Matthew 26: Strike the Shepherd

Have you ever let Christ down? As disciples, we are called to follow but without Christ we ultimately fail. This is why we completely need Christ's body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.##### I. Jesus predicts his death, - the elders and chief priests plot to kill Christ.##### II. Jesus is anointed- woman prepared Jesus for burial##### III. Judas set up betrayal##### IV. The Passover meal\* The Passover meal marked the beginning of the feast of unleavened bread. This meal and festival was a reminder of when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. On the night they would be set free, they were instructed to take a lamb and kill it. They would put the blood of the lamb on their door posts, because the Lord said he would pass over that house when he went out to strike the Egyptians and judge the gods of Egypt. Then they would eat the lamb with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. The bitter herbs reminded them of their bitter slavery in Egypt, and the unleavened bread was to remember they didn't have time to let their bread rise because of their quick exodus from Egypt. It is important that Christ gave us communion at this meal, to show that He is the sacrificial lamb for God's people, so that all who trust in Him would be spared from God's wrath against his enemies.##### V. Communion- this is my body- this is my blood, of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.- covenant - binding contract or agreement with God.- Jesus foretells his return here, we are to look forward to sharing drink at his return in God's Kingdom.##### VI. Christ tells disciples they will fall away##### VII. Prayer at Gethsemane- Struggle of Christ in prayer- Son of Man, Son of God- has two wills##### VIII. Arrest, betrayal- all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.##### IX. Trial before Caiaphas- Confession - v.63-64##### X. Peter denies Jesus ### Truth - Christ is our passover lamb, betrayed that his body and blood would make a new covenant with God for the forgiveness of sins.Disciples - Our utter failure to follow Christ##### Application: See our failure and total need for Christ's sacrificeWe are not the hero of the story, Christ is.And Christ suffered and died alone.Read from: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.