The Betrayal: Matthew 26 (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 26 tells us the events surrounding the betrayal of Jesus Christ by one of the twelve — Judas Iscariot.  This passage was written for the new church that Christ would create with His resurrection and for us.  The examples of Judas and the other disciples are warnings for the church.  Judas warns the people that many will fall away, betray one another, and hate one another.  The other disciples, in particular Peter, James and John, show us our need to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”  This is a prayer for the church (“us”).  Another way Matthew shows us how to be a church is through the institution of the Lord’s Supper.  The church is the many whose sins are forgiven (the many who love one another).  Thus no matter what hardship may come, even if it is betrayal, you should continue to gather together.

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