2. Matthew 26:47-68 (ESV) While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

3. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.”

4. And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him.

5. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

6. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

7. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

8. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?

9. But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

10. At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.

11. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

12. Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.

13. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.

14. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,

15. but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward

16. and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”

17. And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”

18. But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

19. Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

20. Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy.

21. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.”

22. Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,

23. saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

24. While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Matthew 26:47, ESV

25. The Betrayer Approaches While Jesus is rousing His disciples Judas comes to betray Jesus While Jesus is rousing His disciples Judas comes to betray Jesus Matthew has shown us previously how Judas would be the betrayer (26:14, 25) Matthew has shown us previously how Judas would be the betrayer (26:14, 25) Now, though, we see Judas the betrayer in the flesh Now, though, we see Judas the betrayer in the flesh The specific mention as, “one of the twelve” reminds us of Jesus’ prediction that one of the disciples would betray Him (26:21) The specific mention as, “one of the twelve” reminds us of Jesus’ prediction that one of the disciples would betray Him (26:21) We also learn of a group accompanying Judas with swords and clubs We also learn of a group accompanying Judas with swords and clubs The group is predominately Jewish, though it is possible that some Roman guards were also mixed with the group The group is predominately Jewish, though it is possible that some Roman guards were also mixed with the group

26. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Matthew 26:48-50

27. The Betrayal Judas is simply called the betrayer Judas is simply called the betrayer It appears that a sign was needed to identify Jesus It appears that a sign was needed to identify Jesus Part of this was because it occurred in the middle of the night Part of this was because it occurred in the middle of the night Another may be that, unlike today, even famous individuals during that time period would not easily be recognized Another may be that, unlike today, even famous individuals during that time period would not easily be recognized It is for this reason a kiss is given to Jesus so that the group knows who to arrest It is for this reason a kiss is given to Jesus so that the group knows who to arrest Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi” Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi” Because Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi” instead of “Lord” reminds us how Judas is now disassociated with the disciple community, as those who belong to Christ, at least in the Gospel of Matthew, call Jesus “Lord” Because Judas calls Jesus “Rabbi” instead of “Lord” reminds us how Judas is now disassociated with the disciple community, as those who belong to Christ, at least in the Gospel of Matthew, call Jesus “Lord”

28. The Betrayal (2) The fact that Jesus calls Judas friend is interesting The fact that Jesus calls Judas friend is interesting If we take Jesus’ statements earlier in Matthew into account then it appears this further indicates the separation of Judas from Christ (see 12:48-49) If we take Jesus’ statements earlier in Matthew into account then it appears this further indicates the separation of Judas from Christ (see 12:48-49) Jesus then says, “Do what you came to do” Jesus then says, “Do what you came to do” The Greek is notorious here as it could be in the form of a question, “what are you doing here?” The Greek is notorious here as it could be in the form of a question, “what are you doing here?” If this is the case it is more ironical than a question If this is the case it is more ironical than a question Regardless, the group comes and seizes Jesus at this time Regardless, the group comes and seizes Jesus at this time

29. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” (Matthew 26:51-54)

30. To Flee or Fight In John we learn that it is Peter who strikes the ear of the servant of the High Priest (we also learn his name was Malchus, See John 18:10) In John we learn that it is Peter who strikes the ear of the servant of the High Priest (we also learn his name was Malchus, See John 18:10) The most logical reason for this attack was that he was the designated leader of the group The most logical reason for this attack was that he was the designated leader of the group Judas was merely an informant, this man had actual authority Judas was merely an informant, this man had actual authority Why did Peter do this? Why did Peter do this? Probably because He was willing to die for Christ (see 26:35) Probably because He was willing to die for Christ (see 26:35) If Peter believed this to be a martyrdom he is mistaken If Peter believed this to be a martyrdom he is mistaken Jesus calms the storm before anything can erupt commanding Peter to place his sword back in its place Jesus calms the storm before anything can erupt commanding Peter to place his sword back in its place

