2025.10.12. Sermon Notes. PREPARATION FOR THE CROSS. FAITHFUL LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE. Matthew 26:1-30 (Matthew 26 PART 1)
William Akehurst, HSWC
BIG IDEA: True discipleship is lived in the shadow of CHRIST’s Sacrifice, the Cross. We are called to honor HIM, remain faithful, and participate in HIS New Covenant.
KEY WORDS: Faithfulness, Worship, Obedience, Prepare, preparation, faithful living, Passover, communion, Lord’s Supper, betrayal, Judas
SCRIPTURES: Matthew 26:1-30, 1 Corinthians 5:7, John 10:17-18, Isaiah 53:7, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalms 2:1-2, Acts 2:23, Romans 8:28, John 13:1-17, Exodus 12:3-14, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Luke 22:19-20, Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 9:14-15, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Hebrews 10:10, Romans 12:1-2,
Matthew 26 is one of profound preparation: preparation for betrayal, suffering, and ultimate redemption. JESUS is fully aware of the cross, yet He moves with unwavering obedience to the Father.
In the midst of pending and imminent suffering, He demonstrates humility, instructs His disciples, and establishes a covenant that will transform all who believe.
Just as JESUS prepared, today, we as believers are called to prepare: our hearts, minds, and lives, in preparation for CHRIST’s work in our lives. To faithful living in the light of His sacrifice.
*****
I. THE REALITY OF BETRAYAL (Matthew 26:1-16)
Matthew 26:1-16
THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS
1 Now it came to pass, when JESUS had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and plotted to take JESUS by trickery and kill Him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY
6 And when JESUS was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,
7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.
8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
10 But when JESUS was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
JUDAS AGREES TO BETRAY JESUS
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS 1-4
Even when evil schemes against GOD’s anointed, HIS divine purpose unfolds exactly as HE ordained. CHRIST willingly embraced the cross to fulfill redemption.
THEME:
• BETRAYAL is a part of life; even JESUS experienced it. Life will always have moments of betrayal, disappointment, and human failure, even among those closest to us.
• GOD IS SOVEREIGN. GOD’s sovereignty is never compromised by human sin. CHRIST’s knowledge of Judas’ betrayal reminds us that GOD is sovereign even in the midst of human sin.
A. THE PROPHETIC WORD OF JESUS (vv. 1–2)
Vs. 2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
POINTS:
• Jesus knew exactly what awaited Him - nothing took Him by surprise.
• The timing (“after two days is the Passover”) shows divine alignment: the true Passover Lamb would be slain for the sins of the world.
1 Corinthians 5:7 …Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
• HIS statement reveals both HIS deity (foreknowledge) and HIS humanity (submission to suffering).
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
• John 10:17-18 “No one takes My life from Me... I lay it down of Myself.”
• Isaiah 53:7 “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter.”
APPLICATION: When life feels uncertain, remember: Jesus wasn’t a victim of circumstances; He was fulfilling destiny. GOD’s plan for your life, too, is never out of control.
B. THE PLOT OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS (vv. 3-5)
“Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders... plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.”
POINTS:
• Those entrusted with spiritual leadership were now leading a conspiracy.
• “By trickery” reveals deceitful hearts; they sought control, not truth.
• Their plot exposes the corruption of religion without relationship.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
• Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things.”
• Psalm 2:1-2 “The kings of the earth set themselves... against the LORD and His Anointed.”
APPLICATION: Beware of religious appearances without genuine surrender. Hypocrisy plots in darkness; true disciples walk in light and truth.
C. THE SOVEREIGN PLAN OF GOD
Even as evil plotted, GOD’s redemptive purpose was advancing.
• The leaders thought they were silencing Jesus, but they were fulfilling prophecy.
• The cross was not man’s victory; it was GOD’s design for salvation.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
• Acts 2:23 “Him... delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of GOD.”
• Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love GOD.”
APPLICATION: GOD can turn every plot against you into part of His plan for you. What the enemy means for evil, GOD uses for eternal good (Genesis 50:20 - Joseph).
• Trust GOD’s Timing. Jesus’ death coincided perfectly with Passover; our seasons are in His hands.
• Guard Your Heart. Don’t let pride or fear make you an opponent of GOD’s will.
• Walk in Obedience. Like Jesus, be willing to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
• Trust GOD even when betrayed.
• Respond with forgiveness and grace when betrayed, just as CHRIST models.
REFLECTION
• Am I willing to follow GOD’s plan even when it leads through suffering?
