Matthew Chapters 26 - 28: The completion of the book of Matthew

Matthew 26 begins with the plot to kill Jesus and Judas agreeing to betray Him. A woman anoints Jesus in preparation for His burial, and Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples, establishing the Lord’s Supper. In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in deep sorrow while submitting Himself to the Father’s will. Judas betrays Him with a kiss, Jesus is arrested and brought before the Jewish leaders, and false witnesses testify against Him. The chapter ends with Peter denying Jesus three times, just as Jesus had foretold.Description:Matthew 27 records Jesus being delivered to Pilate, Judas’ remorse and death, and the crowd choosing Barabbas instead of Jesus. Though Pilate finds himself unable to justify the demand against Jesus, he gives Him over to be crucified. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified at Golgotha. Darkness covers the land, Jesus dies, and the veil of the temple is torn from top to bottom. Joseph of Arimathea places Jesus’ body in a new tomb, which is then sealed and guarded.Matthew 28 announces the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The women come to the tomb and find it empty, and an angel declares that Jesus has risen from the dead. Jesus appears to the women and later meets His disciples in Galilee. While the religious leaders attempt to explain away the empty tomb, the risen Christ declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. He commands His disciples to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe everything He commanded, promising to remain with them always.