A Study of Matthew Chapter 26

 by Stan Feldsine (www.tojesusbeallglory.com)

Matt 26:1-2 - The Passover

Mat 26:1-2 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, (2) "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

As Jesus comes to the conclusion of the Olivet Discourse, He looks forward in time to His impending death, which is just two days away. Mark points out that the Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread were two days away.

Mar 14:1 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.

The Passover starts on the 14th day of Nisan and continues for 8 days, and the Festival of Unleavened bread starts on the 15th of Nisan and continues for 7 days.

Lev 23:5-6 The LORD's Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. (6) On the fifteenth day of that month the LORD's Festival of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast.

Jesus had a specific type and time of death that He had to endure for mankind. As to the type of death, Israel only fulfilled the death penalty with stoning, burning, the sword, and strangulation.

The type of death Jesus endured was crucifixion, which was the Roman method of the death penalty. So we see Jesus was crucified according to Roman law, not Jewish law.

The time of death was on the Feast of Passover. This is why Jesus would say in various passages that people should not tell of His works, because it was not His time yet. His time was Passover.

Passover was the Jewish Feast day that commemorated the shedding of blood of lambs so that the destroyer would pass over and not kill the firstborn of the houses marked with the blood of the lamb.

The Passover was instituted during the time that the Israelites were slaves in Israel. Moses was trying to get Pharaoh to set God's people free, but Pharaoh would not. Thus 10 plagues were brought upon the Egyptians. The last was the death of every household's first born human and animal.

Instructions for collecting and preparing the animals, and marking the doorframes.

Exo 12:5-7 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. (6) Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. (7) Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

The instructions to eat the lamb.

Exo 12:8-9 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. (9) Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire--with the head, legs and internal organs.

The instructions regarding the judgment.

Exo 12:12-14 "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. (13) The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt."

The instructions to remember and commemorate this event. This year we commemorated Passover on April 22-30.

Exo 12:12-14 "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD--a lasting ordinance.

Moses instructs the people to go and prepare the lambs.

Exo 12:21-23 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. (22) Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. (23) When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Moses instructs the people to observe and commemorate the event.

Exo 12:24-27 "Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. (25) When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. (26) And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' (27) then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.'" Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

The occasion of the Lord striking down the firstborn in Egypt.

Exo 12:29-30 At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. (30) Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

Pharaoh sets the Israelites free.

Exo 12:31-32 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. (32) Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me."

Jesus's death had to occur on the day that the Israelites were commemorating this Passover event, for He was the Passover lamb that redeemed us from the curse of the law. The festival foresaw the shedding of Jesus's blood, that those who accepted the blood of Jesus's for atonement would live and not die.

Luk 22:14-20 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. (15) And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (16) For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." (17) After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. (18) For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." (19) And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (20) In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

The "Unleavened Bread" festival was the Festival of Redemption. This points to the redemptive element of the crucifixion. John looking into the future called Jesus out as the lamb.

Joh 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Paul looks back to the Passover Lamb.

1Co 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

This demonstrates that the issue of sin was global, and that in order for the world's sin to be dealt with Jesus went to His death. In His death is the only way to salvation.

Joh 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matt 26:3-5 - The Plot to Kill Jesus

Mat 26:3-5 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, (4) and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. (5) "But not during the festival," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."

As the conspiracy to kill Jesus proceeded, the chief priests and elders of Israel assembled with Caiaphas, the high priest. They plotted how to eliminate Him secretly by drawing Him to a private place. But they did not want to do so during the time of the Passover, or they would raise the anger of the people and they might revolt if they found out.

Matt 26:6-13 - The Anointing of Jesus

Mat 26:6-13 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, (7) a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. (8) When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. (9) "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." (10) Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. (11) The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. (12) When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. (13) Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

The narrative now takes a look back 4 days, to 6 days before Jesus's death.

Joh 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

A group was staying at the home of Simon the leper. There were a number of "Simons" in the narrative of Jesus's life, and being identified as "the leper" helps distinguish him from the others. Apparently at some point in the past, Jesus had healed Simon of his leprosy.

Jesus and His friends were guests of Simon in Bethany. His friends were Lazarus and His two sisters. Here we see Lazarus was still alive following his being raised from the dead earlier. The "woman" that Matt 26:6 refers to John identifies as Miriam (Mary).

Joh 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

The perfume that Mary had was Spikenard, a very expensive substance. The amount that Mary had would have been worth nearly a years wages.

