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Matthew 26:1-2
As it is nearing the end of Jesus’ earthly physical ministry – only two more days (Matthew 26:2) – Jesus has spent these last days speaking to the scribes and Pharisees; to bring to light their selfish hearts and to lead them to believe in Him as the Christ (Matthew 23). He has then taught of how important it is to be ready when He returns with His angels, and that all the nations will be judged for their works, either in Christ or not in Christ (Matthew 24-25). And as we begin Matthew 26 we learn why these things have been so important to emphasize as Jesus is now notifying His disciples that in two days He will be crucified.
This is a promise of the sinless One to be delivered up to pay the price for all sin.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 3:21-26 (NKJV), “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” And continuing in Romans 6:20-23, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Dear LORD,
This is the message of the Bible: that we are sinful and that Jesus came to pay for our sins so that through Him we may have eternal life. We are about to study the conviction, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Please open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to salvation in Christ Jesus so that we too may bask in His glory and righteousness for eternity. In Jesus name I pray, amen.