MATTHEW: The King in Jerusalem

Jesus is dead. The past 24 hours have been an absolute whirlwind of activity. There has been an arrest, a sham trial, a horrific death, an earthquake, and a centurion identifying Jesus for who he truly was, the Son of God. Now it’s evening and we meet a new character, Joseph of Arimathea. We aren’t given any background other than he was a disciple of Jesus and that he was a rich man. Here is essentially a no one and in the midst of the horrific events doing a faithful, tender, and beautiful thing for his King. He went to Pilate to ask him for his friend’s body and Pilate agrees. Then, he would have had to take Jesus’ naked, wounded, bloody, disfigured body off the cross, wash him, pour spices over him, wrap him, carry him to his own tomb, and lay him there. The man who taught with authority, who healed the sick, who calmed the storm, who even raised the dead, was killed and was placed in a tomb as the women watched on. This was just as was prophesied by Isaiah, “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9)

During his time on earth, Jesus foretold that he would die but also that he would rise again three days later and whereas the disciples may have forgotten this, the religious leaders haven’t. They asked Pilate to put a guard in front of the tomb just in case the disciples stole the body and claimed that he rose again! If it eased political tensions and kept the peace, Pilate was all too happy to agree. Guards were placed at the entrance and it was sealed with Jesus’ dead body inside. But we know that this isn't the end. Not only will Jesus rise again defeating death, but he will ascend to the right hand of the Father; he will come again; he will judge the living and the dead and bring those made righteous by his blood home to be with him for eternity. Come again Lord Jesus. MC

Questions

How can you prioritise and remember Jesus’ actions for us afresh this Easter?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the death of Jesus, that he took the punishment in our place. Thank you that he rose again defeating death, and that he will come again to destroy it. Encourage and refresh us in that good news all the days of our lives and help us to look for his coming again. Amen.

Right up to the end, people are testing Jesus in order that they might know if he really was who he said he was (although it’s likely that for many, their intention was far less sincere). There has already been all the evidence necessary, yet it seems clear that so many people only desire to come to God on their own terms rather than God’s. But right at the last, a strange darkness falls over the land.

We don’t know how it occurred, but Matthew wants us to have a clear sense that Jesus’ death is of cosmic consequence – with Jesus’ death there is both a physical and spiritual darkness as the true light is extinguished. As Jesus cries out from the cross (quoting Psalm 22), he is not despairingly questioning God. His cry reflects that as he carries the sin of the world, he is completely cut off from the Father. We cannot even begin to imagine what this would have been like for Jesus. This is what he would have been most dreading as he prayed in the garden. Jesus and the Father had been in perfect relationship forever.

Yet in this moment on the cross, as Jesus carries the guilt of the world upon his shoulders, that perfect relationship is broken, in order that the judgment for sin and punishment of death can be carried in him. It’s sobering to recognise that it was all our sin that put him in that position. Yet it is in that moment that a new way is opened up for relationship with God. That’s what the Temple curtain being torn in two is all about. This giant curtain separated the Most Holy Place where only the High Priest could enter once a year to make sacrifices to atone for the sins of the nation. Yet in Jesus’ death, that barrier is now torn open to allow anyone to come to God through Jesus. AL

Questions

What is the most significant aspect of Jesus’ death to you? What difference does it make to you that Jesus actually died? Take some time to think about how Jesus must have felt to be cut off from the Father. How valuable does that make our potential for relationship with God?

Prayer

Loving and merciful Lord, thank you that you loved us so much that you would die for us. Thank you that Jesus’ death is not the end, but that through it, life has been opened up to all who trust in him. Amen.