Mar 14:5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

The disciples protested Mary's use of the perfume on Jesus's head and feet. They felt a better use of the perfume would have been to sell it and use the funds to feed the poor. Judas, the one who would betray Jesus, is called out by John. John was not concerned with feeding the poor, but rather as the group's treasurer, he wanted a share that he would get by skimming off the top, or embezzling.

Joh 12:4-6 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, (5) "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." (6) He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Jesus understood Mary to be anointing Him for burial and told the disciples to let her be. This is interesting because it shows that she understood something that the disciples did not, that Jesus was going to die, and furthermore, that He would be raised from the dead. Mary, by residing at the feet of Jesus and paying attention to His teachings, had learned more about Messiah than the disciples.

Joh 12:7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

The point about always having the poor was simply to support Mary's ministry since Jesus will only die and be buried once, but the poor can be cared for any time since there will always be poor people with us.

Mar 14:7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

There were two results of this encounter. The first is that Mary would be honored in perpetuity.

Mat 26:13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

The second result was Judas's decision to betray Jesus.

Matt 26:14-16 - Judas Plans to Betray Jesus

Mat 26:14-16 Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests (15) and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. (16) From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Judas, as previously mentioned was the treasurer of the disciples group. He had been in the practice of embezzling funds from the treasury. Judas had been giving in to the sin of greed. Giving in to a habitual sin eventually lead to Satan winning control of him, and instead of coming around to repentance, He lost control of himself.

Satan lead Judas through Judas's greed to betray Jesus for cash, specifically 30 pieces of silver. His actions now follow Satan's lead as Judas conspires with the chief priest and the temple police.

Luk 22:3-4 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. (4) And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.

The 30 pieces of silver was not arbitrary. It was the cost of a slave.

Exo 21:32 If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.

From this time onward, Judas would see an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the authorities.

Matt 26:17-20 - The Passover with the Disciples

Mat 26:17-20 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" (18) He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" (19) So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. (20) When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.

So many people came to the Passover in Jerusalem, which tradition held was to be observed within the city walls, that the city boundaries had to be extended. In order to accommodate this tradition of observing Passover within the expanded city walls, huge tent cities were erected.

Preparations were to be made for Jesus to observe the Passover with His disciples. The location was identified as that owned by a man carrying a pitcher of water. This would have stood out to the disciples, as in their society only the women would carry water, not the men.

Jesus would have made prior arrangements for this, as was customary for special accommodations. All the arrangements for the celebration were already taken care of.

Jesus added that "my appointed time is near", showing the significance of this Passover. Imagine knowing the suffering that was soon coming His way.

Dr. Fruchtenbaum details the preparations for the Passover:

"He sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make ready for us the Passover, that we may eat. Peter and John were assigned to prepare the meal. Before they performed their duties, they had to first deliver the Passover lamb to the temple compound. The lamb was killed, and its blood was poured into a bowl, carried to the altar, and poured out at the base of the altar. During the process, they sang Psalms 113-118, known as the Hallel (praise) psalms. The lamb was then cleaned, meaning it was skinned and the entrails removed. Parts of the lamb were burned on the altar; the rest was taken home and roasted. Then, additional Passover items were prepared; unleaved bread; wine; bitter herbs; and a concoction called charoset, a combination of apples, nuts, honey, cinnamon, lemon juice, and wine, chopped and mixed together until it turned a deep brown color."

John 13:1-20 - Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

Read the passage, notes follow.

vs. 1 - The washing of the disciples feet occurred just prior to the Passover meal.

vs. 2 - John notes at this time that Judas will betray Jesus. This is the first of three times that Jesus brings the betrayal of Jesus up.

vs. 4-10 - It would be tradition to wash hands before the meal. Jesus however breaks with tradition and washes the feet. Since only the rich had bath's in their houses, the poor would share a common bath in some part of the town. On their way home, traveling the dusty paths, their feet would get dirty and so they would wash their feet when they arrived home. In this way Jesus inferred that those who have had a bath need only wash their feet.

This represents the believers having been washed by Jesus's death, and the need to only "wash the feet" of ongoing sin that occurred. This is the point of 1Jn_1:9.

vs. 11-17 - When he finished washing their feet, he impressed upon them the need to be servants in the Kingdom. If He had served them, they can serve others, and should.

vs. 20 - "reclining" is actually a practice who's observation is part of the Passover meal. It is a memorial of freedom, recalling the crossing of the Red Sea.

