Death by crucifixion is one of the cruelest and most degrading forms of punishment ever devised by human perversity, even in the eyes of the pagan world of old. Josephus described it as “the most wretched of all ways of dying,” and the shudder caused by the cross as an instrument of execution is still reflected in the English word “excruciating.”

Contemporary news stories confirm that the Bible is, in fact, more relevant today than ever before. Events from 2000 years ago read like the New York Times. Yet, for people of faith, resurrection and new life are always right around the corner. The King overcomes even when rejected by the elite and the masses.

As the night before the cross continues to unfold, both Peter and Jesus are on trial in their own ways. Peter dismally failed his test; Jesus triumphed in His. In the providence of God, this text applies to Christians of all generations and in every situation in which faith is challenged.

Both the private and public aspects of the passion of Christ now play out as a supernatural drama. The certainty of Jesus stands in marked contrast to the evil hearts of His opponents and the fearful hearts of His followers. He must walk the rest of this journey alone...for us.

The Last Supper shared with Jesus was clearly the celebration of the Passover, occurring on Thursday evening. Emotions run high as a traitor is revealed, a promise is declared, and an over-confident heart is exposed. This inherited meal reveals the heart of our Christian faith.

“Extravagance” is not a word normally associated with worship. Yet, at a crucial moment in the passion of Jesus, He commends an unnamed woman for her outrageous act of worship on His behalf. Worship transforms broken lives into fragrant blessings for our Lord.

With a jigsaw of OT quotations, Jesus transitions from upcoming judgment on ancient Judaism to final judgment of all creation. He prepares His followers for the imminent events of the Passion by assuring them of the ultimate victory to come. Atonement is no longer found symbolically in the Temple, but fully in the cross and crown of Jesus Christ!

With only private instruction of the disciples remaining, Jesus seizes on a question about the destruction of the Temple to prepare His followers in every generation to be alert, but not panicked, about end times. His purpose here is not to give details about the future but to provide assurance of His return and to promote faithfulness in the present.