31. To Flee or Fight (2) Jesus then informs them that if He so chose He could call forth 12 legions of angels Jesus then informs them that if He so chose He could call forth 12 legions of angels Assuming Jesus has the Roman legion in mind that would be 72,000 which would come to His aid (6,000 in each Roman Legion) Assuming Jesus has the Roman legion in mind that would be 72,000 which would come to His aid (6,000 in each Roman Legion) The logic is simple, do they really believe Jesus would only have Himself and the 11 disciples with Him? He could call forth on angels to fight for Him if He so desired The logic is simple, do they really believe Jesus would only have Himself and the 11 disciples with Him? He could call forth on angels to fight for Him if He so desired If Jesus were to call down the angels then how could the Scriptures be fulfilled? If Jesus were to call down the angels then how could the Scriptures be fulfilled? This is the Father’s will that He should be apprehended which has been foretold by the Scriptures This is the Father’s will that He should be apprehended which has been foretold by the Scriptures

32. At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. (Matthew 26:55-56, ESV)

33. Jesus addresses the Crowd Jesus turns His attention to the crowds Jesus turns His attention to the crowds Have they come to arrest a robber? Have they come to arrest a robber? A better word which might be better suited is “Terrorist” A better word which might be better suited is “Terrorist” The fact that Jesus does not hold the same national zeal as the other Jews may help promote such a concept The fact that Jesus does not hold the same national zeal as the other Jews may help promote such a concept Still, why did they come with clubs and swords? Still, why did they come with clubs and swords? Jesus was previously in the temple, yet they did not apprehend Him then Jesus was previously in the temple, yet they did not apprehend Him then The fact that they have come as they have indicates their desire to arrest Jesus away from the crowds (which we learned was their goal in 26:3-5) The fact that they have come as they have indicates their desire to arrest Jesus away from the crowds (which we learned was their goal in 26:3-5)

34. Jesus addresses the Crowd (2) Still, Jesus is making the point that He would not make a ruckus now if He put Himself in such a vulnerable position earlier Still, Jesus is making the point that He would not make a ruckus now if He put Himself in such a vulnerable position earlier This, though, is not the point This, though, is not the point Him being betrayed into the hands of sinners is not the point either Him being betrayed into the hands of sinners is not the point either Instead we find the point is these things are taking place because of the Scriptures Instead we find the point is these things are taking place because of the Scriptures That is the point of all that is taking place That is the point of all that is taking place It is all part of God’s divine plan It is all part of God’s divine plan

35. Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. (Matthew 26:57-58, ESV)

36. To Caiaphas They bring Jesus to Caiaphas They bring Jesus to Caiaphas In John we find Annas also questions Jesus (See 18:13) In John we find Annas also questions Jesus (See 18:13) Annas was the High Priest before Caiaphas and Caiaphas was his son in law Annas was the High Priest before Caiaphas and Caiaphas was his son in law It is likely Annas had a great deal of influence and probably agreed with Caiaphas in his condemnation of Jesus It is likely Annas had a great deal of influence and probably agreed with Caiaphas in his condemnation of Jesus The Scribes and Elders are involved with the questioning The Scribes and Elders are involved with the questioning They are most likely members of the Sanhedrin (Leaders of the Jewish people) They are most likely members of the Sanhedrin (Leaders of the Jewish people) It is likely Judas needed to inform them of when to arrest Jesus in haste, causing them to trickle in as the night wears on It is likely Judas needed to inform them of when to arrest Jesus in haste, causing them to trickle in as the night wears on

37. Peter We then learn that Peter is following at a distance We then learn that Peter is following at a distance Peter had previously vowed not to leave Jesus even if all else did Peter had previously vowed not to leave Jesus even if all else did He is not willing to let go and flee, but neither is he willing to go and be at Jesus’ side He is not willing to let go and flee, but neither is he willing to go and be at Jesus’ side This also seems to be an informal meeting for the Sanhedrin This also seems to be an informal meeting for the Sanhedrin We learn that Peter goes as far as the courtyard of the high priest We learn that Peter goes as far as the courtyard of the high priest This means that this meeting is occurring in Caiaphas’ home This means that this meeting is occurring in Caiaphas’ home Normally, at least according to some scholars, meetings such as these would take place at the “chamber of hewn stone” which was on the western side of the temple mount Normally, at least according to some scholars, meetings such as these would take place at the “chamber of hewn stone” which was on the western side of the temple mount

38. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” (Matthew 26:59-61, ESV)

39. Testimony We find they are seeking testimony against Jesus We find they are seeking testimony against Jesus Jesus is not yet charged with anything, instead, as with a normal procedure, Jesus must be found worthy of condemnation Jesus is not yet charged with anything, instead, as with a normal procedure, Jesus must be found worthy of condemnation They are truly seeking to make sure Jesus is worthy of the condemnation which they seek They are truly seeking to make sure Jesus is worthy of the condemnation which they seek

40. Testimony The “whole council” does not necessarily mean that all 71 members of the Sanhedrin were currently present (only 1/3 needed to be present for a quorum) The “whole council” does not necessarily mean that all 71 members of the Sanhedrin were currently present (only 1/3 needed to be present for a quorum) Regardless, we find that they are unable to find conclusive evidence against Jesus, until the evidence is presented concerning Jesus’ discussion on the temple Regardless, we find that they are unable to find conclusive evidence against Jesus, until the evidence is presented concerning Jesus’ discussion on the temple Also, it was necessary to have at least two witnesses for evidence to be valid (Duet 19:15) Also, it was necessary to have at least two witnesses for evidence to be valid (Duet 19:15)

41. And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:62-64, ESV)

42. Caiaphas Questions Jesus Caiaphas takes things into his own hands Caiaphas takes things into his own hands It is a serious crime to talk of the temple in this manner as it represents either terroristic actions and or neglected national zeal It is a serious crime to talk of the temple in this manner as it represents either terroristic actions and or neglected national zeal Jesus remains silent and allows things to proceed as they are Jesus remains silent and allows things to proceed as they are If Jesus wanted to, He could argue against the wording of the testimonies If Jesus wanted to, He could argue against the wording of the testimonies Jesus never claimed that He would destroy the temple Jesus never claimed that He would destroy the temple Instead He has said, in Matthew, that one greater than the temple is here (indicating Himself…see 12:6) Instead He has said, in Matthew, that one greater than the temple is here (indicating Himself…see 12:6)

43. Caiaphas Questions Jesus (2) Likewise in John 2:19 Jesus specifically says that should they destroy this temple He will raise it in three days, but this is in regards to His body, not the temple in Jerusalem Likewise in John 2:19 Jesus specifically says that should they destroy this temple He will raise it in three days, but this is in regards to His body, not the temple in Jerusalem It is possible that there is a connection between the discussion on the temple and Caiaphas’ follow up question It is possible that there is a connection between the discussion on the temple and Caiaphas’ follow up question If they had been told, possibly by Judas, of Jesus’ teaching concerning one greater than the temple, it may prompt Caiaphas into asking this next question If they had been told, possibly by Judas, of Jesus’ teaching concerning one greater than the temple, it may prompt Caiaphas into asking this next question It is not until this question is asked that Jesus finally responds It is not until this question is asked that Jesus finally responds

44. Jesus’ Response Jesus’ answer is similar to the one given to Judas during the last supper “you said it not I” Jesus’ answer is similar to the one given to Judas during the last supper “you said it not I” Jesus affirms Caiaphas’ basic statement Jesus affirms Caiaphas’ basic statement However there is an added “but…” However there is an added “but…” They have this belief that the Messiah will be a political power They have this belief that the Messiah will be a political power Hence Jesus basically says, “Yes, but not in the way you think, more like this instead” Hence Jesus basically says, “Yes, but not in the way you think, more like this instead” The “like this” is a reflection of Daniel 7:13-14 and Psalm 110:1-2 The “like this” is a reflection of Daniel 7:13-14 and Psalm 110:1-2 Right now they are in control, but in the end Jesus will be the one with the authority Right now they are in control, but in the end Jesus will be the one with the authority