Matt 26:21-25 - Judas the Betrayer

Mat 26:21-25 (21) And while they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me." (22) They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely you don't mean me, Lord?" (23) Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. (24) The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." (25) Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely you don't mean me, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "You have said so."

Jesus had spoken of a betrayer at the conclusion of the the washing of the feet, and now a second time as they are eating the meal he speaks of the betrayer.

When Judas said to Jesus "surely you don't mean me", Jesus answered with a Jewish idiom. "You have said so." means "Yes, Indeed!".

Matt 26:26 - The Bread

Mat 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

A part of the Passover meal included the breaking of bread. The bread was unleavened, striped and pierced. When the bread was pierced, it had holes in it that could seen through from one end out the other. The holes were placed through the bread in rows so when it was baked it would come out striped.

Leaven represented sin. The unleavened character of the bread represented Jesus as sinless.

The stripings on the bread represents the whipping Jesus endured, leaving stripes.

The holes represents the piercing Jesus received by the nails of the crucifixion and by the sword.

The breaking of the bread represents Jesus's death.

Jesus referred to this bread, prepared in this way, as His body.

The point of this whole part of the meal is remembrance. Do this in remembrance of Him.

Matt 26:27-29 - The Cup

Mat 26:27-29 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. (28) This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (29) I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

This cup was to remind the people of the shed blood of the innocent lamb who's blood was placed on the door posts. Today, the reminder is to the shed blood of Jesus.

The covenant that Jesus is referencing here is the New Covenant.

My thoughts. This covenant has been ratified in the blood of Jesus, however it has not been established yet. It's parties are God and Israel. This is explicitly laid out in Jeremiah. Israel cannot in it's current state of unbelief receive the New Covenant.

Jer 31:31-33 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. (32) It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. (33) "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

The shed blood of Jesus was also effective in opening the way to spiritual blessings for the whole earth through faith.

Gal 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Jesus indicated that He was not going to be participating in the Passover meal until after the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. Jesus told the disciples that he would then drink it with them, so they will be present at this event.

Luke 22:24-30 - A Lesson in Greatness

Luk 22:24-30 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. (25) And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' (26) "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. (27) "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (28) "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; (29) and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you (30) that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

So in the midst of the Passover meal, a dispute arises among the disciples about who is going to have the greater position in the Messianic Kingdom.

This whole discussion among the disciples is ironic given that Jesus had just given them a discourse on humility with the washing of the feet.

Jesus gives them instruction, showing the difference between secular greatness and greatness in the Kingdom. In the secular world, the leaders maintain control over the population and call themselves the "benefactors" of the people. This is not much different than what goes on today. Dictators and those who promote and enforce various ideologies take our freedoms away all in the name of what they think the greater good is.

Jesus then instructs based on His example as the servant of all. It is the greatest servant who is the greatest in the Kingdom. It is not the one who is at the table and is being served that is greatest, it is the one who serves that is greatest.

Joh 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Rev 2:26-27 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- (27) that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery'--just as I have received authority from my Father.

Rev 3:21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Luke also records details regarding the Messianic Kingdom. The disciples, excepting Judas, would be with Jesus at the time the Kingdom is established and would sit on thrones with rule over the 12 Tribes of Israel.

Luk 13:29-30 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. (30) Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

Luk 14:15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."

They would rule under the absolute monarch, Jesus.

Psa 2:6-8 "I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain." (7) I will proclaim the LORD's decree: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have become your father. (8) Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

Isa 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Jer 23:5-6 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. (6) In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Zec 14:9 The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.

John 13:34-35 - A New Command

Joh 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (35) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

As the Passover continues, and in light of the impending departure of Jesus from the earth, John reveals that Jesus gives the disciples a "new" command.

Joh 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (35) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The old command was to "love your neighbor as yourself". The "new" command was to "love others as I have loved you". The standard for love changed from our love for ourselves to love the way God loved us.

Lev 19:18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Joh 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Matt 26:30-35 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

Mat 26:30-35 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (31) Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' (32) But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." (33) Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." (34) "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." (35) But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.

After instructing the disciples on the "New Command", which followed the instruction on how to be the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus then reflected a prophecy that foretold of the scattering of the Jews.

Mat 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

The passage that Matthew refers to with "for it is written" is Zec 13:7.

