Mateus 26
J.C. Ryle · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 26
Ryle - This profession was the language of a self-confident, inexperienced disciple who had not yet found out the weakness of his own faith, and the deceitfulness of his own heart. Men little know what they will do, till the time of temptation actually comes. “Is thy servant a dog,” said Hazael, “that he should do this great thing?” (2 Kings 8:13+.) David Turner quips that "The mention of a strutting, crowing rooster creates an image that fits Peter’s rebuttal of Jesus (W. Davies and Allison 1997: 487). Peter’s impetuous personality is highlighted here (as in Mt 14:28–31+; Mt 16:21–23+)" (See Matthew - Page 629) THOUGHT - I have heard saints say "I am never tempted to _____ sin." While I am glad they can say that, they need to be aware that the only reason they have been able to resist that sin is because of God's provision of His Spirit and His grace and not their self-energized self-control! It is a dangerous thing in Christianity to say "I would never commit that sin." Beloved, as Peter would soon prove, when God removes His hedge of protection and gives our depraved sin nature full sway, we are capable of virtually any sin, whether "respectable" or "heinous!" Including even denying our Lord Jesus Christ! Simon should have prayed Ps 139:23, 24+, a good prayer for all disciples to pray from time to time because sin is so deceitful we may not even be aware of it! Hiebert - Although there was genuine love for Christ behind his protest, it revealed his sad ignorance of his own weakness. With his boast, Peter arrogantly elevated himself above the other disciples.“This is one of the most unfavorable specimens on record of the dark or weak side of this great apostle’s character, because it exhibits, not mere self-sufficiency and overweening self-reliance, but an arrogant estimate of his own strength in comparison with others, particularly with his brethren and associates in the apostolic office.” Jesus seems to make reference to this claim in John 21:15+, “Lovest thou me more than these?” ( An Expositional Commentary) All the disciples (mathetes) said the same thing too - Peter was clearly the leader of the pack and apparently his strong denial of a potential future denial was enough to cause the other 10 to chime in that they would never ever fall away and that too were willing to die with Jesus. And so all 10 give their hearty "Amen" to Peter's firm denial of defection. While Jesus did not predict the other 10 would deny Him three times, He had predicted they would be scattered. It is interesting that all 11 by saying they would remain loyal in effect implied Jesus had finally just given an inaccurate prophecy, but in only a few hours Jesus' prophecy would be fulfilled. THOUGHT - Although we would all like to think we are different, the truth is we are all a lot like Peter and the rest of the disciples. We would have denied and departed rather than risk death! Each of us has probably made many promises to God and then we fail to keep them. I will never commit that particular sin again Lord, I promise! Look at God’s covenant people in OT times pledging to keep all of God’s laws – how did that turn out? We all do well the remember that although our spirit is willing our flesh is weak! Warren
Mateus 26
Ryle - Let us notice...how little Christians know the weakness of their own hearts, until they are tried. We have a mournful illustration of this in the conduct of our Lord’s apostles. The verses we have read conclude with the words, “Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.” They forgot their confident assertions made a few hours before. They forgot that they had declared their willingness to die with their Master. They forgot everything but the danger that stared them in the face. The fear of death overcame them. They “forsook him, and fled.” How many professing Christians have done the same? How many, under the influence of excited feelings, have promised that they would never be ashamed of Christ! They have come away from the communion table, or the striking sermon, or the Christian meeting, full of zeal and love, and ready to say to all who caution them against backsliding, “Is thy servant a dog that he should do this thing?” And yet in a few days these feelings have cooled down and passed away. A trial has come and they have fallen before it. They have forsaken Christ. Let us learn from the passage lessons of humiliation and self-abasement. Let us resolve by God’s grace to cultivate a spirit of lowliness, and self-distrust. Let us settle it in our minds, that there is nothing so bad that the best of us may not do it, unless he watches, prays, and is held up by the grace of God. And let it be one of our daily prayers, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” (Psalm 119:17+.) Henry Blackaby - Oriented by the Scriptures There are times when, in the darkest moments of your life, the only comfort left for you is a word from God. Jesus faced the cruel injustice of a hostile world, but perhaps His deepest pain came when His closest friends deserted and betrayed Him. What could possibly sustain Him at such a dark moment? Jesus found His comfort in the Scriptures (Matt. 26:20–25, 31+). The Scriptures kept everything in perspective for the Savior, holding Him steadfast in the knowledge that everything He was experiencing was according to His Father's plan. Jesus could proceed with confidence because the Scriptures assured Him that the Father was in control. The word of God will guide you in the same way. There will be times when events around you will confuse you. Those in whom you've placed your trust will fail you. Others will abandon you. You will be misunderstood and criticized. In these times of distress, when your devotion and obedience are put to the greatest test, you must let Scripture guide and comfort you. Never let the faithlessness of others determine what you do. Turn to the Scriptures and allow them to reorient you to God and His activity. Even as a young boy, Jesus was already well acquainted with the Scriptures. He was never surprised by events; He lived with confidence because the Scriptures had prepared Him for everything that He would face. If you will immerse yourself daily in the word of God, you will not be caught off guard when crises come. Your focus will already be on God, and He will safely guide you through your difficult moments. (See Experiencing God Day by Day: Daily Devotional - Page 91) Spurgeon Morning and Evening —Matthew 26:56+ He never deserted them, but they in cowardly fear of their lives, fled from him in the very beginning of his sufferings. This is but one instructive instance of the frailty of all believers if left to themselves; they are but sheep at the best, and they flee when the wolf cometh. They had all