It was common for prisoners who were condemned to crucifixion to have to carry their own cross to the place of crucifixion. As they carried the cross, they were paraded through crowds of people as a symbol of the power and might of Rome. As Jesus carried his cross, he would have been weak from the physical punishment – of beatings and floggings – that he had already received. The flogging he had received was enough in some instances to kill someone. Yet here, the carrying of the cross was the penultimate humiliation, second only

We might find it surprising that even as Jesus hangs on the cross, he faces mocking, not only from the crowd, but even from a fellow prisoner crucified besides him. His mocking sums up much of what others have been saying. If Jesus is God, if he’s the Messiah and is meant to save the world, then surely his death must be a failure. Yet what the criminal and everyone else can’t see, is that it is through his death that Jesus’ mission of salvation will be realised. He could of course save himself, yet he willingly faces death (hence no wine with gall), in order that those who trust in him will be saved. AL

Questions

Why do you think it is often easier for people to make fun of Jesus rather than to really face up to his claims? How do you think Jesus would have felt as he endured such mockery? In light of all that Jesus faced, why should we not be surprised when we face mockery too? How are we best to respond to this?

Prayer

Loving Saviour, thank you that nothing would deter you from the cross. Thank you that you endured all agony and humiliation, that through your death we might receive eternal life. Please help us to be inspired by your example, especially when we face mockery for our trust in you. May all our identity and strength be in you and you alone. Amen.

There was nothing fair about this trial. Caiaphas, the scribes, and the elders were all gathered together waiting for this moment. You can almost sense their anticipation as Jesus is brought in. Peter was following to see what would happen to the man whom he had confessed was the Messiah. As Jesus was standing there in the middle of the council, they were looking around for people to give testimonies that would warrant the death penalty. They had no regard for the truth but they had their intentions already set on killing Jesus. Unfortunately for them, there was not enough evidence to put Jesus to death. Many people came forward with unsubstantiated and false claims but they still couldn’t put him on the cross. They could only come up with lies because Jesus was completely innocent! He was perfectly clean, he hadn’t broken the law, and he wasn’t teaching blasphemy but was preaching words of eternal life!

Eventually two witnesses came forward which was something that could have been used in a court but what they accused Jesus of doing was a half truth. When asked to respond, Jesus stood silent. This is completely in line with the prophesy from Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.” Jesus is the fulfilment of the suffering servant. He was asked directly by the high priest whether he was the Christ, the promised Messiah and Jesus gives the clearest answer, ‘you have said so’ and adds a line identifying himself with the Son of Man who was to come with power as told by Daniel. The Caiaphas was furious, the council was indignant, but Jesus was still silent as they mocked him, spat on him, and hit him. However, they were plotting in vain. By the same means that they were to put Jesus to death, Jesus was going to secure life which is on offer for all who repent and confess that he is Lord. MC

Questions

What was the main goal of the council in this trial? In the face of false accusations and lies, Jesus stood silent. Why did he do this? Why is it significant?

Prayer

Merciful God, words cannot express how thankful we are for Jesus. Thank you for his love for us so much that he would endure a sham trial and eventually death for us, taking away our sin and shame. In his name, Amen.

The moment of betrayal has arrived. Jesus knew that this was coming, and having spent time with his Father in prayer, he will surprise his adversaries as he willingly goes with them.

The religious leaders have tried to do everything to avoid a riot by enlisting Judas, coming at night, and also by being careful where they arrested him. But despite their efforts, one of Jesus’ disciples (were not told here, but we know from the Gospel of John that it was Peter) draws his sword and cuts off one of the servant’s ears (nb. in Luke 22:51 we read that Jesus healed that man, Malchus). Peter thinks that Jesus’ arrest will mean defeat because he has failed to understand that Jesus’ death will actually be the way to victory. Jesus knows that, so he reminds everyone that not only is this what must be done so that the Law and the Prophets will be fulfilled, but if it wasn’t, he had the power to stop it!

It must have been baffling for all who were there. But the truth is clear: Jesus will go peacefully to the cross, in order that our peace with God will be won. Peter can’t see that yet - but eventually he will. AL

