Matthew 26c Commentary
Keeping with the original plan, the LORD Jesus is arrested and the Sanhedrin holds court at night. It’s a secret operation! They really don’t need any evidence. Jesus must die, regardless. The sick should be happy! His wounds would provide healing. This is interesting!
In his life under the sun, Jesus healed countless individuals. But the great prophet Isaiah specifically names the wounds of Jesus as a special source of healing for humanity. Could it be that the prophet is also talking about a special sickness?
Without the brutality and incivility of the Sanhedrin, we probably don’t have our healing! “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.” Isaiah 53 verse 4.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53 verse 5.
The Son with the government on His shoulders is also the Prince of Peace. But that peace comes at a huge cost! It takes Calvary! We are witnessing history! Poor Sanhedrin! They know nothing about the grand plan of Heaven! How you wish they played the role of obedient pawns in the grand plan!
Instead, there is deception – the hallmark of their master, the devil. The court session is held deep in the night and the outcome is pre-determined. Indeed, “the hands of sinners”, verse 45, that’s how the LORD Jesus describes the Chief Priest’s team; they assemble a team of false witnesses. Whatever happened to truthfulness at the Temple of the El-Shaddai God! Verses 59 and 60.
The court session is finally closed after the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, does something he should never have done, tear his priestly vestments. “ ‘The high priest, the one among his brothers who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt or tear his clothes.” Leviticus 21 verse 10.
Caiaphas, in mock horror, tears his vestments. He knows it. He hasn’t bothered to search the scriptures and hear the Spirit of the LORD concerning the Messiah. So sad!
We doubt if Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin), was part of this trial. He had had his own night court session, but it was fair. It was objective. He learned and probably received a righteousness that could only come from the LORD Jesus. He had avoided the folly and evil of Caiaphas’ questions. We also know that Joseph of Arimathea, another member of the Sanhedrin, disagreed with Caiaphas. The two would later combine and handle the burial of the body of the Servant. John 19 verses 38 and 39.
Among the scattered sheep is Peter – not completely scattered. His partial scattering renders him venerable. He is available for the temptation and denies his Master three times – to ensure there isn’t any doubt in the denial. Poor Peter!
There is importance for the saint; leave even a leg in there and temptations show up almost immediately – too big for Peter’s poor courage and strength. There is importance for the saint. Yes, the kingdom is here, but the subjects of the kingdom are yet to be clothed with special ability to live the kingdom life!
When all is completed and our Peter is especially enabled, everything changes. He shall stand, not in front of a servant girl but in front of the Sanhedrin itself, and declare his faith in the LORD Jesus. But that is for the Book of Acts.
Yes, we have our healing, but importantly, we have the following from our Master: “From this time on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of heaven!”
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 