Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:36-56.

Jesus continues to fulfill the Scriptures and His own Words as He goes willingly into His Passion. As Jesus revealed Himself as God to Peter, James, and John in the glory of His transfiguration, now Jesus reveals Himself as God to the same three in the weakness of Gethsemane. Jesus’ prayer to the Father in both trembling and resolution brings us to marvel and rejoice at the mystery of the personal union of the divine and human natures in Christ. His three closest disciples fail to stay awake and pray, even as Jesus continues to fulfill the will of God for the salvation of sinners. Judas transforms the sign of friendship as the sign of betrayal, which Jesus receives willingly. He will not have His disciples prevent this with the sword, for His kingdom must come through the Word, not with force or violence. As Jesus continues forward in fulfillment of God’s Word, He does so deserted by His disciples, left alone, in order that those who have faith in Him are not left alone.

“All Righteousness Fulfilled” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that digs into the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims Jesus to Jews and Gentiles alike as the fulfillment of God’s saving words and acts throughout the Old Testament. As the Christ in the line of David and Abraham, Jesus is the promised King who comes to bring sinners from every nation to live under His gracious reign.