Questions

What most stands out for you in this scene? If you had of been one of Jesus’ disciples there, how do you think that you would have responded? How significant is it for you that it took Jesus’ death, to win us peace with God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how we thank you that Jesus went willingly to the cross in order to win us peace with you. Please forgive us for the times in which take your grace for granted or for when our agenda does not line up with yours. Please help us, like Jesus, to submit our lives to your will, trusting that you are bringing your good purposes to completion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The hour has almost arrived, but before it does, Jesus goes to Gethsemane to pray. All throughout Jesus’ ministry, we regularly witness him taking time out to spend with his Father in prayer. But this time is different. For not only does he take some of the disciples with him, but he asks them to keep watch. Up to this point, when Jesus spoke of the coming judgment and ultimately his return, he regularly implored all who will listen to keep watch! And now, as things reach their culmination, his plead with the disciples is emphatic. Surely they must have known that something cataclysmic was about to happen as Jesus shares that his “soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”. We can only begin to understand what Jesus was feeling and of the load that he was bearing with the cross set before him. But even with cross ahead of him - with all the pain and sin that he would bear - he submits his life to the Father’s will, “yet not as I will, but as you will”. Jesus prays a second time, “if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done”. But the cross is the only way. What phenomenal obedience! What phenomenal love, that Jesus would submit himself even to death, in order that we might live.

But how are the disciples going? How are the keeping watch? They’re not; they’re asleep. It’s hard to imagine the extra layer of sorrow that must have been for Jesus as his friends could not keep awake to support him in this great hour of need. But as the disciples sleep, it’s also a reminder that what Jesus must now face, he must face alone. Many died on crosses, but there is only one - the one who is God himself - who could die as the ultimate sacrifice for the world. Jesus knows that. Jesus has submitted his life to that cause. And now, they rise, to meet his betrayer. AL

Questions

Why could only Jesus go to the cross as a sacrifice for the world? What do you think it means for us to ‘keep watch’ as we await Jesus’ return?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we can only begin to imagine what it was like for you to carry the weight of the world’s sin on the cross. Thank you, that even though you did not deserve it, that you went willingly and obediently to the Father. Please help us to faithfully keep watch as we await for your return. Amen.

Gathered on the Mount of Olives (remember a place that is a reminder of God’s coming King and judgment), Jesus now foreshadows the tumultuous hours that will lead to his death, but also that the disciples will be scattered. Whilst Jesus has already warned of one disciple’s impending betrayal, he now warns Peter of his denial. That before the rooster crows, that Peter will have disowned Jesus three times. Peter was shocked. He thinks that he’s immune from falling away from Jesus, even if all of the others do. Peter (along with the others) recommits to Jesus, promising to even die with him if that’s what it takes. But of course what is promised in the moment, is much harder to follow through when the time of testing actually arrives. When the time of testing arrives, Peter does indeed deny Jesus three times, just as Jesus had foretold.

As we reflect on this, we should be humble enough to consider that we may have not been any better than the disciples! That whilst we can readily confess with our mouthes that we will stick with Jesus no matter what, when the going gets tough, it can be much harder to follow through. That faced with embarrassment or pressure on our frontlines, that we can regularly deny Jesus with our lives or words. We need to pray that we would be resilient disciples. That we would see the priorities of God’s Kingdom and the certainty of Jesus’ return with such a clarity, that it would cause us to clearly proclaim him no matter what the cost. AL

Questions

How do you think Jesus would have felt that his friends would deny him? Do you think we can ever overestimate how much we’re really willing to face for Jesus? What helps you be faithful to Jesus in times of testing? Are you ever tempted to deny that you know Jesus on your frontlines? How could you grow in boldness and confidence?

Prayer

Loving Father, please forgive us for the times in which our lives or words deny Jesus. Please help us, even when costly, to clearly proclaim Jesus. Please help us, even in times of testing, to stick close to our Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The disciples would have been very familiar with the Passover meal. But as the night unfolds, Jesus does something extraordinary; he takes the familiar symbols and words and makes them about him! This is phenomenal! It would be like whoever is leading the Lord’s Supper at a church gathering, to change the words to say that they are the ultimate fulfilment of this meal. But of course whilst if someone did that today it would be false, Jesus is showing the disciples something amazing. Jesus is showing us, in this meal that had been celebrated for centuries - as the Lord had commanded - to recall their rescue out of Egypt (cf. Exodus 12), that his death makes possible the ultimate rescue from sin and death. That his body will be broken for us, in order that we might live.

