing that Jesus has been sentenced to death, Judas desperately returns the thirty pieces of silver and subsequently takes his own life. His actions are a stark testimony to the devastating consequences of betrayal and guilt. The chief priests, rejecting the money as “blood money,” further reveal their hypocrisy by using it to buy the Potter’s Field, which becomes a burial place for foreigners.

Jesus’ encounter with Pilate reveals the political and moral complexity of the situation. Although Pilate is convinced of Jesus’ innocence, he succumbs to the crowd’s pressure, manipulated by the chief priests, and releases Barabbas, a notorious criminal. Pilate’s symbolic act of washing his hands emphasizes his moral weakness and the inevitability of divine providence.

The cruel treatment of Jesus by the Roman soldiers, his mockery, and the crucifixion itself carry deep symbolic meaning. The purple robe and the crown of thorns placed on him are not only symbols of mockery but also symbols of his true kingship, which will only be fully revealed through the sacrifice on the cross. The crowd’s cry, “His blood be on us and on our children!” becomes a grim prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction.

The crucifixion at Golgotha is the central moment of the chapter. Jesus’ cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” expresses the deepest human abandonment and suffering he endures for the sins of humanity. Simultaneously, the tearing of the temple curtain, the earthquake, and the resurrection of the saints make it clear that this sacrifice transforms the divine order and paves the way for redemption.

The confession of the Roman centurion, who recognizes Jesus as “truly the Son of God,” shows that Jesus’ divine identity is acknowledged even by Gentiles. This marks the beginning of the universal claim of the Gospel, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel.

Jesus’ burial by Joseph of Arimathea, who places him in a new tomb, and the subsequent guarding of the tomb by Roman soldiers to prevent resurrection, are final human attempts to control God’s work. Yet, these efforts will prove futile in the forthcoming events.

Summary:

Matthew 27 describes the final hours of Jesus and the path to the crucifixion, marked by betrayal, hypocrisy, and divine providence. The chapter reveals human depravity but also the fulfillment of prophecies and the unstoppable power of the divine plan for the redemption of humanity. Jesus’ crucifixion, accompanied by supernatural signs and the acknowledgment of his divine sonship, marks the climax of his sacrifice and the beginning of a new era in the history of salvation.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 58—“Lazarus, Come Forth”

This chapter is based on Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44.

Read online here

 

Commentary

The chapter “Lazarus, Come Fourth” describes one of the most powerful and symbolic episodes in the ministry of Jesus. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is not only a remarkable miracle but also a profound testament to Jesus’ divine authority and love for his friends. This chapter uniquely brings together faith, hope, and the nature of divine providence.

Lazarus and the Family in Bethany:
Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, are among Jesus’ most devoted followers. The close bond between them and Jesus goes far beyond what one would expect in a mere teacher-student relationship. The house in Bethany, home to Lazarus and his sisters, often serves as a refuge for Jesus, a place of peace and friendship where he can rest from the demands of his public ministry. This deep emotional connection becomes particularly evident when Lazarus falls ill and eventually dies.

Jesus’ Reaction to Lazarus’ Death:
Interestingly, Jesus hesitates to go to Bethany upon hearing of Lazarus’ illness. This delay initially seems puzzling, especially to the disciples who are aware of Jesus’ deep affection for Lazarus and his family. However, Jesus’ delay is intentional and serves a greater purpose: the glorification of God and the strengthening of his disciples’ faith. Jesus knows that the forthcoming miracle, the resurrection of Lazarus, will provide a powerful demonstration of his divine power and his identity as the Messiah.

The Dialogue with Martha and Mary:
When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, he is greeted by Martha, who affirms her faith in him but is still sorrowful over her brother’s death. Jesus uses this moment to strengthen both Martha’s and Mary’s faith by telling them that he himself is “the resurrection and the life.” These words are central, as they not only point to the imminent resurrection of Lazarus but also to the deeper truth that Jesus embodies eternal life itself.

The Raising of Lazarus:
The climax of the chapter is undoubtedly the scene where Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. This act is so powerful and majestic that it dispels any doubts about Jesus’ divine nature. The miracle is a symbolic act that foreshadows the future resurrection of all believers and demonstrates Jesus’ sovereignty over life and death. The reaction of those present—a mixture of astonishment, joy, and gratitude—highlights the profound emotional and spiritual impact of this miracle.

