Today we conclude our reading notes through Matthew’s Passion narrative, looking at the Great Commission.
New Testament
Matt 28:1-10
He is risen!
…
(That’s where you say, “he is risen, indeed!” It works better face-to-face…)
This week we continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, looking at the resurrection.
Matt 27:55-66
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Today we read of the burial of Jesus.
Matt 27:45-54
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Today we read of the death of Jesus.
Matt 27:27-44
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Today we come to the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Matt 27:11-26
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Today we look at the trial before Pilate, in which Matthew continues to emphasise the innocence of Jesus. Although it may seem Pilate is concerned with Jesus’ innocence, his delaying tactics are probably more about toying with the Jewish rulers to show who was really in charge. After all, Pilate had a reputation for being brutal and self-serving, and was quite hostile to the Jews early in his rule. He caused great offence when he attempted to set up a Roman standard within Jerusalem, when he tried use temple treasury money to fund aqueduct construction, and when he defiled the temple sacrifices by mixing human blood in with them (see Lk 13:1).
Matt 27:1-10
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Today we look at the story of Judas’ remorse and suicide. This isn’t found in Mark’s Gospel, but Matthew adds it here probably to contrast it with Peter’s remorse – one leads to despair, the other to true repentance. It also makes the picture of the Jewish leadership blacker still, showing how their failure to lead and serve the people led to Judas’ terrible destiny.
Matt 26:57-75
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Today’s passage is similar to yesterday’s, where the story alternates between the ordeal of Jesus and the weakness of the disciples – in this case Peter.
Matt 26:47-56
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Matt 26:46-56
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.Matt 26:31-46
We continue our reading notes on Matthew’s Passion narrative, in the weeks leading up to Easter. Remember, the focus of these two weeks is the text itself. There aren’t many verses to read each day, so spend time reading the story slowly and reflectively.
Matt 26:31-35
This section contrasts the agony and faithfulness of Jesus as he goes to do his Father’s will with the weakness of the disciples and the betrayal of Judas.
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