Bible ReadingMatthew 26:47–56While 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. 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.
[20:51]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?”
[27:31]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.
[29:41]Matthew 26:57–68Then 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.
[37:34]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.’” 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.
[42:38]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.” 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 27:11–26Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
[48:39]Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”
[53:16]Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
[55:20]Observation questions- What details in Jesus’ arrest show that Jesus was not caught by surprise or powerless before Judas and the crowd? [33:21]
- What actions show that the Sanhedrin had decided on Jesus’ death before they had found truthful evidence against him? [38:17]
- When the high priest asks Jesus if he is the Messiah, what does Jesus say about himself and his future position? [40:24]
- What does Pilate appear to know about Jesus, and what does Pilate still choose to do in the end? [56:00]
Interpretation questions- Jesus could have called on the Father for more than twelve legions of angels, yet he surrendered to arrest. What does this reveal about the difference between weakness and willing submission? [34:41]
- The religious leaders twist Jesus’ words and seek false testimony because they cannot find a true charge against him. Why does an innocent and perfect Jesus expose the need for deception in the case against him? [50:34]
- Jesus speaks the truth about being the Messiah even though that truth leads toward his death. What makes costly truth-telling different from simply saying whatever is easiest or safest? [49:57]
- Pilate tries to wash his hands while still handing Jesus over to be crucified. In what ways can fear, pressure, or self-protection make a person feel less responsible for a sinful choice? [58:36]
Application questions- Where is there a temptation to use pressure, control, anger, or force to get the outcome you want? What might trusting God and submitting to his will look like in that specific situation? [30:15]
- Jesus had the power to stop his suffering but chose the Father’s will because of love. How does knowing that Jesus willingly went to the cross for you change the way you receive his love this week? [36:11]
- Are there any “small” lies that are easy to excuse—such as stretching a story, hiding a mistake, giving a false reason, or avoiding an honest conversation? What would truthful repentance and repair look like? [51:44]
- When has telling the truth felt costly because it might affect comfort, reputation, relationships, or safety? What would it look like to speak truth with both courage and grace? [52:53]
- Pilate feared the crowd and the consequences of doing what was right. What kinds of pressure most often pull you away from obedience: approval, conflict, money, fear of loss, or something else? [57:26]
- Is there a sin you have been tempted to explain away by blaming circumstances or another person? How can you take honest responsibility before Jesus while also receiving his forgiveness? [59:37]
- Jesus’ body was broken and his blood was poured out to bring forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life as a free gift. Where are you still tempted to believe that God’s love must be earned by trying harder or doing more? [01:11:29]