• Do I trust GOD’s sovereignty when people scheme against me?
• Have I been faithful in relationships, or have I betrayed trust? Who or what are you tempted to betray by neglecting your devotion to GOD?
• Am I relying on GOD to restore what others have broken? Are there areas in your life where your loyalty is divided between GOD and worldly influences?
• How can I honor Christ this week by surrendering fully to His will?
PRAYER PAUSE
LORD, help me to see beyond the plots of men and trust the perfection of YOUR plan. Strengthen my faith to walk in obedience, knowing that YOU work all things for my good and YOUR glory. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.
While betrayal is painful, JESUS shows us the response of faith and worship in His next act. (6-13).
*****
II. THE ACT OF WORSHIP AND PREPARATION (Matthew 26:6-13)
Matthew 26:6-13 The Anointing at Bethany
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY
6 And when JESUS was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,
7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.
8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
10 But when JESUS was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
KEY VERSE: Matthew 26:12 “She has done a good work for Me…she has poured this perfume on My body for My burial.”
MESSAGE:
• The woman anointing JESUS with costly perfume was preparation for JESUS’ death-a prophetic act of devotion. Symbolizing extravagant devotion and preparation for His burial; foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice.
• True worship is costly, personal, and honors GOD. Worship is not measured by convenience or cost, but by the heart and intention behind it.
ILLUS: A gardener preparing soil for a precious plant. This past year, I purchased plum trees and blueberry plants. I cultivated the soil, planted, mulched and watered and reaped the reward of some first fruits of Blueberries and Plums.
POINT: Care, effort, and investment make the harvest fruitful.
APPLICATION:
• Offer your best in service, worship, and devotion. Offer your time, talents, and treasures to GOD as acts of worship.
• Prepare your heart daily for GOD’s work.
• Live with an awareness that every act of devotion contributes to GOD’s eternal plan.
REFLECTION:
• Am I giving GOD my best, or just what is convenient?
• How can I prepare my life to reflect CHRIST more fully?
• How can I prepare my heart daily to honor CHRIST in word and deed?
Worship leads naturally to communion and covenant remembrance.
*****
III. THE PRICE OF BETRAYAL Matthew 26:14-16
JUDAS AGREES TO BETRAY JESUS 14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
Judas traded eternal fellowship for temporary gain—reminding us that when love for self outweighs love for Christ, betrayal begins in the heart.
JUDAS’ DECISION v. 14
“Then one of the twelve... went to the chief priests.”
• Judas walked with Jesus but didn’t walk in truth.
• His heart turned after witnessing true devotion (vv. 6–13).
• Proximity to Christ is not the same as intimacy with Him.
LESSON: Guard your heart; sin begins in silent dissatisfaction.
THE DEAL v. 15
“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?”
• Judas reduced his relationship with Jesus to a transaction.
• Thirty pieces of silver; the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).
• Fulfilled prophecy (Zechariah 11:12–13).
LESSON: Anything we love more than Jesus becomes our “thirty pieces of silver.”
THE DETERMINATION v. 16
“From that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”
• Once sin takes root, the heart looks for a chance to act.
• Judas thought he was in control, but God’s plan prevailed.
LESSON: Betrayal can’t stop God’s purpose; He turns evil into redemption.
APPLICATION
• Guard your heart from compromise.
• Value Christ above every earthly gain.
• Trust God’s sovereignty: He redeems even betrayal.
PRAYER PAUSE
LORD, keep my heart loyal to YOU. Let no desire or distraction ever come between me and YOUR will. Help me to treasure YOU above all else. In JESUS’ name, Amen.
*****
IV. PREPARATION FOR PASSOVER (Matthew 26:17-19)
Matthew 26:17-30 JESUS CELEBRATES PASSOVER WITH HIS DISCIPLES
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to JESUS, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”
18 And 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.” ’ ”
19 So the disciples did as JESUS had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
THE PREPARATION OF THE PASSOVER (vv. 17–19)
POINT: Jesus is in complete control of His mission; nothing happens by accident.
• He gives precise instructions, showing foreknowledge and divine timing.
• “My time is at hand” (v. 18) His purpose for coming to earth is reaching its fulfillment.
• The disciples prepare the meal, not realizing they are preparing for the true Passover Lamb.
INSIGHT:
Jesus wasn’t preparing for a ritual; He was preparing to fulfill prophecy (Exodus 12:3-14; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
The Passover commemorated deliverance from Egypt; Jesus now offers deliverance from sin.
