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In this lesson:
It is Thursday evening; Jesus will be crucified tomorrow. The Lord's Supper (26:26-29). Jesus predicts Peter's denial (26:31-35). Jesus arrives at Gethsemane Garden (26:36). The first prayer (26:39). The disciples fall asleep (26:40-41). The second prayer (26:42-43). The third prayer (26:44-46). Remember verse 26:39 when ill or suffering. Study Tip: Make two lists as you read the Bible. 1) Things you should do. 2) Things God promises to do. |
The Last Supper
By the Italian artist, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) |
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Matthew 26:26-46
Agony in Gethsemane 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. |
Margin notes:
"Jesus took bread." (26:26) - The bread represents Jesus' body (1 Corinthians 10:16). "This is my blood of the new testament." (26:28) - "This is my blood; it guarantees the New Testament (new Covenant/new agreement)." The wine represents Jesus' blood. According to Hebrews 9:22, without the shedding of Jesus' blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins. Just as Moses used a blood sacrifice to guarantee the Old Covenant between God and mankind (Exodus 24:6-8), the sacrifice of Jesus' blood sealed the New Covenant. Once the Covenant was sealed, God will never break any of the many promises He made in the New Testament. "For the remission of sins." (26:28) - "For the forgiveness of sins." "I will not drink henceforth... until that day when I drink it new with you." (26:29) - "I will not drink again... until the day of the Lord." "When they had sung an hymn." (26:30) - What song did Jesus and the disciples sing? The Passover meal usually ended with the singing of the Hallel, found in Psalm 118. "Ye shall be offended." (26:31) - "You will stumble, fall away." "It is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered." (26:31) - "It is written (In Zechariah 13:7), I will kill the shepherd (Jesus), and HIs flock (disciples) will be scattered." Zechariah predicted Jesus' death and His followers going into hiding five hundred years before it happened. "Gethsemane." (26:36) - An olive garden two miles east of Jerusalem at the foot of the western slope of the Mount of Olives near Cedron Brook (John 18:1). Jesus and His disciples often stayed there when visiting Jerusalem (John 18:2). "The two sons of Zebedee." (26:37) - These are Jesus' disciples James and John. "Sorrowful and very heavy." (26:37) - This means "sad and very troubled." "Tarry ye here." (26:38) - "Stay here." "Not as I will, but as thou wilt." (26:39) - Jesus is surrendering His will to the will of God. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." (16:41) - The Bible repeatedly urges us to pray (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1). "The Son of man is betrayed." (26:45) - Jesus is about to be arrested, just as He predicted (Matthew 17:22). |
You can read additional accounts of the Lord's Supper in Mark 14:18-26 and Luke 22:14-21. Peter also promised never to deny
Christ in Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-34, and John 13:36-38.
Christ in Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-34, and John 13:36-38.
New Living Translation
Matthew 26:26-46
26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body."
27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it,
28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.
29 Mark my words-I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom."
30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
31 On the way, Jesus told them, "Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
'God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."
33 Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you."
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter-this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me."
35 "No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray."
37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.
38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?
41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done."
43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open.
44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.
45 Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look-the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!"
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body."
27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it,
28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.
29 Mark my words-I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom."
30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
31 On the way, Jesus told them, "Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
'God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."
33 Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you."
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter-this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me."
35 "No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray."
37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.
38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?
41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done."
43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open.
44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.
45 Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look-the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!"
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"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. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (26:26-28)
"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." (26:31)
"Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." (26:34)
"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." (26:39)
"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." (26:31)
"Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." (26:34)
"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." (26:39)
Today's Question:
1. Did Jesus want to avoid His crucifixion? (26:39)
Set time aside each day to read your Bible. It has much to offer.
1. Did Jesus want to avoid His crucifixion? (26:39)
Set time aside each day to read your Bible. It has much to offer.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. No, in verse 26:39, Jesus was showing the normal human fear regarding His impending death (Hebrews 5:7-9). The Messiah was about to endure a brutal beating and be sacrificed on the cross to pay off the debt of mankind's sins. On the eve of His crucifixion, this very human side of Jesus sought the comfort of prayer and the presence of His friends (verse 26:38). This passage illustrates that while Jesus was fully aware of the horrific ordeal He would face the next day, He willingly submitted to the cross and the plan God set before Him.
Notice how Jesus prayed to God, saying "not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Application thought for the day:
Two times, Jesus' disciples fell asleep as the Messiah prayed (Matthew 26:40; 26:43). To resist temptation, we must remain awake, vigilant, and focused. Prayer is essential for keeping us spiritually prepared.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series," published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible," published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version, published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament," published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation," published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible," published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible," published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible," published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke