Hebrews 12:1-3 - Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Evidence #1: Jesus’ Willingness to Obey the Father Despite the Intensity of the Upcoming Suffering
(26:36-46)
A. The anguish of His soul
Matthew 26:37-38 - And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
B. The desire for companionship
Matthew 26:40, 43-45 - And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
Evidence #2: Jesus’ Willingness to Fulfill the Scriptures Although It Included His Betrayal
(26:47-56)
Matthew 26:53-56 - …do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way? At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.
A. The Scripture predicted His treatment
Isaiah 53:12 - Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors.
B. The Scripture predicted His followers leaving Him
Zechariah 13:7 - “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man, My Associate,” declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; and I will turn My hand against the little ones.
C. Jesus’ suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension sets in motion many other of God’s promises
Evidence #3: Jesus’ Willingness to Speak when Silence Might Delay the Cross (26:57-68)
A. Difficulty finding two witnesses
Matthew 26:59-61 - Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”
B. Jesus provides clear language for their charge
Matthew 26:63-65 - But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy…”
Evidence #4: Jesus’ Willingness to Remain Silent when Speaking Might Delay the Cross
(27:11-26)
A. Pilate’s desire to set Him free
Matthew 27:11 - Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
Matthew 27:19 - While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.”
B. Jesus’ refusal to defend Himself
Matthew 27:13-14 - Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.
Matthew 27:26 - Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.
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