The Advent of Hope; Genesis 3:8-24"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing- that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"- (Rom 15:13)

The Trial of Judas (Matt. 27:1-10)*Our last Sunday in Matthew before the Advent series of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy begins next Sunday . . .The condemnation of an innocent man; the despair of un-atoned guilt; the fulfillment of a providential plan"Despair is inconsolable because it comes from losing an ultimate thing. When you lose the ultimate source of your meaning or hope, there are no alternative sources to turn to. It breaks your spirit." (Keller)

Matthew 26:69-75, The Trial of Peter...Peter's three denials show us a grander story, a grave sinner, a great sorrow, and a gracious savior;"To think that we have offended so kind and good a Lord is more than sufficient reason for being constant weepers. Lord, smite our rocky hearts and make the waters flow." (Spurgeon)

The Trial of Judas (Matt. 27:1-10)*Our last Sunday in Matthew before the Advent series of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy begins next Sunday . . .The condemnation of an innocent man; the despair of un-atoned guilt; the fulfillment of a providential plan"Despair is inconsolable because it comes from losing an ultimate thing. When you lose the ultimate source of your meaning or hope, there are no alternative sources to turn to. It breaks your spirit." (Keller)

Matthew 26:57-68- Jesus on trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin - On display? The utter sinfulness of humanity/ the unique Sonship of Jesus/ the ultimate Sovereignty of God over all things

Matthew 26:47-56 --The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus. Through the betrayal of Christ we see the depravity of the human condition, the miraculous love of God, a commitment to His plan, His glory, and our good. “The most spectacular sin that has ever been committed in the history of the world is the brutal murder of Jesus Christ, the morally perfect, infinitely worthy, divine Son of God. And probably the most despicable act in the process of this murder was the betrayal of Jesus by one of his closest friends, Judas Iscariot.”-John Piper

Matthew 26:31-46 V.39: He went a little beyond them and fell on his face and prayed, saying , 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt'... Christ as gone further than we could ever go into prayer, suffering, and atoning death...so that we too may live a Resurrection life. Therefore, remain trusting and obedient to Christ. He has gone before you and beyond you and His good purposes will be revealed in all things and all circumstances

Matthew 26:17-30While Judas was preparing to betray Jesus, Jesus was preparing himself and his disciples for his death and resurrection.

Matthew series continues in 26:14-16-- The Betrayal of Jesus- "what are you willing to give me to deliver Him up to you?"