45. Jesus’ Response (2) It is possible Jesus is here viewing His second coming It is possible Jesus is here viewing His second coming Though it is more likely He is speaking of an imminent event rather than a future event Though it is more likely He is speaking of an imminent event rather than a future event Previously Jesus made a similar claim in Matthew 24:29-31, and there it was coupled with the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem Previously Jesus made a similar claim in Matthew 24:29-31, and there it was coupled with the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem The interpretation held there should be seen here as well The interpretation held there should be seen here as well Jesus is vindicated at His resurrection, and as He states later in Matthew all power and authority is given to Him Jesus is vindicated at His resurrection, and as He states later in Matthew all power and authority is given to Him Therefore what they see is not necessarily Jesus Himself, but the Gospel being proclaimed among the nations which shows Jesus is triumphant, because His Gospel is triumphant Therefore what they see is not necessarily Jesus Himself, but the Gospel being proclaimed among the nations which shows Jesus is triumphant, because His Gospel is triumphant

46. Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” (Matthew 26:65-68, ESV)

47. The Verdict Caiaphas tears His robes Caiaphas tears His robes Jesus’ proclamation is one teetering on claiming divinity, something no mortal should ever speak Jesus’ proclamation is one teetering on claiming divinity, something no mortal should ever speak The fact that Caiaphas tears his robes is to separate Himself from the blasphemy and show great distraught The fact that Caiaphas tears his robes is to separate Himself from the blasphemy and show great distraught This is the answer they have been waiting for This is the answer they have been waiting for They agree with Caiaphas and come to the conclusion that Jesus’ blasphemous statement is worthy of execution They agree with Caiaphas and come to the conclusion that Jesus’ blasphemous statement is worthy of execution

48. The Verdict (2) Once the verdict is made clear Jesus is abused physically Once the verdict is made clear Jesus is abused physically Some may wonder if this kind of treatment should be beyond the Sanhedrin, but it may be a way for them to further separate themselves from the blasphemy Some may wonder if this kind of treatment should be beyond the Sanhedrin, but it may be a way for them to further separate themselves from the blasphemy This might also be a reference to an Old Testament understanding that the Messiah would be able to prophecy even by smell if not by sight This might also be a reference to an Old Testament understanding that the Messiah would be able to prophecy even by smell if not by sight Jesus does not do as they say, but in His silence He allows His own prophetic messages speak for themselves Jesus does not do as they say, but in His silence He allows His own prophetic messages speak for themselves He has already foretold the physical abuse which they now give to Him (see Matthew 16:21, 20:17- 19) He has already foretold the physical abuse which they now give to Him (see Matthew 16:21, 20:17- 19)

49. Final Points The Sword The Sword This passage is often used as an argument for pacifism in the Church This passage is often used as an argument for pacifism in the Church Within the passage itself Jesus does not say to throw the sword away, but to return it to it’s place Within the passage itself Jesus does not say to throw the sword away, but to return it to it’s place Likewise if Jesus were to call the angel armies they seem as though they would fight for Jesus Likewise if Jesus were to call the angel armies they seem as though they would fight for Jesus It seems more likely Jesus is informing the disciples that the fight which He is now involved in is not one fought with swords It seems more likely Jesus is informing the disciples that the fight which He is now involved in is not one fought with swords This fight is between Light and Darkness, death and life, sin and righteousness This fight is between Light and Darkness, death and life, sin and righteousness

50. Final Points The Sword (2) The Sword (2) It is interesting to consider another implication It is interesting to consider another implication Jesus does not need anyone to use a sword or gun to further His cause Jesus does not need anyone to use a sword or gun to further His cause This may be the point of the sword statement This may be the point of the sword statement No one can be forced to be a good Christian No one can be forced to be a good Christian Even if one can be forced to follow Christian morality this does not mean that one accepts the Gospel Even if one can be forced to follow Christian morality this does not mean that one accepts the Gospel

51. Final Points The Sword (3) The Sword (3) So we need to be careful not to fall sway into believing that certain strength will win the day, whether it be political or through force So we need to be careful not to fall sway into believing that certain strength will win the day, whether it be political or through force Instead we need to accept the ideology of the Kingdom of Christ and be willing to bring Kingdom beliefs to the table, defending the Truth with courage Instead we need to accept the ideology of the Kingdom of Christ and be willing to bring Kingdom beliefs to the table, defending the Truth with courage Knowing Christ is seated at the right hand of Power, knowing that His strength is greater than all other strength combined Knowing Christ is seated at the right hand of Power, knowing that His strength is greater than all other strength combined The truths and ideologies of Christianity should be presented with as much peace as possible and we should recognize that if all societies and policies fall into immorality, we must stand in obedience to Christ The truths and ideologies of Christianity should be presented with as much peace as possible and we should recognize that if all societies and policies fall into immorality, we must stand in obedience to Christ

