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Today we once again see Jesus predict His death, which is now only two days away. And we see Satan exploit a spirit of disagreement and discontentment in one of the disciples to bring about a sinful betrayal.

• Pray for Godly contentment and unity for yourself and those in the church.

•  Read Matthew 26:1-16, Luke 22:1-6

  • There are many things that happened in the last week of Jesus’ life that we don’t know. Why do you think God chose to have these events recorded?

  •  Judas had walked side-by-side with Jesus daily for at least a couple of years. He was sent out with the other apostles to cast out demons and heal. Yet, we see him betray Jesus. What does that tell you about the difference between knowing Jesus and surrendering to Jesus? Which category do you fit into?

  • Read Matthew 27-1-10, jumping ahead to after the betrayal has been completed. Does this change your thinking of Judas? Why or why not?

• Pray for wisdom and to fully understand the sacrifice of Christ and what it means in your life.

Matthew 26:1-16, Luke 22:1-6

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Luke 22: 7-71

Today we see what is known as “The Last Supper,” which is Jesus’ last celebration of the Passover on earth, and the events of that night, including his betrayal and arrest. Remember back to week one when God’s people slaughtered a lamb and put the blood on the doorframes of their home so the Angel of Death would pass over their home, saving them? In Jesus’s time, God’s people are still celebrating Passover each year in anticipation of the perfect lamb God would send as the final sacrifice: one perfect, sinless human to accept the death we all deserve for our sins. Remember that we have seen the transition from one death for one human’s sin (Adam/Even) to one death for a household’s sin (Passover in the exodus from Egypt) to one death for a community’s sin (in the tabernacle and temple). This is the final, complete sacrifice. One perfect, spotless lamb, Jesus, for all of humanity over all time. Jesus is the sacrifice and the scapegoat, removing our sins from us. Just like the Israelites had to believe God would do what He said He would in Egypt all those years before, today we still have to believe that the blood sacrifice of Jesus will save us from eternal death, that God will do what He says He will do.

• Pray for understanding, faith, and belief

• Read Luke 22:7-71

  • What stands out to you in verses 7-13?

  • Summarize Jesus’ message to his apostles in verses 14-20.

  • What lesson can you apply to your life from verses 21-30?

  • What do you learn about Jesus, God, and man in verses 31-46?

  • Why do you think Jesus healed the ear of his captor (v. 47-53)?

  • Think back to a time in your life when you could relate to Peter’s actions (v. 54-62).

  • How does the suffering of Jesus begin in verses 63-65?

• Pray for a humble heart and wisdom to learn from these passages and understand this part of God’s plan.