From “Jesús’ Journey to the Cross” by Dr Greg Baxter
On Wednesday there are three recorded incidences. Jesus tells His disciples that He will die on Passover by crucifixion (Matt. 26:1-2), the religious leaders plot to Kill Jesus (Matt 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John 11:447-53), and Judas’s betrayal contract (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6; John 13:2;13:27;6:70-71). They then return to Bethany.
Jesus confides in His disciples again about His death by crucifixion. This is part of the fourth lesson (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20) on the cross He shared with the twelve (Lk. 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:18-19). He was probably prompted by the sermon on judgment he preached and the denunciation of the Pharisees He delivered the day before (see Day 4, passion week post).
Next, the religious leaders are now focused on killing Jesus after being humiliated in the temple when they challenged the Son of Man. They secretly plot at the residence of the high priest. There Caiaphas fatefully announced, “it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish (John 11:50). The Sanhedrin accepts the recommendation and decides the deed must be done at any time other than during the feast. They knew how popular Jesus was with the people. There was no discussion of whether He should be put to death but how to accomplish the horrible deed ( Matt 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John 11:47-53).
The plot against our Savior gains momentum with Judas’s betrayal contract (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6; John 13:2;13:27;6:70-71). After Judas was rebuked for chiding Mary over the anointing oil and the lost revenue he could steal, he goes to the Chief Priest. He agrees to find a way to betray Jesus for the right price. With Satan’s help Judas willingly turns against the Lord.
The day ends and the small band of brothers returned to Bethany for what would be their last night’s sleep before the entire world would change forever.
Lord,
Open my heart, energize my emotions, and provide the words that proclaim the unending love of Calvary,
Never to forget the place where burdens are removed and sins forgiven,
Increase my faith believing that you will fulfill all your promises to your people in spite of opposition, conflict, and controversy,
Keep the evil one from accomplishing his diabolical plots against God’s people.
In Jesus name. Amen.