Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 26:1-25

February 11, 2016 by Dalton Vansell Preparing for Sunday

If you are able, it would be helpful to go back and listen to the last message on Matthew to remember the context: Click Here

Quickly look through chapters 23-25 to refresh your mind on what led up to this passage.
Read Matthew 26:1-25. As you read, what is the common driving force in this passage? What are all the events in this passage that are leading up to and pointing to this point (Specifically verses: 2, 4, 11-12, 15, 18).
How would the disciples have received v. 2 immediately after hearing about the Son’s coming in glory and judgment? Would they see the connection? What connection, if any, do you see?
Should the plotting of the chief priests and elders surprise us? What has created the conflict between Jesus and them up to this point?
What is the significance of the woman anointing Jesus with oil? Why did his disciples respond the way they did? What should Jesus’ response teach us?
What role did Judas play? Why was this role necessary? Look carefully at the beginning of v. 24. Notice God’s sovereignty even in this situation.

How should Jesus’ prediction of his own death affect us? What does this tell us about our Lord and Savior? What should our response be?
Think about your heart's position and whether or not you would be indignant at the woman who anointed Jesus. Pray that the Lord would cultivate your heart to be like this woman’s.
Notice the legacy of the woman in v. 13. What will your legacy be? Ask the Father for this passage to serve as an example of what we should strive to be remembered for.
Jesus knew who would betray him, and that “The Son of Man goes as it is written of him.” It was the sovereign plan of God before time that the Son would come and die for sinners taking the wrath of God in their place. How should this affect the way we view the sovereignty of God?

Pray that the Lord would prepare your heart for the teaching of His Word.
Pray that our hearts would be open to rebuke and that our eyes would be open to the sin that needs to be exposed by the preaching of God’s Word this week.
Pray for the lost in attendance to be broken by the work of the Holy Spirit using His preached Word and that hearts would be made new and see a marvelous Savior, who is God and exalt Him in all His glory!
Encourage one another in the Word in the understanding of God's glory and how we can give it to Him. Look for ways to use this passage and sermon to give Glory to God with the members of the body of Summit Woods.
Pray for those who will be leading our gathering this week: Dawson Bryant, music; Brett Harris, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Spend some time preparing for worship in the music below, but more importantly the lyrics. Pray that our church would come together as one to sing praise to the Lord, "teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God". (Col 3:16)