[Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:26-29]

Introduction

A. In the first of the four gospels, Matthew paints the portrait of a King Whose kingdom was largely misunderstood.

B. Although Jesus was not the king that the Jewish nation was expecting, He was the only King Who could lead them to victory.

Discussion

I. Jesus’ final hours on Earth looked like anything but victorious.

A. He was denied and betrayed by His closest friends (Matthew 26:56,69-75; 26:14-16).

B. For several days He had spoken repeatedly about dying (Matthew 16:21; 26:2,11-12,28).

C. When arrested and tried, He offered neither resistance nor defense (Matthew 26:51-54; cf. Isaiah 53:7).

D. When He stood before the people who had held Him as a prophet, they rejected Him (Matthew 21:8-11; cf. 27:20-21).

E. Jesus died quickly (John 19:31-34; Mark 15:44).

F. It seemed to most that God truly had forsaken this poor dying Man (Matthew 27:42; cf. Isaiah 53:3-4).

II. In spite of appearances, Jesus triumphed gloriously in the cross.

A. Jesus promised victory in spite of His impending death (Matthew 26:29,64).

B. He was victorious over the flesh (cf. Matthew 26:41).

C. He was victorious over sin (Romans 5:9; 6:4; 8:1-4).

D. He was victorious over death (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).

A. Remarkably the cross has come to represent the greatest victory of all time (Colossians 2:11-15; Ephesians 2:15-16; Galatians 6:14).

B. The great King is willing to share His victory with all those who will respond in faith to the invitation He offers (Revelation 22:17).