APPLICATION: Trust that Jesus is always in control, even in moments that seem uncertain. When He says, “My time is at hand,” it’s a reminder that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly.
*****
V. JUDAS THE BETRAYAL WITHIN (Matthew 26:20-25)
20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”
THE BETRAYAL FORETOLD (vv. 20–25)
When evening came, JESUS sat with the twelve. What should have been a sacred moment of fellowship became a scene of sorrow. Even among His closest friends, Jesus faced betrayal; yet He responded with grace and truth.
JESUS spoke the truth plainly: “One of you will betray Me.”
• Jesus exposes the coming betrayal without naming Judas publicly, giving him opportunity to repent.
• Each disciple searched his heart and said “Lord, is it I?” vs. 22 revealing both humility and uncertainty of heart.
• BUT notice the distinction - Judas didn’t say “Lord.” He said “Rabbi.” Vs. 25
That one word reveals his heart. Judas respected JESUS intellectually but never surrendered to Him spiritually. The others acknowledged Him as Lord, but Judas only saw Him as Teacher.
He followed Christ’s ministry but never submitted to Christ’s Lordship.
INSIGHT: Jesus’ calm in the face of betrayal reflects divine composure and love. He doesn’t retaliate; He redeems.
APPLICATION: We must examine our hearts regularly — “Lord, is it I?” Betrayal begins in the heart before it’s acted out. Stay close to Christ so your loyalty never wavers.
EXAMINING JUDAS
THE PROBLEM OF MISPLACED EXPECTATIONS
Understandably, we dislike Judas…he betrayed the Son of GOD.
But before we condemn him, let’s be honest:
• What if part of the reason Judas bothers us… is because we see something familiar in him?
• Judas walked with JESUS, served JESUS, and yet missed JESUS.
• Perhaps he expected a political king who would overthrow Rome, not a suffering Savior who would conquer sin.
• He wanted the kingdom his way.
APPLICATION:
And when GOD’s plan didn’t match his expectation, he lost faith.
Before we judge Judas, we must ask:
• Have I ever tried to force GOD into my own plans?
• Have I ever followed Him but held onto my own agenda?
• Have I ever wanted His power more than His presence?
YOUR THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER
Here’s the truth: Your secret sin is your thirty pieces of silver.
It’s the thing you hold onto while still calling yourself a follower of Christ.
It may not be coins…it could be:
• compromise,
• comfort,
• control,
• or pride.
Judas betrayed JESUS with a kiss; a symbol of affection masking rebellion.
How often do we do the same, singing about His love on Sunday, yet selling Him out through disobedience on Monday?
THE TRAGEDY OF JUDAS AND THE HOPE OF GRACE
Judas’s story is tragic; not because he sinned, but because he didn’t return.
Peter also failed; he denied JESUS three times, and yet Peter repented and was restored.
• The difference wasn’t the sin. It was the response.
• Judas ran from grace. Peter ran back to it.
And here’s the hope for every believer:
• No matter what you’ve done, no matter how far you’ve strayed, RUN - RUN TO JESUS.
• The same Savior Judas betrayed is the One who still forgives today.
• His mercy is greater than your failure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Proximity is not the same as intimacy.
Judas was close to JESUS physically, but far from Him spiritually.
• Sin begins when we replace GOD’s plan with our own.
Betrayal always starts in the heart before it’s seen in the hand.
• Repentance, not remorse, leads to restoration.
Judas felt regret; Peter found redemption. The difference was repentance.
SELF-REFLECTION
• Do I call Him Lord or merely Teacher?
• Is there something I’m holding onto that’s worth “thirty pieces of silver”?
• Am I willing to surrender completely and trust GOD’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense?
PRAYER PAUSE:
LORD JESUS,
Search my heart and reveal anything that competes with YOU.
Forgive me for the times I’ve called YOU “Lord” but lived like Judas.
Help me to lay down my silver: my sin, my pride, my control - and run back to YOUR Grace.
Thank YOU for YOUR Mercy that restores, redeems, and renews.
In YOUR Name, I pray. Amen.
VI. THE INSTITUTION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER (vv. 26–29)
JESUS INSTITUTES THE LORD’S SUPPER
26 And as they were eating, JESUS took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
KEY VERSES:
• Matthew 26:26 “Take, eat; this is My body.”
• Matthew 26:28 “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
POINT: Jesus transforms the Passover meal into a living memorial of the New Covenant.
• The bread represents His body, broken for our healing and wholeness (Isaiah 53:5).
