The Passion of the King

atthew chapter 26 in the Bible primarily focuses on the events leading up to the betrayal and arrest of Jesus Christ. Here's a summary:

Plot to Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:1-5): Jesus predicts his impending crucifixion, and the chief priests and elders plot to arrest him secretly and kill him, but not during the Passover feast to avoid causing a riot among the people.

Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13): Jesus is anointed by a woman with expensive perfume at the house of Simon the leper. Some disciples are indignant at the waste of the costly perfume, but Jesus defends the woman, commending her for preparing him for burial.

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16): Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Preparation for the Passover (Matthew 26:17-19): Jesus instructs his disciples to prepare for the Passover meal, and he tells them to look for a man carrying a jar of water, who will lead them to a house where they can celebrate.

The Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-30): Jesus and his disciples gather for the Passover meal, which becomes known as the Last Supper. During this meal, Jesus institutes the sacrament of communion, foretells his betrayal by one of the disciples, and predicts Peter's denial.

Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, where he agonizes over the events to come. He asks his disciples to keep watch with him, but they fall asleep. Jesus prays for the Father's will to be done, even though he knows the suffering that awaits him.

Jesus' Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56): Judas arrives in the garden with a crowd armed with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus. Peter attempts to defend Jesus by cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant, but Jesus tells him to put away his sword. Jesus is then arrested and taken away.

Jesus' Trial before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68): Jesus is brought before the high priest and the Sanhedrin, where false witnesses testify against him. Jesus remains silent until asked directly if he is the Messiah, to which he responds affirmatively. The high priest accuses him of blasphemy.

Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75): While Jesus is being interrogated, Peter denies knowing him three times, just as Jesus predicted.

This chapter sets the stage for the crucifixion and highlights themes of betrayal, suffering, and the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' final hours before his arrest.