been warned of the danger, and had promised to die rather than leave their Master; and yet they were seized with sudden panic, and took to their heels. It may be, that I, at the opening of this day, have braced up my mind to bear a trial for the Lord’s sake, and I imagine myself to be certain to exhibit perfect fidelity; but let me be very jealous of myself, lest having the same evil heart of unbelief, I should depart from my Lord as the apostles did. It is one thing to promise, and quite another to perform. It would have been to their eternal honour to have stood at Jesus’ side right manfully; they fled from honour; may I be kept from imitating them! Where else could they have been so safe as near their Master, who could presently call for twelve legions of angels? They fled from their true safety. O God, let me not play the fool also. Divine grace can make the coward brave. The smoking flax can flame forth like fire on the altar when the Lord wills it. These very apostles who were timid as hares, grew to be bold as lions after the Spirit had descended upon them, and even so the Holy Spirit can make my recreant spirit brave to confess my Lord and witness for his truth. What anguish must have filled the Saviour as he saw his friends so faithless! This was one bitter ingredient in his cup; but that cup is drained dry; let me not put another drop in it. If I forsake my Lord, I shall crucify him afresh, and put him to an open shame. Keep me, O blessed Spirit, from an end so shameful. Matthew 26:57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. Ps 56:5-6 Mk 14:53-54+ Lu 22:54-55+ Jn 11:49+ John 18:12-14,24+ Related Passages: John 18:12-14+ So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. John 18:19-24+ The high priest (REFERRING IN CONTEXT TO ANNAS NOT CAIAPHAS) then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 “Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said.” 22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” 24 So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Matthew 16:21+ From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Matthew 17:22-23+ And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; 23 and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved. Matthew 20:17-19+ As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.” Source: ESV Study Bible THE SECOND ILLEGAL TRIAL "A KANGAROO COURT" As shown in the table of the Six Mock Trials, only John (see passages above) describes the "trial" (or pre-trial") before Annas. Matthew skips that trial before Annas and goes directly to the night "trial" before Caiaphas. Note that interwoven with Jesus' three trials before Annas and Caiaphas were Peter’s three denials. KEY TO THE DIAGRAM ABOVE - The path from Jesus’ arrest to his crucifixion (part of which is often called the Via Dolorosa, “Way of Sorrows”) is difficult to retrace with certainty. According to a possible harmony of the Gospel accounts, after the Passover meal Judas led a contingent of soldiers to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus (1). From there Jesus was led to Annas (location unknown) (ED: NOT MARKED ON THE DIAGRAM), who sent him to his son-in-law Caiaphas, the high priest (2). The Jewish leaders then appealed to the Roman governor Pilate to have Jesus put to death (3). Luke records that Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas (4), who questioned Jesus but returned him to Pilate without rendering any judgment (5). Pilate then sent Jesus to be crucified at Golgotha (6). (ESV Study Bible) A "kangaroo court" is "a military court that ignores recognized standards of law or justice, and often carries little or no official standing in the territory within which it resides. The term may also apply to a court held by a legitimate judicial authority who intentionally disregards the court's legal or ethical obligations. The defendants in such courts are often denied access to legal representation and in some cases, proper defense." (Wikipedia) The trials of Jesus fulfilled all the nefarious aspects of this definition! S Lewis Johnson makes an excellent point - What is also ironic about this, is that He appears before the judges, both of the ecclesiastical court and of the civil court, and in the final analysis there is no judge, no high authority, in human life who does not receive the authority from the Lord God (Ro 13:1+). And so he who gives authority to man now stands before the bar of the authority that he himself has given. I say the irony is excruciating, and we do not understand these sections of the gospels if we do not appreciate what we have here. (Christ Before Annas) Those who had seized (krateo) Jesus (Iesous) led Him away (apago) to Caiaphas, the high priest (archiereus), where the scribes (grammateus) and the elders (presbuteros) were gathered together (sunago) - This second trial was illegal because it was at night and night trials were forbidden. Be careful not to get confused because while Caiaphas (served 18 A.D until 36 A.D.) is the ruling high priest, but his father-in-law Annas, the previous high priest (served A.D. 18-36), is called "high priest" in John's account (Jn 18:19+ see Scriptures above). Led...away recalls the words of Isaiah's prophecy "Like a lamb that is led to slaughter." (Isa 53:7+) Norman Crawford comments on led Him away - He who created the stars, who calls them by their names and leads them in their courses (Isa 40:26), was led by His creatures to be tried by a human tribunal (What the Bible Teaches) S Lewis
Mateus 26
Ryle - It is claimed by many interpreters that, in describing the beautiful deed of Mary, the evangelist borrowed from Luke 7:36–50+, and that the Mary mentioned in John 12:3+ is the same as the sinful woman of Luke 7; or, that, while the two events are distinct, the author of the Fourth Gospel got his sources mixed and simply added to the story which he had found in Matthew 26:6–13+ and Mark 14:3–9+ the detail concerning the wiping of Jesus’ feet, which feature he had found in Luke 7. We completely reject this theory. Some (one notable proponent is the excellent expositor Dr Charles Swindoll) think this anointing of Jesus is the same as described by Luke 7:36-50+ but comparison of the details seems to leave little doubt that Luke is describing a different anointing. Here are five points comparing the accounts (see another similar discussion below): (1) Luke's description is in the home of a Pharisee in Lk 7:36, 39+. Mt 26:6+ says this event occurred in the house of Simon the leper. (2) Luke's version involves an immoral woman but there is no other evidence Mary of Bethany was an immoral woman. Mary and Martha are not introduced until Lk 10:38, 39+. Mary is always characterized as a devout disciple of Jesus. (3) In Luke's version the woman wet His feet with tears, wiped the tears from His feet with