When Jesus takes the cup and says this is, “my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”, he is saying that the ultimate promises of God are being fulfilled through the giving of his life. People would no longer have to approach God through sacrifices over-and-over again, but Jesus would become for us the ultimate sacrifice in order that we would be acceptable in his eyes (cf. Romans 3:21-24). Jesus is opening up a way that the problems of our sin can be dealt with once-and-for-all. How do we connect with this extraordinary gift of grace? Simply by accepting what Jesus has done for us and trusting in him as Lord. That’s what we should be reminded of every single time we share in the Lord’s Supper: looking back with great thanks to God for what Jesus has done; looking forward with great anticipation of his return.

Jesus’ death wasn’t defeat, but the greatest victory for all humankind. AL

Questions

Do you find anything surprising about this event? What do the bread and wine at the Lord’s Supper symbolise? Why was it necessary for Christ’s blood to be shed in order that forgiveness could be won?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your faithfulness and that through Jesus we can be confident of forgiveness. Thank you that Jesus was willing to go to the cross. Please help us to accept his sacrifice and trust in him. Amen

Over the next thee days we’ll slowly reflect on the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before going to the cross.

In a manner reminiscent of Jesus’ instructions to the disciples prior to his entry into Jerusalem (cf. Matthew 21), Jesus now gives some mysterious instructions to the disciples about how to find the venue to celebrate the Passover meal. Every year, the disciples would have celebrated the Passover as a commemoration of the Israelites miraculous rescue out of Egypt by God. They had celebrated this meal every year of their lives. They had no cause to think that this would be any different, but something about Jesus’ instructions and that his appointed time is near should have indicated that this would be a Passover with a difference.

What comes next would have taken the disciples by surprise as Jesus announces that one of them, one of their own fellow brothers, would betray their Lord. Whilst the reader of Matthew has already been privy to Judas’ premeditated betrayal (verses 14-16), this would have been a huge shock to all who were present. The disciples are sad, they can’t fathom who it might be and they’re worried that it could be them. But of course, we know: it’s Judas. Judas, in a last-ditched act of hypocrisy, even tries to deny it to Jesus’ face. But Jesus knows Judas’ heart, and he knows ours, too. Yet even in the knowledge of Judas’ sin, even with the power to escape from the clutches of the authorities, Jesus will willingly go to the cross so that even the darkest sin of our lives can be forgiven, if only we put our trust in him. AL

Questions

What do you think the disciples were expecting of this meal? Do you think that you would ever be capable of betraying Jesus? Why does Jesus still go to the cross even though he had the power to escape the authorities?

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for going to the cross so that even our darkest sin may be forgiven. Please help us to cling to you and follow you faithfully with our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The hypocrisy of Judas is staggering. Having just criticised a women’s sacrificial and generous act as “wasteful”, he now betrays his Lord for a measly thirty pieces of silver. It’s hard to know what motivated Judas in such an audacious and intentional act of betrayal, but it’s clear that he has succumbed to temptation and is now an integral part of Jesus’ enemies plans to kill him. It’s important to note that Judas, in some knowledge that the religious leaders wanted Jesus arrested, proactively goes to them, establishes a price, and accordingly tenders his services. The religious leaders weren’t sure of how they would arrest Jesus without causing a riot, but now the solution - in the form of one of Jesus’ own “insiders” - has literally walked in their door. Whilst the religious leaders had intended to wait until after the Passover to arrest Jesus, Judas’ offer now means that their plans for Jesus’ demise can be accelerated.

As we reflect on Judas’ act, we can be quick to think that we would have identified him as ‘the one who would betray’ all along. But we shouldn’t kid ourselves! When Jesus warned the disciples that one of them would betray him, no one immediately turns and pronounces, “A-ha! I knew he would!” No, the work of evil was much more insidious that even a follower of Jesus, someone whom others trusted as a disciple of the Lord, could so easily sell out to satisfy their own motivations (whatever they may be). It’s a great warning to us to be on guard against temptation, but especially that which causes us to place our own desires above God’s plans. AL

Questions

What are the possible reasons that Judas may have had to betray Jesus? What are the desires that you are tempted to place above God’s plans? When are you tempted to walk away from the following the Lord?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please help us to stick to Jesus, even when things don’t seem to be going according to our plans. Please help us to trust you, whatever the circumstance, that we may be loyal disciples. Please forgive us when we fall short and help us to keep looking to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.