Significance for Faith:
The raising of Lazarus is not only a physical miracle but also a spiritual sign. It shows that faith in Jesus offers a living hope for eternal life, a hope that extends beyond death. Jesus demonstrates that death does not have the final word, but that through him, life triumphs. For the disciples and all who witness this event, it becomes clear that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, who has come to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

The Deep Humanity of Jesus:
What is particularly moving is the portrayal of Jesus’ deep compassion. Although he knows that he will raise Lazarus from the dead, he weeps with those who mourn. These tears reveal Jesus’ full humanity and his capacity to experience genuine pain and loss. It presents a picture of Jesus that brings him closer to us: the divine Savior who is fully human, suffering with us and understanding our suffering.

Conclusion:
The chapter “Lazarus, Come Fourth” illustrates that Jesus’ actions and words are always directed toward a deeper, divine purpose—revealing his nature and mission to bring life that transcends death. The resurrection of Lazarus is a precursor to the final resurrection and a powerful symbol of the victory of life over death. It reminds us that in times of suffering and darkness, faith in Christ can lead us to a new life that surpasses our current reality.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/26-08-2024-matthew-chapter-27-believe-his-prophets/

Lesson 9.Jerusalem Controversies
The Final Journey: Jesus’ Revelation and Challenges in Jerusalem

In Lesson 9, we accompany Jesus during the last days of His earthly ministry as He engages in intense confrontations with the religious leaders of His time in Jerusalem. These confrontations are marked by the attempts of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes to discredit Jesus through tricky questions and devious traps. However, Jesus responds with divine wisdom and reveals profound truths that touch the heart of faith. In these encounters, not only does His divine authority shine through, but also the central core of His teaching: love for God and neighbor. This lesson challenges us to examine our own faith and seek God’s wisdom and guidance in every situation.

9.1 The Triumphal Entry
Jesus’ Revelation as Messiah

Read Mark 11:1–11 and Zechariah 9:9–10. What is happening here?

The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in Mark 11:1-11 and linked to the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9-10, has a profound symbolic and prophetic significance. By entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promise and reveals Himself as the promised King of Israel. The account of the two disciples fetching the donkey not only emphasizes the precision of Jesus’ instructions and His prophetic authority but also directly connects the events with Old Testament prophecies.

The significant focus on this account underscores the importance of the moment: Jesus is now publicly claiming His role as Messiah, after having often insisted on hiding His true identity during His ministry. The entry on a donkey is a deliberate and powerful symbolic act that emphasizes the humility and peace characterizing His kingdom, in contrast to a king riding into the city on a war horse.

Additionally, this action recalls Solomon’s entry, who was crowned riding a donkey, establishing a strong connection to the Davidic line and the promise of an eternal throne. Thus, Jesus is not only presenting Himself as a king but as the promised successor to David, whose reign has a spiritual and eternal dimension.

Jesus’ entry marks a turning point in the Gospels: the time of restraint is over, and Jesus openly steps forth as the Messiah. The city of Jerusalem, filled with expectations and emotions, becomes the stage for the decisive final days of His earthly life. The apparent retreat at the end of the day may heighten the tension, but it is clear that the events of the following day will usher in a new phase in Jesus’ mission.

The idea of riding a donkey evokes the notion of humility. Why is this a very important trait, especially for Christians? What can we be proud of in the face of the cross?

The concept of riding a donkey is a powerful symbol of humility and peace. In the ancient world, a donkey was not the mount of kings or warriors, who rode horses, but rather a symbol of modesty and service. By entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus deliberately presents Himself as a different kind of king—not as a mighty conqueror, but as a servant and bringer of peace. This humility is a central trait, especially for Christians, as it reflects the essence of the Christian faith and lifestyle.

Humility is important because it expresses our acknowledgment of our dependence on God. It stands in contrast to pride and self-righteousness, which can obscure our view of God and our fellow human beings. A humble heart recognizes that all good gifts and abilities ultimately come from God and that we can achieve nothing by our own power. Jesus Himself embodies this humility by choosing the path of suffering and the cross, despite being the Son of God (Philippians 2:5-8).

In the face of the cross, it becomes clear that there is nothing to be proud of except what Christ has done for us. The cross is the ultimate symbol of self-sacrifice and God’s love. It reminds us that our redemption was not achieved through our own works or accomplishments but solely through God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice. Any pride we might have must yield before the cross, as it reveals our complete neediness and sinfulness while also showcasing God’s boundless love and mercy.

For Christians, this means that true greatness and honor are not found in power, wealth, or fame but in the willingness to serve others and to give ourselves up. Following Christ means imitating His example of humility by making ourselves small to help others and do God’s will. Humility is thus not just an important trait but the core of what it means to be a Christian.