her hair, and kissed and anointed His feet (Lk 7:38, 39, 45-46+). There is nothing like this described in the three accounts in John, Matthew or Mark. John says Mary "wiped His feet with her hair." (Jn 12:3+) (4) Luke's anointing appears to take place in Galilee not in Bethany. (5) Note the different results - In Luke's version He sharply rebuked the Pharisee, praised the woman and dismissed her with an encouraging word. In the three accounts in John, Matthew or Mark He rebuked Judas Iscariot for criticizing Mary and thus defended her deed in light of the purpose (preparation for His burial). Jon Courson - Worship is often misunderstood. There will always be those in Judas’ corner who say, “Quit trying to be so holy. Do something more practical.” But although worship comes through brokenness and although worship is sometimes costly, worship is always beneficial. After Mary wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair, her hair took on the same fragrance as Jesus’ feet. That’s what worship does. When you’re worshiping the Lord, you take on the fragrance of the Lord. John goes on to tell us that after Mary broke the alabaster box, the entire house was filled with the aroma of the ointment (John 12:3+). Mom and Dad, does your house stink? Do you find there’s tension in the air? Do you feel your marriage is on the rocks? Do you worry your kids are falling apart? Let me tell you the secret of Mary: The whole house took on the fragrance of Jesus because she was at His feet. Take Mary’s mindset. Dad, when your house “stinks,” gather your wife and your kids around you and say, “Let’s stop and seek the Lord’s blessing for a few minutes.” You will be amazed how this will affect the aroma of your house. I suggest that perhaps the key isn’t always counseling or child-rearing classes. As helpful as those things might be, the real power lies at Jesus’ feet. Mary discovered this and the whole world knows her story. (See Jon Courson's Application Commentary: Volume 3 - Page 191) Guzik on Mary's gift- Mary’s gift was remarkably humble. When a guest entered the home, usually the guest’s feet were washed with water and the guest’s head was anointed with a dab of oil or perfume. Here, Mary used this precious ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus. She considered her precious ointment only good enough for His feet. Mary’s gift was remarkably extravagant. She used a lot (a pound) of a very costly oil of spikenard. Spices and ointments were often used as an investment because they occupied a small space, were portable, and were easily negotiable in the open market. Judas believed this oil was worth 300 denarii (John 12:5+), which was worth a year’s wages for a working man. Mary’s gift was remarkably unselfconscious. Not only did she give the gift of the expensive oil, she also wiped His feet with her hair. This means that she let down her hair in public, something a Jewish woman would rarely (if ever) do. In all of this, Mary is a study of devotion to Jesus. “The life of Mary is painted for us, in three memorable pictures, in each of which she is at the feet of Jesus.” (Eerdman) QUESTION - What is an alabaster box? ANSWER - The Bible speaks of an alabaster box in two separate incidents involving women who brought ointment in the box to anoint Jesus. The Greek word translated “alabaster box” in the KJV, as well as “flask,” “jar” and “vial” in other translations, is alabastron, which can also mean “perfume vase.” The fact that all four gospels include a similar but not identical account (with three of the passages mentioning an alabaster box of ointment) has given rise to a certain amount of confusion about these incidents. Matthew 26:6–13+ and Mark 14:3–9+ describe the same event, which occurred two days before Passover (Matthew 26:2+ and Mark 14:1+) and involved an unnamed woman who entered the home of Simon the leper. Both passages mention an alabaster box, and both say that the unnamed woman anointed Jesus’ head. John 12:1–8+ seems to speak of a different, yet similar event, which took place six days before Passover (John 12:1+) in the home of Martha. Here, an alabaster box is not mentioned, but the name of the woman who anointed Jesus is: Mary, Martha’s sister. The incident in Matthew and Mark and the incident in John all took place in Bethany, but on different days. Also, Mary is said to have anointed Jesus’ feet, but no anointing of His head is mentioned. Jesus defends Mary’s action against the criticism of Judas, saying, “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial” (John 12:7+). A third anointing of Jesus (the first, chronologically), described in Luke 7:36–50+, took place in the house of Simon the Pharisee rather than the house of Simon the leper. This event occurred in Galilee, not Bethany, about a year before the crucifixion (Luke 7:1, 11+). Luke mentions an alabaster box (verse 37). The woman on this occasion was forgiven of many sins, but her name is not given. Like Mary, the sinful woman anointed Jesus’ feet with the perfume. She comes to Jesus weeping and showing loving worship to the One who forgave her of her sins. The similarities these three incidents share have caused some confusion, but the differences are significant enough to warrant viewing them as separate events. In two of the incidents, the gospel writers mention the presence of an alabaster box. Alabaster was a stone commonly found in Israel. It was a hard stone resembling white marble and is referred to as one of the precious stones used in the decoration of Solomon’s temple (1 Chronicles 29:2+). In the Song of Songs, the beloved man is described as having legs like “alabaster columns” (ESV) or “pillars of marble” (NIV, KJV). So the container the women used to carry their perfumed oil was made of a white, marble-like substance. Ointment, oils, and perfumes used to be put in vessels made of alabaster to keep them pure and unspoiled. The boxes were often sealed or made fast with wax to prevent the perfume from escaping. Alabaster was a beautiful substance and strong enough to keep the oil or perfume completely contained until the time of its use. When Mary of Bethany broke the box of precious ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head, it was an act for which no one else saw any occasion; the disciples said it was a waste. But Jesus commended Mary for her extravagant act of devotion, and said that wherever His gospel was preached “this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” Our Lord is carried beyond Himself with joy when He sees any of us doing what Mary did, not being set on this or that economy, but being abandoned to Him. God spilt the life of His Son that the world might be saved; are we prepared to spill out our lives for Him? “He that believeth in Me out of him shall flow rivers of living water” — hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. It is time now to break the life, to cease craving for satisfaction, and to spill the thing out. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him? (Oswald Chambers) Stephen Olford - According to Your Word “Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard,[and] anointed the feet of Jesus.” – John 12:3+ This act of Mary expresses three things: Her Faith. Faith had revealed to her that Jesus was none other than the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. Thus, she took the pound of oil, breaking it upon Him in anticipation of His atoning death. Her Hope. Hope had carried her beyond death and the grave. Had she thought that Christ would not rise, she would have kept the oil until the burying for embalming. Her Love. Above her faith and hope shines forth her love in this act. For in that expensive gift was expressed her unstinted, unreserved love. Love is only measured by the sacrificial gift; and the breaking of the vessel of spikenard upon Him meant the sacrifice of her all. No wonder the room was filled! O, that my life would be as Mary's oil – a sacrificial, unreserved gift to my Lord. While Matthew does not record Mary's breaking of the alabaster vial, the parallel account in Mark 14:3+ does and this breaking allowed her to pour some of the perfume on His feet. Be blessed as you listen to Broken and Spilled out a beautiful song by Steve Green One day a plain village woman Driven by love for her Lord Recklessly poured out a valuable essence Disregarding the scorn And once it was broken and spilled out A fragrance filled all the room Like a pris'ner released from his shackles Like a spirit set free from the tomb Broken and spilled out Just for love of you Jesus My most precious treasure Lavished on Thee Broken and spilled out And poured at Your feet In sweet abandon Let me be spilled out And used up for Thee Lord You were God's precious treasure His loved and His own perfect Son Sent here to show me The love of the Father Just for love it was done And though You were perfect and holy You gave up Yourself willingly You spared no expense for my pardon You were used up and wasted for me Broken and spilled out Just for love of me Jesus God's most precious treasure Lavished on me You were broken and spilled out And poured at my feet In sweet abandon Lord You were spilled out and used up for Me In sweet abandon, let me be spilled out And used up for Thee THOUGHT - HOW EXTRAVAGANT IS YOUR DEVOTION TO JESUS CHRIST? BROKEN AND SPILLED OUT? What Are You Looking For? A woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil. —Mark 14:3+ Today's Scripture: Mark 14:1-9+ “Stop! There’s a good pair of shoes! Slow down, you just passed a hammer! Look at that jacket in the ditch!” As the car was speeding down the highway at 70 miles an hour, these were the exclamations of a hitchhiker to the driver who had just picked him up. After several hours of similar comments, the driver reached two conclusions: 1. The hitchhiker’s life consisted mainly of things he found by the side of the road. 2. All of us see what we’re looking for. As we go through life, the focus of our eyes reveals the desire of our hearts. During the week before Jesus was crucified, the chief priests and scribes were looking for any excuse to arrest and kill Him (Mark 14:1+). Judas was looking for a convenient way to betray Jesus (v.11). A woman whom we know to be Mary of Bethany was looking for a way to show her love to the Lord (John 12:1-3+). And they all found the opportunities they were seeking. If you'd like to know the love of God the Father, Come to Him through Jesus Christ, His only Son; He'll forgive your sins and save your soul forever, And you'll love forevermore this faithful One. —Felten We can love Jesus too little, but we can never love Him too much. Matthew 26:8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? the disciples were indignant : 1Sa 17:28,29+ Ec 4:4+ Mk 14:4+ Joh 12:4-6+ Why this waste: Ex 5:17+ Am 8:5 Hag 1:2-4 Mal 1:7-10,13+ Related Passages: John 12:4-6+ But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, *said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” 6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. Mark 14:4+ But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? DISCIPLES ARE INDIGNANT But the disciples (mathetes) were indignant (aganakteo) when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste (apoleia) - Indignation can be righteous but clearly the indignation of the disciples reflects (as usual) their failure to perceive the deeper meaning of Mary's anointing of Jesus! In John's version only Judas Iscariot's indignation is recorded (Jn 12:4-6+) and his indignation was definitely unrighteous and apparently "contagious." Wiersbe agrees that "His criticism of Mary sounded so “spiritual” that they joined him in attacking her. " (Ibid) It is interesting that Mary's interactions with Jesus brought criticism from others (Martha when she was at His feet listening and here Judas and the disciples). Wiersbe offers an insightful thought on Mary... When we give Jesus Christ first place in our lives, we can expect to be misunderstood and criticized by those who claim to follow Him. -- Warren Wiersbe Spurgeon rightly asks "Is anything wasted which is all for Jesus? It might rather seem as if all would be wasted which was not given to him." A T
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Ryle has a pithy application - We ought to observe these things. They are deeply humbling and instructive. Like Lot’s wife, Judas is intended to be a beacon to the whole church. Let us often think about him, and say, as we think, “Search me, O Lord, and try my heart, and see if there be any wicked way in me.” Let us resolve, by God’s grace, that we will never be content with anything short of sound, thorough, heart conversion. Judas (2455)(Ioudas) is translated as the tribe Judah (11), the betrayer Judas and other men with this name (32), and the half brother of Jesus, Jude(1). Note that Ioudas is also translated as "good guys" also Judah(11) and Jude(1). The first is the tribe Jesus was from and the second is Jesus' half brother! Judas 42v - Judah(11), Judas(32), Jude(1). Matt. 1:2+; Matt. 1:3+; Matt. 2:6+; Matt. 10:4+; Matt. 13:55+; Matt. 26:14+; Matt. 26:25+; Matt. 26:47+; Matt. 27:3+; Mk. 3:19+; Mk. 6:3+; Mk. 14:10+; Mk. 14:43+; Lk. 1:39+; Lk. 3:30+; Lk. 3:33+; Lk. 6:16+; Lk. 22:3+; Lk. 22:47+; Lk. 22:48+; Jn. 6:71+; Jn. 12:4+; Jn. 13:2+; Jn. 13:26+; Jn. 13:29+; Jn. 14:22+; Jn. 18:2+; Jn. 18:3+; Jn. 18:5+; Acts 1:13+; Acts 1:16+; Acts 1:25+; Acts 5:37+; Acts 9:11+; Acts 15:22+; Acts 15:27+; Acts 15:32+; Heb. 7:14+; Heb. 8:8+; Jude 1:1+; Rev. 5:5+; Rev. 7:5+ Iscariot (2469)(iskariotes) The meaning of this word is uncertain but usually taken to refer to a place, the village of Kerioth (Josh 15:25+) in southern Judea. There are 11 uses of Iscariot in the NT and most uses are associated with a description of the fact that he was a betrayer of Jesus. Even in this verse, Satan entering him indicates he will soon carry out his devilish deed. Stein on Iscariot - The latter designation probably means man (Is[h]) from [the town of] Karioth (cariot). This would make Judas a Judean and the only non-Galilean of the group.(NAC)
