First, we examined how Jesus was crucified, drawing on previous discussions. Second, we discussed the woman who anointed Jesus with perfume beforehand, declaring that wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she did will be told in memory of her. Third, we recounted the preparations for the Last Supper and its brief prophecies, referencing past discussions. Fourth, we referenced past discussions to describe the Last Supper banquet. Fifth, we discussed the institution of the Lord’s Supper, the only ordinance the Lord established in the New Covenant for us to observe in remembrance of Him, again incorporating references to past discussions. Sixth, we addressed the prophecy of Peter’s threefold denial, again drawing from past discussions. Finally, we examined the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, comparing the accounts in the four Gospels. Crucially, the content of this answered prayer is important: “yet not what I will, but what You will.”
1. How Jesus was crucified
“Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.””(Mark 14:1-2)
They had long plotted to kill Jesus. As early as when He healed the man with the withered right hand on the Sabbath, the scribes and Pharisees “…themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.”(Luke 6:11) When Jesus healed the man who had been ill for thirty-eight years near the Sheep Gate, “Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.””(John 5:8) “For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”(John 5:16-18) Because they kept the letter of the law rather than its true meaning, when Pilate judged Him, “The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.””(John 19:7) During the trial, “And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail.”(Luke 23:22-23) Ultimately, Pilate crucified the innocent One.
Let us briefly review this process: First, “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.”(Mark 14:10-11) Ultimately, Judas took decisive action, using a kiss as a signal to confirm they had the right man (cf. Matthew 26:47-50). We previously discussed details in “1. The time, process, and ending of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal” under “1081 Discussion of Judas’ betrayal and the ceremony of bread and cups – Jesus (33),” which detailed some specifics. Please visit our website ‘https://a-christian-voice.com/‘, click ‘On spiritual understanding about life’, and find this article.
2. The matter of pouring the perfume on Jesus in advance
“While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.””(Mark 14:3-9)
The same event is recorded in Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8, truly fulfilling “…wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”(Mark 14:9) The latter explicitly identifies Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, as a thief, and he said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?”(John 12:5)
Jesus had prophecies of His death and resurrection (as in Matthew 20:19). Here we note that this perfume was originally kept for the day of Jesus’ burial. Mary’s use of it now signifies her belief in the prophecy of Jesus’ death. Having previously witnessed His power to raise Lazarus from the dead (see John 11:11-45), she naturally believed He could raise Himself. We touched on this briefly in “1. Mary anointed Jesus because she believed in His prophecies” under “1128 Resurrection, humility, life, voice from heavenly father- John (12) 1-43.” At that time, I hadn’t noticed Lazarus’ resurrection had occurred earlier; it was only through others’ responses in other place that I became aware of this point. In “1. Lazarus’ illness,” under “1127 Death and resurrection of Lazarus and politics caused – John (11) 1-54,” we also briefly discussed this event.
Finally, it should be noted that some might mistakenly assume the woman who broke the alabaster jar and poured perfume in Luke 7:36-50 is the same person. While both events occurred in the house of a man named Simon, they involved different individuals. The earlier incident took place during Jesus’ early ministry, whereas this one occurred near the time of His crucifixion. The temporal discrepancy alone indicates they are not the same event. We previously discussed Luke 7:36-50 in detail in “1054 The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume and the parable of sowing seeds -The image of Jesus (9),” specifically in section “1. The woman who anointed Jesus with perfume.” Please locate these articles as described.
3. Preparations for the last supper
“On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.”(Mark 14:12-16)
The same event is recorded in Luke 22:7-13 and briefly mentioned in Matthew 26:17-19. Note that it says “found it just as,” indicating a short-term prophecy. We previously discussed Luke 22:7-13 in “2. Preparation for the Passover Feast Prophecy and Fulfillment” in “1081.” We won’t elaborate here; please refer to that article.
4. The Last Supper
“When it was evening He came with the twelve. As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.””(Mark 14:17-21)
The same event is recorded in Matthew 26:20-25, but with the addition: “And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.””(Matthew 26:25) It is also briefly recorded in Luke 22:14-16, but states: “…I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”(Luke 22:15-16)
Before Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, left the Last Supper, John 13:1-30 devotes the most space and provides the most detailed account. The Gospel of John clearly states that Jesus dipped the bread for Judas, not “…said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.””(Matthew 26:25). Since the Gospel of John was written later, it corrects the error in the Book of Matthew. This is because the triune God is not a God who commands actions all the time; even in inspired revelation, He grants humans some freedom. When people err within that freedom due to their old self, He corrects them in His own way. John’s correction of Matthew exemplifies this principle perfectly. It also reveals that Matthew at that time had not yet fully conformed to the image of Christ at that time; otherwise there was no error. Ultimately, he attained this goal—otherwise, there would be no mention in the Book of Matthew “…you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”(Matthew 19:28)
We truly need to understand the Bible. The only way to understand it is to let the Holy Spirit lead our Bible study. I sincerely hope more people will commit themselves—not just in words, but through actions! We must especially emphasize that the Triune God is not a God who issues commands and ask us to act upon them all the time; He grants humanity freedom. For instance, in the corresponding topicwise Bible study recorded on YouTube about this article, I hadn’t realized at the time that Matthew was fully conformed to Jesus’ image. Now I see this logically—it’s an example of Him granting me freedom to make decisions. He is the true and living God.
