Preparation for the Cross: Prophecy, Plotting, Preparation, Pieces of Silver

After His final discourse of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus now prepares for the purpose of His first coming and the most import event of all human history--His death, burial, and resurrection. With Matthew 26-28 we now tread upon holy ground.

In the first 16 verses Matthew wonderfully creates two contrasts out of four events to start the preparation of Jesus for the cross. Here we see Jesus' prophecy of His crucifixion contrasted to the Jewish leaders' plotting for His death and then the woman out of love giving all to prepare Jesus for burial vs. Judas our of pride asking for money to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:1-16 - Preparation for the Cross
I. Prophecy for Crucifixion (vv1-2)
II. Plotting to Kill (vv3-5)
III. Preparation for Burial (vv6-13)
IV. Payment to Betray (vv14-16)