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Ryle - Let us learn, from these verses, that the love of money is one of the greatest snares to a man’s soul. We cannot conceive a clearer proof of this, than the case of Judas. That wretched question, “What will ye give me?” reveals the secret sin which was his ruin. He had given up much for Christ’s sake, but he had not given up his covetousness. The words of the apostle Paul should often ring in our ears, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Tim. 6:10+.) The history of the Church abounds in illustrations of this truth. For money Joseph was sold by his brethren. For money Samson was betrayed to the Philistines. For money Gehazi deceived Naaman, and lied to Elisha. For money Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive Peter...We ought frequently to call to mind the solemn words, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Our daily prayer should be, “Give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me.” (Prov. 30:8.) Our constant aim should be to be rich in grace. They that “will be rich” in worldly possessions often find at last that they have made the worst of bargains. Like Esau, they have bartered an eternal portion for a little temporary gratification. Like Judas Iscariot, they have sold themselves to everlasting perdition. QUESTION - What is the significance of thirty pieces of silver? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - In Hebrew culture, thirty pieces of silver was not a lot of money. In fact, it was the exact price paid to the master of a slave if and when his slave was gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32+). The slave’s death was compensated by the thirty pieces of silver. There are two other places in the Bible that specifically mention the amount of thirty pieces of silver, and they are directly linked. The first passage is in Zechariah, which contains a prophecy that is later fulfilled in the book of Matthew. Leading up to the prophecy of the thirty pieces of silver is a description of a strange episode in Zechariah’s life. God had the prophet Zechariah play the part of a shepherd and care for a flock “doomed to slaughter” (Zechariah 11:4–14). God used this to illustrate a prophetic judgment against Israel for crucifying Christ, predicting the fall of Israel in AD 70 and the subsequent scattering of the nation. There are several elements in this passage that point to it as a prophecy about Jesus. First, Zechariah says he “got rid of the three shepherds” of the doomed flock (Zech 11:8). The “three shepherds” are probably a reference to the three religious offices during Jesus’ day that worked to condemn Jesus: the elders, the scribes, and the chief priests (Matthew 16:21+). Second, Zechariah breaks his two shepherding staffs. One is named Favor and is broken to symbolize the breaking of the Mosaic Covenant by the disobedient people and God’s setting aside His favor or providential care to allow judgment to come upon them (Zechariah 11:10). The second staff, named Union, is broken to represent the breaking up of the nation by the Romans. Another prophetic reference is found in the thirty pieces of silver given to Zechariah after his work as a shepherd. He went to those he worked for and asked them to pay him what they thought he was worth. They gave him thirty pieces of silver, which he sarcastically calls a “handsome price” because it was such a small amount (Zechariah 11:13)—the price paid for a slave’s accidental death. The employers meant to insult Zechariah with this amount of money. Returning the insult, God tells Zechariah to “throw it to the potter,” and Zechariah tossed the money into the house of the Lord to be given to the potter. These actions are a shockingly accurate and detailed prophecy, for when Judas Iscariot bargained with the leaders of Israel to betray the Lord Jesus, he asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” The murderous cabal then counted out for Judas “thirty pieces of silver” (Matthew 26:15+). That’s all they considered Jesus to be worth. Later, Judas was overcome with guilt for betraying Jesus, and, fulfilling Zechariah’s vivid prophecy, he threw the thirty silver coins into the temple (Matthew 27:3–5+). The Jewish leaders used the thirty pieces of silver to buy a field from a potter, again as Zechariah had predicted (Matthew 27:6–10+). It was in that field that Judas hanged himself. Matthew 26:16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. he began looking for a good opportunity: Mk 14:11+ Lu 22:6+ Related Passages: Mark 14:11+ They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time. Luke 22:6+ So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd. THE "HUNT" IS ON From then on he began looking (zeteo - imperfect = looking again and again - "Judas went at his business and stuck to it." [ATR]) for a good opportunity (eukairia) to betray (paradidomi - deliver over) Jesus - Began looking (zeteo) is the same verb used of religious leaders in Mk 14:1+ where "the chief priests and the scribes were seeking (zeteo) how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him." In short, "the hunt was on!" Good opportunity in this context is one of the more striking oxymorons recorded in all of human history! A good opportunity for a bad deed! On face value, there is nothing good about Judas' treachery and betrayal of Jesus. Of course the omnipotent, sovereign God will cause it to work together for good (Ro 8:28+, Acts 2:23+), by bringing about the crucifixion of the Lamb of God in perfect fulfillment of the Feast of Passover. And I would add "like father, like son," for in Luke 4:13+ "when the devil (Judas' spiritual father) had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time" Judas is looking for "an opportune time" to facilitate the arrest of Jesus, but unlike his father the devil, his goal was not temptation but ultimately torture. A T
Mateus 26
