2025.10.12. Sermon Notes. PREPARATION FOR THE CROSS. FAITHFUL LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE. Matthew 26:1-30 (MATTHEW26-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, John 13:1-17, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 53:5, 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, JESUS 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.
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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.
MESSAGE:
• 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.
ILLUS: When a trusted friend, family member or co-worker let you down, how did it affect your faith or perspective?
KEY VERSE: Matthew 26:14 “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests…”
APPLICATION:
• Evaluate relationships: Are you surrounding yourself with people who encourage faithfulness?
• Trust GOD even when betrayed.
• Respond with forgiveness and grace when betrayed, just as CHRIST models.
REFLECTION:
• 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?
While betrayal is painful, JESUS shows us the response of faith and worship in His next act. (6-13).
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II. THE ACT OF WORSHIP AND PREPARATION (Matthew 26:6-13)
Matthew 26:6-13 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 in order to later reap 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.
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III. THE INSTITUTION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER (Matthew 26:17-30)
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
ILLUS: A wedding ring as a covenant sign: visible, personal, and a constant reminder.
APPLICATION:
• When we participate in communion. Do so with reverence, remembering the price of your salvation.
• Let the Lord’s Supper inspire daily obedience, gratitude, and sacrificial living.
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.
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IV. LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE vs. 1-30
MESSAGE:
• 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. Shows 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