The events of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the symbolism of riding a donkey have a profound connection to our everyday lives and faith as Christians.

Jesus, entering Jerusalem as a humble king on a donkey, presents a life pattern that remains relevant today. In a world often focused on power, fame, and material success, Jesus’ example calls us to choose a different path—the path of humility, service, and peace. In daily life, this means adopting Jesus’ attitude in our relationships, work, and decisions: not seeking our own honor but serving others and doing God’s will.

The humility Jesus demonstrates reminds us that true greatness is not in our external achievements or recognition but in our inner attitude and obedience to God. This can manifest in small things, like refraining from drawing attention to ourselves or being willing to forgive and show compassion even when it is difficult.

Riding a donkey also shows that God’s ways are often different from worldly expectations. This realization encourages us to trust when God’s plans for our lives do not always align with societal norms or when we are called to venture into unknown territory.

In faith and daily life, this means that we can take pride in what Jesus has done for us—our redemption on the cross. This pride is not directed at ourselves but at the grace and love bestowed upon us through Christ. It encourages us to live in a way that reflects this grace—by serving others in humility, bringing God’s peace to the world, and always remembering that our true identity and worth are anchored in Christ.

In summary, Jesus’ triumphal entry challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are not merely outwardly “fruitful” but also inwardly humble, peaceful, and ready to follow God’s will—just as Jesus demonstrated to us.

True greatness is revealed in humility, serving others, and placing God’s will above our own.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-jerusalem-controversies-9-1-the-triumphal-entry-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 25, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 26

¹ And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

² Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

³ Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

⁴ And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

⁵ But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.

⁶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

⁷ There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

⁸ But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

⁹ For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

¹⁰ When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

¹¹ For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

¹² For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

¹³ Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

¹⁴ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

¹⁵ And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

¹⁶ And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

¹⁷ Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?

¹⁸ And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

¹⁹ And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

²⁰ Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

²¹ And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

²² And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

²³ And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

²⁴ The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

²⁵ Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

²⁶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

²⁷ And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

²⁸ For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

²⁹ But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

³⁰ And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

³¹ Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

³² But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

³³ Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

³⁴ Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

³⁵ Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

³⁶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

³⁷ And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

³⁸ Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

³⁹ And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

⁴⁰ And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

⁴¹ Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

⁴² He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

⁴³ And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

⁴⁴ And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

⁴⁵ Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

⁴⁷ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

⁴⁸ Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

⁴⁹ And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

⁵⁰ And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

⁵¹ And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.

⁵² Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

⁵³ Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

⁵⁴ But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

⁵⁵ In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

⁵⁶ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

⁵⁷ And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

⁵⁸ But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

⁶⁰ But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

⁶¹ And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

⁶² And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

⁶³ But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

⁶⁴ Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

⁶⁵ Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

⁶⁶ What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

⁶⁷ Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

⁶⁸ Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

⁶⁹ Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

⁷⁰ But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

⁷¹ And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

⁷² And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

⁷³ And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

⁷⁴ Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

⁷⁵ And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

The 26th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew is a central part of the Passion narrative and describes the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It begins with the conspiracy of the chief priests and elders, moves on to the anointing of Jesus in Bethany, Judas Iscariot’s betrayal, the Last Supper, the prediction of Peter’s denial, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, his arrest, the interrogations before the Sanhedrin, and concludes with Peter’s denial. These sections are marked by betrayal, loyalty, fear, and divine providence.

Commentary:

In Matthew 26, the complexity of human actions and divine will is depicted in the final hours before Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. The actions of the chief priests and elders, who, fearing an uproar, secretly conspire to have Jesus killed, highlight the deep divide between religious authority and true divine understanding.

The anointing of Jesus by an unnamed woman presents a strong contrast to the scheming of the chief priests. While this woman anticipates Jesus’ death and acts with love and devotion, her actions are initially misunderstood by the disciples, underscoring Jesus’ teachings about true values and priorities in the Kingdom of God.

Judas’ betrayal, delivering Jesus to his enemies for thirty pieces of silver – the price of a slave – reveals the darkness in the heart of one of Jesus’ closest confidants and fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This betrayal takes on special significance during the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the new covenant through the sharing of bread and wine, symbols of his forthcoming sacrifice.

Peter’s overconfidence and subsequent triple denial of Jesus represent another human conflict: the struggle between will and the weakness of the flesh. Peter’s fall and his bitter weeping are a poignant testimony of repentance and the need for divine forgiveness.

Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, marked by the kiss of the betrayer Judas and the violence of one of his disciples, underscores the contrast between the ways of this world and the path Jesus follows in complete submission to the Father’s will. Jesus’ arrest reveals the ignorance of his opponents, who act with violence while he refrains from using his power to fulfill the Scriptures.

During his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus remains silent until asked if he is the Messiah. His response – both a confirmation and a reference to his future glory – leads to his condemnation by the high priest, who accuses him of blasphemy. The violence and mockery he endures continue the theme of the suffering servant present throughout the chapter.

Summary:

Matthew 26 describes the final moments of Jesus before his crucifixion, addressing themes of betrayal, divine providence, and human weakness. It reveals the profound significance of Jesus’ Passion by depicting the conspiracies of religious leaders, Judas’ betrayal, the institution of the Last Supper, Peter’s predicted denial, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, his arrest, and the failure of his disciples. These events inevitably lead to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and lay the foundation for the redemption of humanity through Jesus’ sacrifice.

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 58—“Lazarus, Come Forth”

This chapter is based on Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44.

Read online here

 

Commentary

The chapter “Lazarus, Come Fourth” describes one of the most powerful and symbolic episodes in the ministry of Jesus. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is not only a remarkable miracle but also a profound testament to Jesus’ divine authority and love for his friends. This chapter uniquely brings together faith, hope, and the nature of divine providence.

Lazarus and the Family in Bethany:
Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, are among Jesus’ most devoted followers. The close bond between them and Jesus goes far beyond what one would expect in a mere teacher-student relationship. The house in Bethany, home to Lazarus and his sisters, often serves as a refuge for Jesus, a place of peace and friendship where he can rest from the demands of his public ministry. This deep emotional connection becomes particularly evident when Lazarus falls ill and eventually dies.

Jesus’ Reaction to Lazarus’ Death:
Interestingly, Jesus hesitates to go to Bethany upon hearing of Lazarus’ illness. This delay initially seems puzzling, especially to the disciples who are aware of Jesus’ deep affection for Lazarus and his family. However, Jesus’ delay is intentional and serves a greater purpose: the glorification of God and the strengthening of his disciples’ faith. Jesus knows that the forthcoming miracle, the resurrection of Lazarus, will provide a powerful demonstration of his divine power and his identity as the Messiah.

The Dialogue with Martha and Mary:
When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, he is greeted by Martha, who affirms her faith in him but is still sorrowful over her brother’s death. Jesus uses this moment to strengthen both Martha’s and Mary’s faith by telling them that he himself is “the resurrection and the life.” These words are central, as they not only point to the imminent resurrection of Lazarus but also to the deeper truth that Jesus embodies eternal life itself.

The Raising of Lazarus:
The climax of the chapter is undoubtedly the scene where Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. This act is so powerful and majestic that it dispels any doubts about Jesus’ divine nature. The miracle is a symbolic act that foreshadows the future resurrection of all believers and demonstrates Jesus’ sovereignty over life and death. The reaction of those present—a mixture of astonishment, joy, and gratitude—highlights the profound emotional and spiritual impact of this miracle.

Significance for Faith:
The raising of Lazarus is not only a physical miracle but also a spiritual sign. It shows that faith in Jesus offers a living hope for eternal life, a hope that extends beyond death. Jesus demonstrates that death does not have the final word, but that through him, life triumphs. For the disciples and all who witness this event, it becomes clear that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, who has come to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

The Deep Humanity of Jesus:
What is particularly moving is the portrayal of Jesus’ deep compassion. Although he knows that he will raise Lazarus from the dead, he weeps with those who mourn. These tears reveal Jesus’ full humanity and his capacity to experience genuine pain and loss. It presents a picture of Jesus that brings him closer to us: the divine Savior who is fully human, suffering with us and understanding our suffering.

Conclusion:
The chapter “Lazarus, Come Fourth” illustrates that Jesus’ actions and words are always directed toward a deeper, divine purpose—revealing his nature and mission to bring life that transcends death. The resurrection of Lazarus is a precursor to the final resurrection and a powerful symbol of the victory of life over death. It reminds us that in times of suffering and darkness, faith in Christ can lead us to a new life that surpasses our current reality.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-08-2024-matthew-chapter-26-believe-his-prophets/

In this episode, join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as he discusses part one of chapter 36 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

Listen as he explores the deep turmoil of today’s world and its root causes, as highlighted in the Bible. Delve into prophecy and the ongoing conflict between truth and error and examine the final struggle concerning God’s law. Watch for more.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-36-pt-1-liberty-of-conscience-threatened-pastor-ted-wilson/