Ryle - We see in these verses, an example of the feebleness of the best of saints. We are told that while our Lord was in agony, His disciples fell asleep. In spite of a plain injunction to pray, and a plain warning against temptation the flesh overcame the spirit. While Christ was sweating great drops of blood, His apostles slept! Passages like these are very instructive. We ought to thank God that they have been written for our learning. They are meant to teach us humility. When apostles can behave in this way, the Christian who thinks he stands should take heed lest he fall. They are meant to reconcile believers to death, and make them long for that glorious body which they will have when Christ returns. Then, and not till then, shall we be able to wait upon God without bodily weariness, and to serve Him day and night in His temple. Sleeping (2518) katheudo from katá = an intensive + heúdō = to sleep) means literally to sleep, fall asleep or be fast asleep (Matt. 8:24+; Matthew 13:25+; Matthew 25:5+; Matthew 26:40, 43, 45+; Mark 13:36+; Mark 14:37, 40, 41+; Luke 22:46+; 1 Thess. 5:7+; Sept.: Gen. 28:13; 1 Sam. 3:2, 3, 5+; 2 Sam. 12:3+) and figuratively (as here) to die or be dead (Matt. 9:24+; Mark 5:39+; Luke 8:52+ cf. John 11:11-14+; 1 Th. 5:10+; Da 12:2+). Another figurative sense speaks of an attitude of spiritual laziness or indifference, to be spiritually indolent, to be indifferent. The idea is to be "asleep" in your sin, secure and unconcerned in sin, or indolent and careless in the performance of duty (Eph 5.14+, 1 Th 5:6+, cf. parallel thought but not using katheudo in Ro 13:11-13+; 1 Cor. 15:34+). KATHEUDO - 23X/20V - asleep(8), do their sleeping(1), goes to bed(1), sleep(3), sleep do(1), sleeper(1), sleeping(8). Matt. 8:24+; Matt. 9:24+; Matt. 13:25+; Matt. 25:5+; Matt. 26:40+; Matt. 26:43+; Matt. 26:45+; Mk. 4:27+; Mk. 4:38+; Mk. 5:39+; Mk. 13:36+; Mk. 14:37+; Mk. 14:40+; Mk. 14:41+; Lk. 8:52+; Lk. 22:46+; Eph. 5:14+; 1 Thess. 5:6+; 1 Thess. 5:7+; 1 Thess. 5:10+ Illustration: Finding strength through prayer: at the great cathedral at Worms, Germany, along the Rhine River. . . all the powers of Europe were assembled in that place: the Roman emperor, in all his robes and dignity; the papal delegates, the bishops and archbishops of all the Catholic realms of Europe. It was the most imposing array of power possible on the face of the earth of that day, all gathered in that great cathedral against one lone man, Dr. Martin Luther, on trial for his life. The account tells us that the night before, someone overheard Martin Luther praying and wrote down the words of his prayer. It was a long, rambling, disconnected prayer of a soul in deep distress and fear, crying out to God for help, casting himself anew, again and again, upon the strength of God and reminding himself that there is no source of hope or help except God. All his reliance upon the princes of the German state disappeared. Martin Luther cast himself in naked helplessness upon the grace and sustaining strength of God. I am sure that is why, at that very moment, he received strength to stand and say, "Unless someone can show me from these books and from Holy Scripture the error in my thinking, I will not and cannot recant. Here I stand. I can do no other, God help me!" And though he was condemned as an heretic, it was then that the torts of the Reformation began to spread throughout all of Europe. Nothing could stop the shining forth of the light. (Stedman) Charles Simeon writes that "Unwatchfulness, even in a victorious army, exposes it to defeat. Therefore much more must our unwatchfulness subject us to the power of our subtle enemy. Peter had experienced its baneful effects. He had been warned of Satan’s intention to assault him (Lk 22:31+). He had been commanded to pray lest he should fall by the temptation (Lk 22:40+); but he slept when he should have been praying (Lk 22:45, 46+). He stands in this respect, like Lot’s wife (Lk 17:32+, Ge 19:26+), a monument to future generations; but vigilance on our part will counteract the designs of Satan. The armed Christian, watching unto prayer, must be victorious (Ep 6:18+).. (1Peter 5:8, 9 The Means of Defeating Satan's Malice) Emotional Betrayals [Jesus] found them sleeping, and said . . . , “Could you not watch with Me one hour?” — Matthew 26:40+ Today's Scripture : Matthew 26:36-46+ Some years back, another man and I were reading together Matthew 26 about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. “I know this much,” he told me as we read along, “if I’d been with Jesus in Gethsemane, I’d have had His back. No way would I have fallen asleep!” Indignant, he continued, “How could anyone fall asleep after hearing Jesus tell them how troubled He was? He was practically begging!” (v.38). Knowing that our families struggled with our long work hours, I wondered out loud to my friend: “How many times have our children looked for us in the crowd at their school activities, hoping to see us? Do our kids face troubles alone because we are away or busy? Our families and friends have an intense need for personal attention from us. Even Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray with Him” (see vv.40-45). Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me, Help me to see them as You do above; Give me the wisdom and strength to take action, So others may see the depth of Your love. —K. DeHaan One measure of our love for Christ is our sensitivity to the needs of others. Oswald Chambers - The missionary watching Watch with Me. Matthew 26:40+. “Watch with Me”—with no private point of view of your own at all, but watch entirely with Me. In the early stages we do not watch with Jesus, we watch for Him. We do not watch with Him through the revelation of the Bible; in the circumstances of our lives. Our Lord is trying to introduce us to identification with Himself in a particular Gethsemane, and we will not go; we say—‘No, Lord, I cannot see the meaning of this, it is bitter.’ How can we possibly watch with Someone Who is inscrutable? How are we going to understand Jesus sufficiently to watch with Him in His Gethsemane, when we do not know even what His suffering is for? We do not know how to watch with Him; we are only used to the idea of Jesus watching with us. The disciples loved Jesus Christ to the limit of their natural capacity, but they did not understand what He was after. In the Garden of Gethsemane they slept for their own sorrow, and at the end of three years of the closest intimacy they “all forsook Him and fled.” “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost”—the same “they,” but something wonderful has happened in between, viz., Our Lord’s Death and Resurrection and Ascension, and the disciples have been invaded by the Holy Spirit. Our Lord had said—“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” and this meant that they learned to watch with Him all the rest of their lives. WAKE UP! Peter wasn’t the only sleeper. James and John were sleeping, too. Should Peter feel singled out for blame? Yes, he was. Peter was supposed to be the leader of his group. He professed his loyalty, and he knew that leadership required extra responsibility. Peter should have kept the others awake, along with himself. Yet aren’t we like Peter? How difficult