We previously discussed in detail the Lord Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in “2. Jesus, one of the Trinity, is love” within “1129 Light and love, receiving Lord and being sent – John (12) 44-John (13) 30,” specifically covering John 13:1-17. In “3. Receive the Lord Jesus and kick me,” we thoroughly examined John 13:18-30. Please locate this article using the method described.
5. The institution of the Lord’s Supper
“While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”(Mark 14:22-26)
The same event is recorded in Matthew 26:26-30. Luke 22:14-23 also recounts this event. These and related passages were discussed in detail in “3. The ceremony of setting up bread and cups at the Passover feast” in “1081.”
Numerous related passages exist. For instance, when explaining the meaning of the breaking of bread as “in remembrance of me,” we cited 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. These texts also state: “And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.”(Luke 22:20-23) For the Book of Luke states, “it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus.”(Luke 1:3) According to the Book of Luke, they only began questioning each other after the meal, revealing a contradiction. John, an eyewitness, recognized this discrepancy and corrected it in his Gospel, written after Luke’s one.
The Gospel of John states: “The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. …So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; …”(John 13:22-30) Therefore, Judas, who betrayed the Lord, departed before the meal was finished. It is impossible that “And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, …”(Luke 22:20) Moreover, Jesus merely dipped a piece of bread for Judas, not breaking it. In short, Judas did not partake of the breaking of bread.
Finally, regarding the grape juice (the fruit G1081 of the vine G288), it only states it came from grapes, not specifying whether the cup contained juice or wine. The breaking of bread is the only ordinance the Lord instituted in the New Testament for us to observe. Its true meaning is “in remembrance of me,” and we know that “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”(1 Corinthians 11:26). Here I’ll share a brief testimony: While preparing, 1 Corinthians 11:26 came to mind. Initially, I couldn’t integrate it and deleted it, but unexpectedly it proved relevant here, so I retrieved and added it. Sometimes when the Holy Spirit leads Bible study, verses that seem out of place at first become clear later.
This is like the Sabbath: the Lord keeps its true essence, not its literal timing. Thus, using grape juice or wine is irrelevant. But to claim that bread and wine, once blessed, transform into Jesus’ flesh and blood—the Bible makes no such claim. That is a human invention.
After His resurrection, Jesus truly did not drink grape juice again. When the two disciples on the road to Emmaus “…urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.”(Luke 24:29-31) He broke the bread and suddenly vanished—without drinking any grape juice. On another occasion, “Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise.”(John 21:12-13) And it was only bread. Some might say it was because carrying grape juice was inconvenient, but Scripture clearly states, “Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”(Mark 14:25) Believe what the Bible says; do not invent your own reasons to explain it.
6. The prophecy of Peter’s three denials
“And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also.”(Mark 14:27-31)
The prophecy of Peter’s threefold denial is also recorded in the other three Gospels: Matthew 26:31-35, Luke 22:31-34, and John 13:36-38. None of these three accounts mention the rooster crowing twice. Not only do they are consistent, but also the verse “Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.”(John 18:27) It is due to the fact that the Gospel of John was written last, its text corrects the error in the Book of Mark. Beyond this, Matthew 26:31-35 aligns with Mark’s account. Previously, in “1. Prophecy that Peter would deny the Lord three times,” under “1082 Prophecy about Peter would deny Jesus three times and love of God- Jesus (34),” we discussed Luke 22:31-34 and related passages in detail, also mentioning John 13:36-38 and Mark 14:27-31. Please locate this article using the method described.
7. The prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane
“They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. And He came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!””(Mark 14:32-42)
We see the word “deeply grieved,” and we know He was in His humanity. As we said before, during His incarnation, Jesus never used His divinity. After the Last Supper, “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples.”(John 18:1) Then came Jesus’ arrest: “Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.”(John 18:2-3) Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, a location recorded in the other three Gospels (see Matthew 26:47-48, Mark 14:43-44, Luke 22:47). Thus, this garden refers to the Garden of Gethsemane, and we can determine its approximate location.
These verses vividly describe the scene of prayer. He urged them to stay awake and pray, yet He knew their flesh was weak. When one is truly exhausted, he can do nothing but sleep. He prayed the same prayer three times, as the text clearly states: “And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.”(Matthew 26:44) We see the same event recorded in Matthew 26:36-46 and briefly in Luke 22:39-46, but it adds, “Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.”(Luke 22:43-44)
For the same event, if the accounts are correct, we must take their union. So here it is said that the angel’s appearance only strengthened Him. The Father never forced Him to make any decision through the Holy Spirit; the decision He made in prayer was His own willing choice.
(Verses refer to those in NASB95 unless otherwise specified.)
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