Zec 13:7 "Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.

The "Shepherd" is Messiah, referenced from Zec 11:4-14. The verse emphasizes that Messiah will be both God and man, I.E. "the man that is close to me". The "strike" on the shepherd denotes a violent death.

The scattering of the sheep and the turning of the hand on the little ones denotes the suffering that the people will endure as a result of the rejection of Messiah by the leaders.

Peter demonstrates His, and by extension the disciples complete lack of understanding about what is about to take place. Peter indicates that He wants to go with Jesus and even if everyone else would abandon Him he, Peter, would never disown Him. All the other disciples declared the same. Yet, Jesus indicates to Peter that ALL of the disciples will abandon Him, and that Peter himself will deny His personal relationship with Jesus as well 3 times before a rooster crows.

Luke's account adds additional details:

Luk 22:35-38 Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing," they answered. (36) He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. (37) It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment." (38) The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That's enough!" he replied.

Jesus is detailing a change in the conditions surrounding the disciples coming in the future following His death and resurrection.

He reminds them that in the past, when He would send the disciples out, He would instruct them to go without purse, bag or sandals. This reminded them of events in which He was present with them, and His presence with them is an important part of the context.

Joh 17:12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

Now Jesus, looking to the time after He would Ascend, told them to take purse, bag, sandals AND a sword. The sword is apparently important enough to sell a cloak to get one. The sword was for the purpose of personal protection.

Whether or not personal protection is condoned or even encouraged by Jesus requires an important consideration of the context. In the previous commissions, when the disciples were sent out, Jesus was with them. Now, however, Jesus is NOT going to be with them, and the admonition to carry a sword is given.

John 13:31 - John 17:26- - The Upper Room Discourse

Jesus had previously spent considerable time with the disciples prior to the Passover in the Olivet Discourse. Now Jesus will again speak with the disciples as the Passover comes to a conclusion.

Only John recorded the Upper Room discourse. The Upper Room is where Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples. Only chapter 14 actually took place in the upper room.

Joh 14:30-31 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, (31) but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave.

Chapters 15-17 take place on the way to Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives.

Mat 26:30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

At the conclusion of this discourse, Jesus will pray in Gethsemane, and then be taken into custody.

Mat 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."

It is beyond the purpose of this study in Matthew to go into all that the Upper Room discourse entailed, but we will look at a few highlights.

The disciples were making much of Jesus's words that He was going to leave them. They had given everything to be with Him, and now He was leaving?

In chapter 14, Jesus gives the promise that He is going to prepare a place for all of us, and that He will come back to catch us up to be with Him in heaven where He is.

Joh 14:2-3 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Mar 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

Act 1:9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Act 7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

1Pe 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Rev 21:9-10 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." (10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.

Read the chapter from Rev 21:9-Rev 21:27.

The following is a good example of someone telling us they know what scripture says, but it means something else.

Joh 14:1-4 KJV - Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

In Joh 14:1-4 the Lord DID NOT say he was coming to take the Church to the Father's House. That is an assumption because of a misunderstanding about the "mansions".

Many of you believe that you are going to live in your mansion in the 3rd Heaven for 7 years, then leave your mansions and come down to live on earth for 1000 years. And most of you didn't even realize you believed that.

However, in 2Co 5:1-4 the apostle Paul explains what the Lord meant by "mansions".

2Co 5:1-4 KJV - For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: [3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. [4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

The "mansions" are "our houses from heaven", which is our glorified bodies.

The Lord isn't taking us to our mansions, but bringing our mansions to us. Then Jesus said after receiving our mansions, wherever he is or goes, we can be and go also.

Where will the Lord be when we receive our mansions? In the clouds, the first heaven above the earth.

So that is where we are going to be Raptured to.

Where is the Lord going after we are gathered together to him in the first heaven?

Down to rule on earth.

So that is where he is and goes, that is where we also are going.

The Lord said he is bringing our reward with him. He is NOT taking us to the 3rd Heaven/the Father's House to our reward.

Rev 22:12 KJV - And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Biblically, the Rapture occurs at the Second Coming of Christ, not before.

God Bless,

Pastor K. L. Greene

Jesus also encourages the disciples by telling Him that the Holy Spirit would be sent to them in a new way, by indwelling them permanently.

