What is the difference between true worship and mere external religion? We find the answer in the contrast between the high priest and Jesus in Matthew 26. In the answer, we find great help for how to live and respond to life’s challenges today.

The Bible tells us that even the worst actions of humanity ultimately play right into God’s hands. When Jesus was betrayed, falsely arrested, snubbed, persecuted and ultimately killed, all of these actions were exactly according to God’s plan. All that happened was for the purpose of fulfilling the Scriptures.

How can a person be willing to go through great discomfort, pain and trials with peace? Jesus shows how to do just that as He faced the greatest trial anyone has ever faced. From His actions, we can learn much of God, ourselves and how to respond in even the most challenging situations.

With the substitutionary death of Jesus, the Lord’s supper becomes the Christian version of the Jewish Passover. In what Jesus did, He was fulfilling 1400 years of expectations, promises and prophecies. He was also giving the new church community, his followers, a means by which they could remember and respond to the sacrifice He would make for their sins.

In this passage we see two contrasting understandings of who Jesus is and these result in two very different actions toward him. These understandings are representative of how all people view Jesus, in one of these two ways. Which view do you hold?