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Matthew 26
Finally, having finished warning his Disciples repeatedly of the coming of the End of the World someday, Jesus reminded them that in just two days he would be crucified and the rest of them would be scattered in fear for their lives. ----- Across town, the priests of the Temple were plotting to kill Jesus, wondering how they could do so without causing a riot. They needed to catch him while there were no crowds nearby. Could they find out his private schedule from any of his aides? ----- While he was eating dinner at a restaurant in the suburbs, one of Jesus's fans came over and dumped an entire bottle of expensive perfume on his head in adoration. The Disciples were irate at the waste and inappropriateness, but Jesus was pleased to be adored. Peter declared, "What a waste of money! She should have sold it instead and given the proceeds to the poor!" Jesus disagreed, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor — you will always have them with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." ----- Meanwhile, back at the Temple, Judas agreed with the priests of the Temple to lure Jesus to a secluded spot for capture in return for $350. ----- The next evening, Jesus and his Twelve Disciples gathered at a private home for their Last Supper. While they were eating, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me to the authorities later tonight." They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me." The Disciples looked around the table, wondering which "bowl" Jesus was talking about. Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Lord?" Jesus answered, "Yes, Judas, it is you." Strangely, nobody did anything to stop Judas, or even to punish him. The Last Supper continued. ----- While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his Disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it; this is my body." Then he took the cup of wine, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood, which will pour out of me to forgive the sins of many." ----- Later that evening, Jesus went to a private garden to hang out for a while. He brought a few of the Disciples with him, supposedly to stand guard, but they fell asleep. Judas quietly brought the Temple Police to the edge of the garden, having told them he'd identify Jesus for them by kissing him on the mouth. Jesus enjoyed the kiss :-) The police immediately rushed into the garden and arrested Jesus on multiple criminal charges. Jesus waived his right to an attorney. ----- Without delay the Temple Police took Jesus before the High Priest of the Temple, where Jesus was interrogated. When asked if he was the Son of God, Jesus readily agreed. For this blasphemy he was sentenced to death by crucifixion alongside Whitney Houston and a few other minor criminals.
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