• The cup represents His blood, sealing the new covenant and bringing forgiveness (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 9:14-15).
• “For the remission of sins”; forgiveness comes not through ritual, but through relationship with the Redeemer.
This marks the transition from law to grace, shadow to substance, and ritual to relationship.
The old covenant was sealed with the blood of animals; the new covenant with the blood of the Son.
APPLICATION: Each time we partake of Communion, we remember the price of our redemption and renew our covenant commitment to Christ.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
• Hebrews 10:10 “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
THE PROMISE OF THE KINGDOM (v. 29)
29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
POINT: The Lord’s Supper not only looks back to the cross but also forward to the coming kingdom.
• “I will not drink... until that day when I drink it new with you” — a promise of reunion and eternal fellowship.
• This anticipates the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
APPLICATION: Communion is not only remembrance - it’s anticipation. Every time we share the cup, we proclaim hope: “He’s coming again.”
THE HYMN AND THE HEART (v. 30)
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
KEY THOUGHT: Even as Jesus faced the cross, He sang a hymn — a song of faith before suffering.
• Likely part of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118), songs of deliverance and thanksgiving.
• This moment demonstrates worship in the midst of trial.
APPLICATION: True worship doesn’t depend on circumstances — it flows from trust. When facing hardship, sing anyway. Worship becomes your weapon of victory.
LIFE APPLICATION
• Remember His Sacrifice — The cross was the price of your freedom.
• Renew Your Covenant — Live daily in gratitude and obedience.
• Rejoice in Hope — Communion looks forward to the day we’ll dine with Him in His Kingdom.
• Respond in Worship — Praise Him even in the shadow of the cross.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
• How does Jesus’ control over events strengthen your faith in His sovereignty?
• When you partake in Communion, do you approach it with remembrance, repentance, and rejoicing?
• Are you ready for the day when He will “drink it new” with His people?
MESSAGE:
• JESUS establishes the Lord’s Supper to remind us of His sacrifice. A covenant reminder of His body and blood as His sacrifice for the remission of sins.
• Communion is a celebration and calls us to faithful living, uniting believers and calling us to live faithfully in response to the covenant.
REFLECTION:
• Do I approach communion with mindfulness and gratitude, or as routine?
• How does the reality of CHRIST’s sacrifice - remembering the cross – guide and shape my behavior, my decisions, priorities, and relationships?
JESUS’ actions invite us to live faithfully and intentionally every day.
*****
VII. LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE vs. 1-30
SUMMARY:
• Faithfulness, worship, and obedience are hallmarks of a life transformed by CHRIST.
• Preparation, devotion, and remembrance are daily responsibilities for believers. We as believers are called to live prepared lives, marked by faithfulness, worship, and covenantal obedience.
• Life in CHRIST is not just about rituals; it’s a transformation of the heart and a call to action.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
• John 13:1-17 JESUS washes the disciples’ feet, showing humility and service.
• Luke 22:19-20 Institution of the Lord’s Supper.
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Remembering CHRIST’s sacrifice through communion.
• Isaiah 53:5 The suffering servant, foretelling CHRIST’s sacrifice.
• Romans 12:1-2 Living a life of sacrifice and devotion to GOD.
APPLICATION:
• FAITHFULNESS: Stand firm in trials and trials of life, knowing and trusting GOD’s sovereignty. GOD is Sovereign in all HIS Ways.
• WORSHIP: Give GOD your best in all areas of life. Live a life of devotion, offering your best in word and deed.
• OBEDIENCE: Follow CHRIST daily, remembering His sacrifice. Participate actively in GOD’s covenant community and communion.
REFLECTION:
• How can I live more faithfully this week?
• What steps can I take this week to deepen my faithfulness and devotion?
• What steps will I take to honor CHRIST in daily life?
• Are my actions aligned with the covenant I have in CHRIST?
Let’s Pray,
Heavenly FATHER, we thank YOU for the sacrifice of YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST. May HIS example of obedience, humility, and love inspire us to live faithfully, worship extravagantly, and embrace YOUR covenant daily. Help us to live in the light of HIS Cross with faithfulness, devotion, and obedience. Help us to examine our hearts, repent where needed, and live in the light of HIS Sacrifice. May we remember HIS Body and Blood, worship YOU in spirit and truth, and reflect HIS love in our daily lives. Strengthen us to honor HIM in thought, word, and deed, until we see HIM face to face. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Bill
Hymns:
325 Take Time to Be Holy
58 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
59 JESUS Paid it All
346 Revive Us Again