Joh 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--

Joh 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

In chapter 15 Jesus talks about living with indwelling Holy Spirit and remaining connected to Him as the branches of a vine remain attached to the vine. He goes on to let them know that they should expect resistance from the world and that they should not fall away.

In chapter 16 Jesus describes the work of the Holy Spirit and that the sorrow of the disciples will turn to joy when they see Him raised from the dead.

In chapter 17 Jesus prays for and thanks the Father for His disciples.

Matt 26:36-46 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

Mat 26:36-46 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." (37) He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. (38) Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." (39) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (40) Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. (41) "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (42) He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." (43) When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. (44) So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (45) Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. (46) Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

When Jesus was done praying, He left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mat 26:36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."

Jesus asked 8 of His disciples to sit in the garden as He went about a stones throw away to pray. With Him He took Peter, James and John, the same three that accompanied Him on the Mount of Transfiguration. These three were to serve as the second guard, keeping watch. They were to pray that they would not enter temptation.

Jesus often went to this garden to pray.

Joh 18:1-2 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. (2) Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

A description of the agony is presented in the gospels.

Mar 14:33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. (To be stunned with astonishment, full of heaviness).

Mar 14:34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." (engulfed in sorrow so severe His physical frame was danger of collapsing.

Luk 22:41-42 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, (42) "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Mat 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Luk 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

Luk 22:44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Sweating drops of blood is an actual medical condition called "hematohidrosis". It is a rare condition where the rupture of capillaries surrounding the sweat glands leads to blood entering the glands and oozing out the sweat ducts.)

The agony here is not fear, but trepidation due to unpredictable elements of the future. It is experiencing anxiety and being under stress to the point of trembling. It is extreme alertness as one faced a battle. This is not the same as feeling sorrowful but rather an anguished tension as He prepared to enter the trial.

The "cup" that Jesus was asking to be removed was not the fact of His physical death nor the possibility of an early death. These were part of the salvation from before the earth was established. It did represent separation from God through spiritual death. Spiritual death is accompanied by God's wrath. Jesus was dreading being separated from God. This happened from the 6th to the 9th hours (noon to 3PM).

Luk 23:44-46 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, (45) for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. (46) Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Isaiah provides insight into the suffering Jesus went through.

Isa 50:4-9 The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. (5) The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. (6) I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (7) Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. (8) He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! (9) It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

Isa 49:1-4 Is a lament at the implication that He had failed His mission due to the rejection of His Messiahship. Jesus is seen here in the midst of His agony due the failure.

Isa 49:1-4 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother's womb he has spoken my name. (2) He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. (3) He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." (4) But I said, "I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."

Isa 49:5-7 Is the angel that comes to strengthen Him. To be Israel's restorer was "too light a thing". The mission of Messiah Jesus was to the Gentiles, bringing salvation to the world.

Isa 49:5-7 And now the LORD says-- he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength-- (6) he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." (7) This is what the LORD says-- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

Isa 49:8-13 speaks to the restoration of Israel at the end of the age, a time when Jesus fulfills all of the covenant promises of restoration of the land to Israel and Israel to the land. Ultimately, Israel will turn to Messiah Jesus.

Isa 49:8-13 This is what the LORD says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, (9) to say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!' "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. (10) They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. (11) I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. (12) See, they will come from afar-- some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan." (13) Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Matt 26:47-50 - Crowds Come for Jesus

Mat 26:47-50 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. (48) Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." (49) Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. (50) Jesus replied, "Do what you came for, friend." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

Contrary to Jewish Law, the Sanhedrin bribed Judas with 30 pieces of silver to give up Jesus. Judas had accepted the bribe and accused Jesus, thus enabling an arrest to be made. They then took Judas to the Pontius Pilate to make an accusation against Jesus to the Romans, after which the Romans gave Judas a Roman cohort. A cohort consisted of a tenth of a legion, of 400 to 600 men.

The Jewish religious leaders were looking for a quiet private place in which Jesus could be arrested, and Judas, aware of Jesus's habits, was able to direct the Roman cohort to the Garden of Gethsemane to be arrested and taken. Inevitably a large crowd had gathered and followed them anyway.

The crowd consisted of the Roman cohort, a group of the temple police, and a group of chief priests (Sadducees) and elders (Pharisees). There were members of the Sanhedrin in both those groups. Also in attendance was the servant of the high priest who was there because the high priest was not permitted to leave the temple during the Passover. Mark saw that a multitude with swords and staves also come into the garden. In short, there was a huge crowd there.

