In these chapters we get to the climax of the story of Jesus, but in chapter 26 the conflict and rising action are still going on. The religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus which was conflict from others, and then after Jesus was anointed with very expensive perfume, Judas went to the religious leaders to see how much they would give him for giving Jesus to them. This is conflict from within the group. Jesus knew who would betray Him, yet He was still willing to give thanks to God as he broke the bread at the supper and said, "Take and eat, this is my body." Jesus and His disciples went to Gethsemane, and Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Now there is internal conflict, but there was no other way. Jesus obeyed the Father. Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. Jesus was arrested and found "worthy of death." They gave Him to Pilate the governor who gave Him to be crucified. While Jesus was on the cross, He cried out with a loud voice and gave up His Spirit. "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." That is the climax. Jesus took our wrath of God upon Himself which gave us access to God through Jesus Christ. Joseph of Arimathea asked for His body, wrapped His body, and placed it in his new grave. The religious leaders sealed it and guarded it, but that could not stop God's plan. The day after the Passover, the women came to the tomb, but Jesus was not there. Instead there was an angel who told them to tell the disciples and to meet Him in Galilee. The women, "hurried away from the tomb, afraid and filled with joy!" The disciples met Jesus in Galilee. Some believed and others did not. Jesus gave them the "Great Commission." Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach. All of this can be done because Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth, and because He is with us always, even to the very end of the age.
