Matthew 26, 27, 28

January 12, 2011

Matthew 26, 27, 28

Overview:  Jesus celebrates the passover with his disciples which transitions into Matthew's account of the arrest, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  The book concludes with the Great Commission.

Early on in chapter 26 there is an account of an unnamed woman anointing Jesus with costly ointment.  This is followed almost immediately by a very pointedly named ("Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot" - 26:14) follower of Jesus betraying him.  The story of the anointing echoed the story of Jesus' baptism in my mind.  At the time of his baptism there is the voice of God identifying Jesus ("This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased" 3:17).  Here, shortly before his arrest, is Jesus being anointed by this unnamed woman who does so, clearly, for one reason - at some level she recognizes Jesus..  Judas has followed Jesus around for three years and yet he is unable to recognize Jesus and so makes the decision to sell him out to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver.  The disciples have just criticized Jesus for allowing the woman to "waste" money by anointing him with the valuable ointment.  Judas places a value of thirty pieces of silver on the most valuable gift one could have in ones life - Jesus Christ.  The juxtaposition of these two vignettes sets the scene for the story of Jesus final meal with his disciples, his arrest, Peters denial (in its own way perhaps a more shocking development then Judas' betrayal) and the crucifixion and resurrection.
I have always loved Matthew 28:1 - "After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb."  We know what they are going to find; what I love is how that first verse hints at what only God can do.  Jesus is buried.  His followers are undoubtedly grief stricken and despondent.  Time passes  A long night into a new day and the women come to the tomb.  In that long night where death reigns it is only God who can act.  "As the first day of the week was dawning" God had acted.  In the dark God had done what only God can do and turned the morning into the most dazzling of lights.