Matthew 26  Jesus clearly reveals to His disciples what is about to happen.  Judas makes his deal with the chief priests. The disciples gather in the upper room for their last Passover with Jesus. Again, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that His body will be broken and His blood shed.  They go into Gethsemane where Jesus prays and the disciples sleep.. and the betrayer comes.

Everything that happens.. every detail.. is according to God's plan.  Prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus is condemned to die and the Jewish leaders are taking upon themselves the shedding of innocent blood.
Judas has committed a betrayal that Jesus says is so horrid that it would have been better if he had never been born.  Peter fails to keep his word and denies even knowing Jesus.

At that moment in time.. darkness is apparently winning.. but, oh how thankful we are that this is not the end of the story!  Christ will die, but He will rise again! God's plan will fulfill His purpose.. Christ will die, but not in vain.. for this is the price of all mankind's sin.  Christ will rise again.. and this will be a fulfillment of all the Word.. the resurrection testifies of God's greatness and grace.  Jesus is the First and because He lives.. we can too!  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

"Tell me the old, old story.. that I may take it in.. That wonderful redemption, God's remedy for sin..."

Father in heaven, You sent Your only begotten Son, that His death and resurrection would open the way for our salvation.. for life.  Thank You for saving us through Jesus Christ, the Lord, Who even now intercedes for us at Your right hand. Amazing Grace!  We exalt in You.  We praise Your name.
We seek Your will and Your power to live in faith and to obey Your word. Amen.