Joh 18:3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

Luk 22:50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

Luk 22:52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?

Mar 14:43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

When the crowds arrived, Jesus takes the initiative and asks them who they have come for. When they replied with "Jesus of Nazareth", He replied "I AM". Perhaps a glimmer of His glory escaped as through a crack in His veil of flesh, which caused them all to back up and fall to the ground.

Joh 18:4-6 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" (5) "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) (6) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

There is no "he" in the Greek text, just "I AM". This can be interpreted as the "Great I AM" of the Old Testament in Exodus. This answer of "I AM" on the part of Jesus proclaimed His deity.

Exo 3:13-14 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" (14) God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Again Jesus asked them who they were looking for. When they answered "Jesus of Nazareth" this time Jesus simply answered "I am he" that you are looking for.

Even though Jesus had identified Himself twice, Judas, who had given a sign to the Romans of who Jesus would be so they could arrest Him, was determined to earn His 30 pieces. He would kiss Jesus on the cheek, which he did. As he is about to kills Jesus, Jesus asks him "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luk 22:48). Judas's response is affirmative. The Greek indicates that Judas kissed Jesus many times.

Mat 26:48-50 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." (49) Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. (50) Jesus replied, "Do what you came for, friend." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

Matt 26:51-53 - Peter and the Knife

Mat 26:51-53 With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. (52) "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. (53) Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

While the Romans are stepping up to take Him, Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of the high priests servant. Roman soldiers were trained to take a sword and knew just where to place the sword to cleave both the helmet and the head in half.

Peter would miss by a couple inches and take off an ear instead. In addition to that, the word translated "sword" is actually a small bowed knife that was probably dull, since the ear was more accurately described as being torn off. He was indeed more fisherman than soldier.

Imagine Peter, in the midst of 400-600 Roman soldiers, an unknown number of temple police and a crowd with assorted weapons taking off someones ear. He surely at that moment must have been willing to die for the Lord. His life could not have been spared had he taken off a Roman soldiers ear.

Jesus, probably in an effort to save Peter's life, quickly stepped in and healed the servants ear. Interestingly, while all four gospels record Peter cutting off the servants ear, only Luke records the healing.

Jesus told Peter that He had come to this "cup", to ultimately bring salvation to the world, and that He was going to go down this path for mankind. He had 12 legions, or 72,000 angels that He could call on if He was not to drink this cup. Prophecy would be fulfilled.

Mat 26:53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Matt 26:54-56 - Prophecy Will be Fulfilled

Mat 26:54-56 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (55) In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. (56) But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus's comments and attitude at this point demonstrates His victory through prayer. He was ready to go through the trial.

Jesus comments on the irony of meeting Him with all sorts of weapons as if He were a threat. They should know there is no threat as they have seen Him in conduct and teaching for 3 years and He never even hinted at violence.

He points out that everything that is happening is for the fulfillment of what was written about him in prophecy. The crowd and the arrest of Jesus was too much for the disciples and they all fled.

The following website contains a list of prophecies fulfilled the day Jesus died.

https://www.biblestudy.org/prophecy/the-day-jesus-died.html

Matt 26:57-58 - The Farce of a Trial Before Caiaphas

Mat 26:57-58 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. (58) But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

The two trials were held by the religious leaders and the Romans. There was first a religious, Jewish trial and then there was a civil Gentile trial led by the Romans.

Peter is following along at a distance. He wanted to know the outcome.

In the religious trial, John reveals that Jesus was brought before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. Caiaphas had previously advised the Jewish leaders that "it would be good if one man died for the people". This trial, who's purpose was to establish a charge, was a farce.

Joh 18:12-14 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him (13) and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. (14) Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Joh 11:48-53 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation." (49) Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! (50) You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." (51) He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, (52) and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (53) So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

Caiaphas's logic was that Jesus was causing too great a disturbance in Israel and that if He were allowed to continue it would be divisive and detrimental to the nation. It would be better to kill Him off than allow this to happen to Israel. Caiaphas's prophecy would come to pass, but not for the reasons he thought it would.

Jesus again points out in response to the questions asked by His accusers that they had no need to question Him, for they had seen Him and heard everything He said for the past three years. There was no secret teaching that went forth from Him. They could ask those who followed him what had been said by Him.

For giving this answer, Jesus is slapped by one of the officers.

