As Jesus finishes these teachings about the coming kingdom, the narrative moves toward the events that will bring His ministry to its decisive moment. He tells His disciples plainly that the Passover is approaching and that the Son of Man will be delivered to be crucified. What He has been foretelling throughout the journey now draws near.

At the same time, the chief priests and elders gather in the court of the high priest, Caiaphas. There they begin planning how they might seize Jesus secretly and put Him to death. Yet they agree that it should not occur during the feast, fearing the reaction of the crowds who still regard Him as a prophet.

While these plans are forming in Jerusalem, Jesus is in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. During the meal a woman approaches with an alabaster jar containing very costly perfume. She pours the perfume upon His head as He reclines at the table. The disciples react with frustration, suggesting that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.

Jesus answers by defending her action. What she has done, He explains, is a beautiful act. The poor will always remain among them, but His presence with them will not last in the same way. By pouring the perfume upon Him, she has unknowingly prepared Him for burial. Her act of devotion will be remembered wherever the message of the kingdom is proclaimed.

Soon afterward Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, goes to the chief priests and offers to deliver Jesus to them. They agree to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from that moment Judas begins looking for an opportunity to betray Him.

When the day of Passover arrives, the disciples prepare the meal according to Jesus’ instructions. That evening they gather together. As they eat, Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him. The statement fills the disciples with grief, and each begins asking whether he is the one.

Jesus indicates that the betrayer is among those sharing the meal. Though the Son of Man goes according to what has been written, the one who betrays Him bears responsibility for his action. Even Judas asks whether he is the one, and Jesus confirms the reality that is already unfolding.

During the meal Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples. He tells them to eat, explaining that the bread represents His body. Taking the cup, He gives thanks and shares it with them, describing it as the blood of the covenant poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. The meal becomes a moment where the approaching sacrifice is interpreted before it occurs.

Afterward they sing a hymn and go out to the Mount of Olives. There Jesus tells the disciples that they will all stumble because of what is about to happen. Yet He also promises that after He is raised He will go before them into Galilee. Peter insists that even if all others stumble, he will remain faithful. Jesus answers that before the rooster crows, Peter himself will deny Him three times.

They then go to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus asks most of the disciples to remain while He takes Peter, James, and John further into the garden. There the weight of what lies ahead becomes visible. He speaks of His soul being overwhelmed with sorrow and asks the three to remain awake with Him.

Moving a short distance away, He falls to the ground in prayer. He asks the Father that, if possible, the cup might pass from Him, yet He submits fully to the Father’s will rather than His own desire. Returning to the disciples, He finds them asleep and urges them to remain watchful. This pattern repeats as the hour draws near.

Soon the sound of approaching voices breaks the quiet of the garden. Judas arrives with a crowd carrying swords and clubs sent by the chief priests and elders. He identifies Jesus with a kiss. Jesus addresses him calmly and allows Himself to be taken. When one of the disciples attempts to resist with a sword, Jesus stops him, reminding him that the purposes of God are being fulfilled.

The disciples then scatter as Jesus is led away.

He is taken first to the house of the high priest, where scribes and elders have gathered. False witnesses attempt to bring accusations against Him, but their testimony does not agree. Finally the high priest asks directly whether He is the Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus answers that they will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven. At this statement the high priest tears his garments and declares that blasphemy has been spoken. The council agrees that He deserves death.

They mock Him, strike Him, and demand that He prophesy who has struck Him.

Meanwhile Peter follows at a distance and waits in the courtyard. As the night unfolds, several people recognize him as someone who was with Jesus. Each time he denies it. Finally he swears that he does not know the man. At that moment the rooster crows, and Peter remembers the words Jesus spoke earlier that evening. Overcome with grief, he leaves and weeps bitterly.

The chapter ends with the contrast clearly visible. The Son stands faithful to the will of the Father even as betrayal, abandonment, and false judgment surround Him. Those closest to Him struggle under fear and confusion. Yet the path toward the cross continues to unfold according to the purpose that has guided the entire narrative.