52. Final Points In Control In Control Jesus comes face to face with the Darkness Jesus comes face to face with the Darkness Earlier in the chapter we see the predictions of the betrayal (21), the disciples fleeing (31), Peter’s denials (34), and His trepidation of Suffering Servant (36-46) Earlier in the chapter we see the predictions of the betrayal (21), the disciples fleeing (31), Peter’s denials (34), and His trepidation of Suffering Servant (36-46) Even though this is the case, Jesus accepts His role Even though this is the case, Jesus accepts His role So when Peter responds harshly with the sword, Jesus is the one who steps in and keeps the calm So when Peter responds harshly with the sword, Jesus is the one who steps in and keeps the calm The fight which Jesus is entering is one of darkness against light The fight which Jesus is entering is one of darkness against light In light of this, Jesus shows control in these circumstances In light of this, Jesus shows control in these circumstances

53. Final Points In Control (2) In Control (2) He shows control during the trial He shows control during the trial It is true that He is as a sheep being led to the slaughter It is true that He is as a sheep being led to the slaughter Yet, remarkably, He is also the one who is in total control throughout the entire episode Yet, remarkably, He is also the one who is in total control throughout the entire episode He is the one who is speaks when He wants and remains silent He is the one who is speaks when He wants and remains silent He is the one who affirms, yet redefines the role of the Messiah He is the one who affirms, yet redefines the role of the Messiah While it may seem Jesus is going into these things against His will, the truth is He is in control While it may seem Jesus is going into these things against His will, the truth is He is in control He follows the course in silence when necessary, and speaks when necessary, to keep the progression going toward His destiny He follows the course in silence when necessary, and speaks when necessary, to keep the progression going toward His destiny

54. Final Points History History It is interesting to consider what has occurred in history It is interesting to consider what has occurred in history Many Jews have been persecuted because of the belief that they are the ones who killed Jesus Many Jews have been persecuted because of the belief that they are the ones who killed Jesus It probably does not help when Pilate washes his hands of the incident (see Matthew 27:26-27) It probably does not help when Pilate washes his hands of the incident (see Matthew 27:26-27) Though crucifixion is still Roman form of capital punishment Though crucifixion is still Roman form of capital punishment Likewise when we consider the current intrigue of the Sanhedrin many fall to anti-Semitic views Likewise when we consider the current intrigue of the Sanhedrin many fall to anti-Semitic views Yet, we see that Jesus is in full control, and could easily have called down angels to help Him Yet, we see that Jesus is in full control, and could easily have called down angels to help Him

55. Final Points History (2) History (2) Therefore there should be unity that certain treatment of Jewish groups based upon this misconception should be condemned Therefore there should be unity that certain treatment of Jewish groups based upon this misconception should be condemned Jesus places Himself in this situation Jesus places Himself in this situation Likewise, while the Jews expedited the death of Christ, and the Romans actually killed Him, the good student of Christian doctrine will look to their own hands for the blood of Christ Likewise, while the Jews expedited the death of Christ, and the Romans actually killed Him, the good student of Christian doctrine will look to their own hands for the blood of Christ So we should encourage others and each other not to hold certain ethnic group responsible for Jesus’ death So we should encourage others and each other not to hold certain ethnic group responsible for Jesus’ death Instead we should recognize Jesus’ own authority, and what ultimately causes Jesus to follow the road laid out before Him Instead we should recognize Jesus’ own authority, and what ultimately causes Jesus to follow the road laid out before Him

56. Final Points God’s Plan God’s Plan That road did not come unexpectedly That road did not come unexpectedly Jesus makes reference to the Scriptures which must be fulfilled Jesus makes reference to the Scriptures which must be fulfilled This is the reason Jesus stops Peter and why He does not call down angels This is the reason Jesus stops Peter and why He does not call down angels We saw what this entailed last week when we learn Jesus needed to drink the cup of wrath placed before Him We saw what this entailed last week when we learn Jesus needed to drink the cup of wrath placed before Him Since the Scriptures predicted what must occurred we can be sure we see the patience, mercy, grace, knowledge, and predestination of God Since the Scriptures predicted what must occurred we can be sure we see the patience, mercy, grace, knowledge, and predestination of God

