Sunday – Two False Witnesses: Matthew 26:57-62; Mark 14:53-60; Luke 18:12-14
From the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was led away captive to the palace of Annas, and then to Caiaphas, the high priest, who had purposed long before that Jesus must die (John 11:47-54). They felt justified (despite Deuteronomy 19:16-21) in using false witnesses to testify against Jesus, but although there were many available, none of their claims coincided (at least two with the same testimony were required by Moses’ law, Deuteronomy 19:15). Finally, two were found using the same twisted story, accusing Jesus of speaking against the Temple. Fulfilling Isaiah 53:7, Jesus remained silent.
Monday – Jesus Condemned by the Jews: Matthew 26:63-66; Mark 14:61-64; Luke 22:66-71; John 18:19-24
Seeing that the false charges weren’t incriminating enough, Caiaphas put Jesus under oath and asked Hm to explain His teachings, and if He was the Son of God. Under oath, Jesus was legally compelled to answer, and He therefore affirmed that He was God’s Son, applying Psalms 110:1 and Daniel 7:13, predicting His resurrection, ascension into heaven, and return in glory. This very message would mean salvation to those who believe in Him, but it was seen as blasphemy by the Jewish council and thus sealed His condemnation to death.
Tuesday – Jesus Beaten & Blasphemed: Matthew 26:67-68; Mark 14:65; Luke 22:63-65
The treatment given to Jesus before and after the verdict had been pronounced was brutal and illegal, but it was also a further fulfillment of Scripture (Isaiah 50:6; Zechariah 13:6-7). They spit upon His face, beat His neck with their fists, and slapped Him viciously in the face. He was blindfolded and struck with rods, as they taunted Jesus to prophesy and reveal who it was that had struck Him. Is there any doubt what hateful spirit had seized upon them? Gone was the respectability of their station and office; dismissed were the qualities of rationality and decency expected of those in judicial authority. They had become the diabolical puppets of Satan.
Wednesday – Simon Peter’s Denial: Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27
Many can relate to Simon Peter, who had the best of intentions, yet his obedience and follow-through were flawed. He talked a good talk but relied on his own strength. This led to many failures as he followed Christ, but this denial was the greatest. He had been so adamant in his commitment, so certain of his loyalty. Still, he denied his Lord three times. As the cock crowed, just what did he see in Jesus’ eyes when the Lord turned and looked at him?
Thursday – Jesus Delivered to Pilate: Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; John 18:28-31
Under Roman rule, the Jews could try a man, but it required an official trial and sentencing by the Roman governor to carry out capital punishment. So, after three hurried, mock trials that continued through the night, the Jews delivered Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, demanding Jesus’ death.
Friday – Judas & the Blood Money: Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:18-19
The word rendered “remorseful,” in v. 3 can mean, “regretted.” Judas had seen Jesus evade capture several times, and it’s likely he never imagined Jesus would ever reach trial, let alone be condemned. But Judas’ business deal backfired! Attempting to appease his conscience, he tries to return the blood money (the price of a slave, Exodus 21:32), but is scorned. Casting the silver down in the temple, he went out and committed suicide.
Saturday – The Field of Blood: Matthew 27:6-10
Using “tainted” money in the temple was an abomination (Deuteronomy 23:18). Instead, the priests bought a field in which to bury strangers. It was called the field of blood, because it was purchased with the blood money paid to Judas for his betrayal of Jesus. This was written in the prophecies of Zechariah (see Zechariah 11:12-13), although Matthew credits it to Jeremiah. Some Bible scholars believe that this prophecy originated in the “oral tradition” of Jeremiah and was later affirmed and written by Zechariah.