Joh 18:19-23 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. (20) "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. (21) Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." (22) When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. (23) "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?"

Jesus was then taken to "the council of state and supreme tribunal of the Jewish Sanhedrin" without a charge being levied. They felt no need to present a charge as their plans for Jesus were a foregone conclusion. They intended to put Him to death regardless of the evidence. This was nothing new.

Joh 5:18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Joh 7:1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him.

Joh 7:30 At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

Joh 8:20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Joh 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Joh 10:39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

Matt 26:59-64 - The Second Trial

Mat 26:59-64 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. (60) But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward (61) and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'" (62) Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" (63) But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." (64) "You have said so," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

The second stage of this trial takes place with "the council of state and supreme tribunal of the Jewish Sanhedrin". The trial begins with a search for false witnesses. The truth would be established by the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses all reporting the same details. None could be found.

Finally one witness said, ""This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'" This sounded like what a second witness said, "'I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'" Well, one is a statement of ability, the other intent, so this testimony was discarded as well. At this point, with no witnesses against Him, He should have been released.

This frustrated Caiaphas and he takes charge and turned to Jesus to try and get Him to testify against Himself, but Jesus remained quiet at this. Finally Caiaphas "charged Jesus under oath", an order in which Jesus was required to respond. He was charged to say whether or not He was the Messiah "the Son of God".

At this, Jesus answered with "You have said so", an idiom with the meaning "I am". So Jesus admitted that He was in fact God, a fact that Caiaphas knew, and added that someday they would all come to know that this was true, as they would see Him sitting at the right hand of the Father.

Matt 26:65-68 - The Verdict and the Sentence

Mat 26:65-68 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. (66) What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. (67) Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him (68) and said, "Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?"

At this point, several things happened rather quickly. The high priest tore his clothing. He was not allowed to do this unless he heard blasphemy. In doing this, Caiaphas is the one that brought the charge, that of blasphemy, which was a capital offense.

Caiaphas also released the witnesses as he claimed they were no longer needed, not that they had brought anything of value to the proceedings anyway. They all, without a required vote, condemned Jesus to death, and spit at Him, struck Him and slapped Him. They mocked Him by asking Him to identify who was doing what in His abuse.

Matt 26:69-75 - Peter Denies Jesus

Mat 26:69-75 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said. (70) But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. (71) Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth." (72) He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!" (73) After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away." (74) Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. (75) Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter and John had followed Jesus at a distance as He was led to the courtyard of Caiaphas's household. This is where the trial was taking place, and Peter, not having access was standing outside the courtyard.

Mat 26:58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

John, however, was friends with the servants of Caiaphas, and they gave John access to the courtyard, but Peter was still outside the courtyard.

Joh 18:15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard,

John spoke to his friends the servant girls and gained access for Peter as well, so Peter went into the courtyard where the trial was taking place.

Joh 18:16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

Very soon after coming in to the courtyard, standing among the crowd warming themselves by a fire, a servant girl asked Peter, "aren't you one of this man's disciples too"? And so, Peter's first denial took place with "I am not".

Matthew records Jesus saying that before the rooster crowed three times, Peter would disown Him, and Mark records that Peter would disown him before the rooster crowed twice.

Mat 26:34 "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

Mar 14:30 "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."

Regardless, Peter did deny his association with Jesus three times and a rooster crowed. Peter's denial grew in intensity with each event. The first time Peter was accused of associating with Jesus, Peter just said, "I don't know what you are talking about."

The second time, Peter spoke an oath and said "I don't know the man." He moved from a simply denial to an oath.

The third time, after about an hour, the group that Peter was standing with again accused Peter of his association with Jesus and this time Peter "began to call down curses and he swore to them" saying "I don't know the man!" The calling down of curses was a way of declaring ones innocence, which is to say that if he were lying, then he would be cursed. This is the idea in Act 23:12, where being bound with an oath, the are swearing themselves a curse should they change their mind.

Act 23:12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.

Peter's calling of a curse was against Jesus. The calling of cursing and swearing does not mean that Peter used profanity.

Immediately upon the third denial, the rooster crows, and Jesus looks at Peter. Peter is devastated.

Luk 22:61-62 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." (62) And he went outside and wept bitterly.

At this point the trial in the courtyard is breaking up. Jesus is beaten and mocked by the guards who are watching over Him.

Luk 22:63-65 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. (64) They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" (65) And they said many other insulting things to him.