57. Final Points God’s Plan (2) God’s Plan (2) These things do not occur by chance, instead it required Sovereignty to step in in order that what God had planned would come to fruition These things do not occur by chance, instead it required Sovereignty to step in in order that what God had planned would come to fruition Since the beginning of the world this plan has been set into motion (Matthew 25:34) Since the beginning of the world this plan has been set into motion (Matthew 25:34) That humanity would fall into sin, that in time Christ incarnate would come as preacher in Galilee That humanity would fall into sin, that in time Christ incarnate would come as preacher in Galilee That He would have 12 disciples who would all flee at His arrest, who would be placed on trial, mocked, rejected, condemned, and crucified That He would have 12 disciples who would all flee at His arrest, who would be placed on trial, mocked, rejected, condemned, and crucified

58. Final Points God’s Plan (3) God’s Plan (3) This has been part of the plan since the beginning This has been part of the plan since the beginning It is now that God is bearing His arm showing salvation to all the nations through the death of Jesus (Isaiah 52:10, Romans 1-3) It is now that God is bearing His arm showing salvation to all the nations through the death of Jesus (Isaiah 52:10, Romans 1-3) Salvation which comes through an obedient Son following the will of His loving Father Salvation which comes through an obedient Son following the will of His loving Father

59. Final Points God’s Plan (4) God’s Plan (4) Therefore when we remember the atrociousness, and the ignorance, we can be sure that God is not silent, but that He has a plan Therefore when we remember the atrociousness, and the ignorance, we can be sure that God is not silent, but that He has a plan The whole Biblical narrative is painting a picture of what is happening right before our eyes The whole Biblical narrative is painting a picture of what is happening right before our eyes The darkest moment in human history would not be outside the will of God, but that it would be directly under His Sovereignty The darkest moment in human history would not be outside the will of God, but that it would be directly under His Sovereignty That through the greatest sin committed God would bring about His redemption That through the greatest sin committed God would bring about His redemption

60. Final Points The Gospel The Gospel All the events in Matthew are leading us to the Gospel All the events in Matthew are leading us to the Gospel This is all part of God’s plan of salvation, a plan in which God would receive all the glory This is all part of God’s plan of salvation, a plan in which God would receive all the glory God has predicted the coming of the Messiah in the Scriptures, and now those predictions are coming true God has predicted the coming of the Messiah in the Scriptures, and now those predictions are coming true In the Old Testament we can hear the echoes of the Gospel In the Old Testament we can hear the echoes of the Gospel Like a spring tightly wound, we are seeing the last turn occurring before the break Like a spring tightly wound, we are seeing the last turn occurring before the break

61. Final Points The Gospel (2) The Gospel (2) Or like the darkness during the night Or like the darkness during the night It has gotten only ever darker and we are currently at the darkest moment It has gotten only ever darker and we are currently at the darkest moment Yet like the night, the darkest moment is precedes the dawn Yet like the night, the darkest moment is precedes the dawn Christ is that Light, and His blood shed is the new Covenant of God Almighty Christ is that Light, and His blood shed is the new Covenant of God Almighty In Scripture we can be sure of these things, that we were created in the Image of God In Scripture we can be sure of these things, that we were created in the Image of God

62. Final Points The Gospel (3) The Gospel (3) That we have fallen into sin and death That we have fallen into sin and death That God brought redemption through the death of Christ for those who repent and have faith in Him That God brought redemption through the death of Christ for those who repent and have faith in Him And that those who have will inherit an eternal kingdom And that those who have will inherit an eternal kingdom Without Jesus, there is no hope of salvation, yet we find Jesus is able Without Jesus, there is no hope of salvation, yet we find Jesus is able He walks into the depths alone, and glory be to God that He does not come out alone, but out of the depths He carries His people on His shoulders He walks into the depths alone, and glory be to God that He does not come out alone, but out of the depths He carries His people on His shoulders