is it for us to pray for one hour when we’re worried and exhausted, when our energy and motivation are at low levels? We must be leaders who are watchful, who remain prepared for the Lord’s work. We must learn leadership skills from teachers who see our potential and work hard to build our character. When Jesus singles you out for a special responsibility, he wants you to grow into a leader. Stay awake; step up; follow Christ. (Life application New Testament commentary ) One Blessèd Hour with Jesus Fanny Crosby One blessèd hour with Jesus our Lord, One blessèd hour to feast on His Word; One blessèd hour with Jesus apart, One blessèd hour to calm the troubled heart. Refrain One sweet hour of holy, calm delight, One sweet hour of tender, melting love; One sweet hour, O precious Savior, One sweet hour with Thee. One blessèd hour with Jesus to plead, One blessèd hour to tell Him our need; One blessèd hour refreshing and sweet, One blessèd hour to sit at Jesus’ feet. Refrain One blessèd hour from labor to rest, One blessèd hour to lean on His breast; Loving and loved, His favor to share, One blessèd hour of soul reviving prayer. Refrain One blessèd hour with Jesus our king, One blessèd hour to speak and to sing; One blessèd hour with Jesus, how dear! Surely ’tis Heav’n, and Heav’n itself is here. Matthew 26:41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Watching: Mt 24:42+ Matthew 25:13+ Mk 13:33-37+ Mark 14:38+ Lk 21:36+ Luke 22:40,46+ 1Co 16:13+ Eph 6:18+ 1Pe 4:7+ 1 Peter 5:8+ Rev 16:15+ Enter: Mt 6:13+ Pr 4:14,15+ Lk 8:13+ Luke 11:4+ 1Co 10:13+ 2Pe 2:9+ Rev 3:10+ Spirit: Ps 119:4, 5, 24, 25, 32, 35, 36, 37,115,117,1+ Isa 26:8,9 Ro 7:18-25+ Ro 8:3+ 1Co 9:27+ Ga 5:16, 17, 24+ Php 3:12, 13, 14+ See in depth discussion on Matthew 26:41+ Matthew 26 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Luke 22:40+ When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray (present imperative) that you may not enter into temptation (peirasmos) .” In these two passages in Luke - NOTE TWICE JESUS COMMANDS THE DISCIPLES TO PRAY SO THEY WOULD NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION Luke 22:46+ and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and Pray (present imperative) that you may not enter into temptation (peirasmos) .” JESUS COMMANDS VIGILANCE AND WARNING OF WEAKNESS In light of the fact that the three disciples were having difficulty staying awake, Jesus gives two commands. Keep watching (gregoreo) and praying (proseuchomai) - (See in depth discussion) Both commands are present imperative and the only way these commands can be obeyed is by depending on the Holy Spirit. Of course the 3 disciples did not have the Spirit within them at this time which might help understand why they failed to obey. Gregoreo in the present imperative is a charge to continually stay awake! Jesus is saying that it is imperative that His disciples (and by application this includes us today) not become indolent and lazy and let down our guard or we will become easy prey for our inveterate, intractable enemies - the world, the flesh and the devil. The internal and external forces that come against us demand us to be alert and vigilant. Jesus is calling His disciples to be on the alert, maintaining a constant state of vigilance (vigilance suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness; keenly alert to or heedful of trouble or danger as others are sleeping or unsuspicious). THOUGHT- Notice the Order. The commands to watch and pray precede the warning about temptation. In other words, don't wait until the temptation comes to begin to watch and pray. Watch and pray before the temptation comes! Then you are ready to deal with the temptation and much more likely to come through the testing time victoriously. If you are not alert and "prayed up," you may "eaten up" by temptation. Keep watching is a charge to continually stay awake! Jesus is saying that it is imperative that His disciples (and by application this includes us today) not become indolent and lazy and let down our guard or we will become easy prey for our inveterate, intractable enemies - the world, the flesh and the devil. The internal and external forces that come against us demand us to be alert and vigilant. Jesus is calling His disciples to be on the alert, maintaining a constant state of vigilance (vigilance suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness; keenly alert to or heedful of trouble or danger as others are sleeping or unsuspicious). Jesus' double command pictures watchfulness and prayer as if they were two sentinels or soldiers on duty at their guard post constantly watching over the entrance of our heart (Pr 4:23+), alerting us to sneak attacks, continually guarding against the subtle, often sudden approach of danger and giving us forewarning of that danger. The implication is clear that temptation lurks about, waiting for our unguarded moments and then attacks. Marvin
Mateus 26
Ryle - Let us notice for another thing, how our Lord condemns those who think to use carnal weapons in defence of Him and His cause. The sword has a lawful office of its own. It may be used righteously in the defence of nations against oppression. It may become positively necessary to use it, to prevent confusion, plunder, and rapine upon earth. But the sword is not to be used in the propagation and maintenance of the Gospel. Christianity is not to be enforced by bloodshed, and belief in it extorted by force. Happy would it have been for the Church if this sentence had been more frequently remembered! There are few countries in Christendom, where the mistake has not been made of attempting to change men’s religious opinions by compulsion, penalties, imprisonment, and death. And with what effect? The pages of history supply an answer. No wars have been so bloody as those which have arisen out of the collision of religious opinions. Often, mournfully often, the very men who have been most forward to promote those wars, have themselves been slain. May we never forget this! The weapons of the Christian warfare are not carnal, but spiritual. (2 Cor. 10:4+.) Sword (3162) machaira from mache = a knife, sword) refers to a relatively short sword (even dagger) for cutting and stabbing. It was extremely difficult to approach a soldier well trained in the use of the machaira for it was short and could be moved rapidly. The fact that it was two-edged made it possible to strike on either side without changing its position in the hand, and its razor-sharp point could pierce armor. Proper use of Scripture in spiritual warfare enables the Christian to stand fast "against the wiles of the devil". MACHAIRA - 29/26V - sword(23), swords(6). Matt. 10:34+; Matt. 26:47+; Matt. 26:51+; Matt. 26:52+; Matt. 26:55+; Mk. 14:43+; Mk. 14:47+; Mk. 14:48+; Lk. 21:24+; Lk. 22:36+; Lk. 22:38+; Lk. 22:49+; Lk. 