The Bible Is Good

More Powerful Than Power (Matthew 26:36–75)

Matthew 26 moves from the Passover table into the darkness of Gethsemane. Jesus wrestles in prayer, asking the Father if there is any other way to deal with the problem of human sin. The answer is clear: there isn’t.

In this episode, we walk through Jesus’ prayer in the garden, Judas’ betrayal, the arrest, the trial before Caiaphas, and Peter’s denial. At every step Jesus stands increasingly alone, yet he moves forward willingly.

The cross is not weakness. Jesus could call twelve legions of angels at any moment. Instead, he shows that the gospel is something more powerful than power.

00:00 – Introduction
Matthew 26 continues the story from the Passover meal.

01:00 – Reading Matthew 26:36–46
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

02:30 – Gethsemane: The Oil Press
Jesus is emotionally crushed as he prepares for the cross.

03:30 – The Inner Three
Peter, James, and John are invited to watch and pray.

04:30 – The Two Parts of Jesus’ Prayer
“Is there another way?” and “Your will be done.”

05:30 – The Father’s Plan
Jesus goes to the cross in obedience to the Father.

06:30 – The Disciples Fall Asleep
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

07:45 – Praying Three Times
Jesus confirms there truly is no other way.

08:30 – Reading Matthew 26:47–56
Judas arrives with the crowd to arrest Jesus.

09:30 – The Betrayal Kiss
Judas identifies Jesus in the darkness.

10:30 – Peter’s Sword
A servant’s ear is cut off during the arrest.

11:30 – Twelve Legions of Angels
Jesus could call overwhelming power—but doesn’t.

13:00 – Something More Powerful Than Power
The cross accomplishes what force cannot.

14:30 – Reading Matthew 26:57–68
Jesus stands before Caiaphas and the council.

16:00 – A Trial Looking for Evidence
False witnesses struggle to make their case.

17:30 – Jesus Remains Silent
He refuses to defend himself against the circus.

18:30 – The Messiah Question
“Are you the Christ, the Son of God?”

19:30 – The Son of Man Prophecy
Jesus references Daniel 7 and claims everlasting authority.

21:00 – The Verdict
The leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy.

22:00 – Mockery and Abuse
Jesus is struck, spat on, and ridiculed.

22:45 – Reading Matthew 26:69–75
Peter denies Jesus three times.

23:30 – Recognized by His Accent
Peter’s Galilean background gives him away.

24:15 – The Third Denial
The rooster crows just as Jesus predicted.

25:00 – Peter Weeps Bitterly
 The weight of failure hits him.

26:00 – Final Reflection
 There is no other way to deal with sin except through Jesus.

27:00 – Closing Prayer
A prayer for deeper wonder at what Christ has done.

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