Matthew’s gospel ends with a detailed presentation of the arrest, trial, beating, mockery, crucifixion and death of the Lord Jesus. The Biblical writers are always careful with how much information they include. The pace of a narrative is determined by how many details are described. Much of the Old Testament and the gospel accounts is fast paced, filled with action verbs and very few specific notes about what happened.
But at the end of Jesus’ earthly life the pace slows down to allow us to zoom in on and reflect on this vital moment in salvation history. It’s very much like a slow motion scene in a sports replay or in a dramatic action movie – it allows us to take in every detail and appreciate its significance.
“When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.’”
Matthew 26:1-2
For example, the gospel writers want us to be crystal clear that nothing happened apart from Jesus’ express knowledge and permission. He predicted his betrayal, arrest, suffering, death and resurrection on at least three occasions. The disciples freely admit they didn’t understand what he was telling them at the time, but they are careful to document the fact that he did tell them in advance. Even Judas’ betrayal was something the Lord foresaw and lamented even as it was happening.
“Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.”
Matthew 26:17-19
Consider this important fact: Jesus chose this specific moment to return to Jerusalem right at the Passover. It was no coincidence that Jesus’ betrayal and arrest took place on the annual celebration of the night the angel of death brought judgment to Egypt while sparing those covered by the blood of a lamb. Jesus took an annual remembrance of God’s great deliverance and transformed it into a weekly or monthly commemoration of the salvation that He was about to provide in His own body and blood.
“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’”
Matthew 26:31-32
Even the scattering of all the disciples and Peter’s specific failure Jesus foresaw and predicted. This should encourage us so much with our own failures and betrayals. Jesus saw everything we would ever do and fail to do – yet he went to the cross anyway, knowing full well that everyone would abandon him, everyone would flee in fear. everyone would let him down. But that is exactly why He paid the price He did – to cover our sins and make it possible for us to be transformed and filled with His Spirit so moving forward we would fail him less and less.
Be encouraged by the details! Read Matthew 26-28 and the other endings of the gospel accounts this week as you prepare for Good Friday!