22:52+; Jn. 18:10+; Jn. 18:11+; Acts 12:2+; Acts 16:27+; Rom. 8:35+; Rom. 13:4+; Eph. 6:17+; Heb. 4:12+; Heb. 11:34+; Heb. 11:37+; Rev. 6:4+; Rev. 13:10+; Rev. 13:14+ QUESTION - What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword? ANSWER - The saying “live by the sword, die by the sword” is an idiom that basically means “what goes around comes around.” More to the point, “if you use violent, forceful, or underhanded methods against other people, you can expect those same methods to be used against you.” The proverb “live by the sword, die by the sword” has a biblical origin. It comes from a conversation between Jesus and His disciple Peter just before Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. After Jesus was betrayed by Judas, a group of soldiers moved in to arrest the Lord. In a rash attempt to protect Jesus, Peter pulled out his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear—you can be sure Peter was trying to do more damage than that (John 18:10+). Jesus rebuked Peter and put a quick stop to the bloodshed. Jesus replaced the wounded man’s ear, healing him instantly (Luke 22:51+). Then He told Peter to put his sword away, for “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52+). Jesus also told Peter that He would not fight the arrest, for it was God’s will that He drink the cup that was given to Him (John 18:11+). Jesus had come to die as a sacrifice for sin, and now was the time. Jesus’ placating of Peter also showed His concern for His disciple—in warning Peter against using violence, Jesus prevented Peter from being arrested himself. “Live by the sword, die by the sword” has become a common expression, adapted from Jesus’ words to Peter. The proverb’s meaning is still basically the same: a person who lives violently will probably at some point be killed in a violent manner. Violence begets violence. Those who practice violence will come to violent ends. Norman Geisler - MATTHEW 26:52+—Is Jesus advocating pacifism and denouncing capital punishment in this passage? (When Critics Ask - page 306) PROBLEM: When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter took out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus told Peter to put back the sword because those who take up the sword will die by the sword. Some use this verse to support pacifism and to oppose capital punishment, which the Bible affirms elsewhere (Gen. 9:6+). SOLUTION: Total pacifism is not taught in this Scripture. Indeed, Abraham was blessed by the Most High God (Gen 14:19+) after engaging in a war against the unjust aggression of the kings who had captured his nephew Lot. In Luke 3:14+, soldiers come to inquire of John the Baptist about what they should do. John never told them to leave the army. Likewise, Cornelius, in Acts 10, was a centurion. He was called a devout man (v. 2), and the Scriptures say that the Lord heard the prayers of Cornelius (v. 4). When Cornelius becomes a Christian, Peter does not tell him to leave the army. Also, in Luke 22:36–38+, Christ says that the one who has no sword should sell his robe and buy one. The apostles responded saying that they had two swords. Jesus responded saying that “it was enough.” In other words, they did not need to get rid of their swords. The Apostle Paul accepted the protection of the Roman army to save his life from unjust aggressors (Acts 23). Indeed, he reminded the Roman Christians that God had given the sword to the king who did not bear it in vain (Rom. 13:1–4+). When Jesus returns to earth, He will come with the armies of heaven and will war against the kings of the earth (Rev. 19:11–19+). So, from the beginning to the end, the Bible is filled with examples of the justification of war against evil aggressors. What, then, did Jesus mean when He commanded Peter to put away his sword? Peter was making two mistakes in using his sword. First, while the Bible permits the sword by the government for civil purposes (Rom. 13:1–4+), it does not endorse its use for spiritual ends. It is to be used by the state, not by the church. Second, Peter’s use was aggressive, not purely defensive. His life was not being unjustly threatened. That is, it was not clearly an act of self-defense (Ex. 22:2+). Jesus appears to have endorsed the use of the sword in civil self-defense (Luke 22:36+), as did the Apostle Paul (Acts 23). Likewise, capital punishment is not forbidden in Scripture, but rather was established by God. Genesis 9:6+ affirms that whoever sheds man’s blood, the blood of the killer will also be shed. Numbers 35:31+ makes a similar statement. In the NT, Jesus recognized that Rome had capital authority and submitted to it (John 19:11+). The Apostle Paul informed the Romans that governing authorities are ministers of God and that they still possessed the God-given sword of capital authority (13:1, 4). So Jesus in no way did away with the just use of the sword by civil authorities. He simply noted that those who live lives of aggression often die by the same means. Matthew 26:53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? and He: Mt 4:11+ Matthew 25:31+ 2Ki 6:17+ Da 7:10+ 2Th 1:7+ Jude 1:14+ twelve legions: Mt 10:1,2+ Lu 8:30+ JESUS NEEDS NO HUMAN DEFENSE Or do you think that I cannot appeal (parakaleo) to My Father (pater), and He will at once (arti - Just now, at this very moment) put at My disposal (paristemi) more than twelve legions of angels - Jesus emphasizes that He was being taken prison because of His own free will, not their great power. Twelve legions of angels would be 72,000 angels, for a legion consisted of 6000 soldiers. Jesus' declaration brings to mind the picture in the OT when "Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2Ki 6:17+)
Mateus 26
Ryle - We see in those words the secret of His voluntary submission to His foes. He came on purpose to fulfil the types and promises of Old Testament Scriptures, and by fulfilling them to provide salvation for the world. He came intentionally to be the true Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb. He came to be the Scapegoat on whom the iniquities of the people were to be laid. His heart was set on accomplishing this great work. It could not be done without the “hiding of his power” for a time. To do it he became a willing sufferer. He was taken, tried, condemned, and crucified entirely of His own free will. Let us observe this. There is much encouragement in it. The willing sufferer will surely be a willing Saviour. The almighty Son of God, who allowed men to bind Him and lead Him away captive, when He might have prevented them with a word, must surely be full of readiness to save the souls that flee to Him. Once more then let us learn to trust Him, and not be afraid. NET NOTE - A legion was a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers, so twelve legions would be 72,000. C H