The Gospels Set 22 Study Resources
Companion study notes, commentary, and next-step resources for this set of readings from The Gospels Discipleship Journal.
This Set’s Big Idea
Jesus willingly submits to the Father, remains faithful through betrayal and injustice, bears the weight of human sin, and gives His life to rescue sinners.
As you read, watch how Jesus prays in anguish, surrenders to the Father’s will, responds to betrayal without retaliation, stands silently before unjust accusers, endures denial and rejection, and goes willingly to the cross for sinners.
These notes correspond with Set 22 readings in The Gospels Discipleship Journal. First, use MTSM’s Pray, Read, Ask, and Pray method to study the passage devotionally. After you finish, use these notes to deepen your understanding if you’d like.
This set brings us into the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. In Gethsemane, Jesus experiences deep sorrow and anguish as He faces the cup before Him. Yet He does not run from the Father’s will. He prays honestly, submits completely, and rises to meet those who have come to arrest Him.
As you read Matthew 26 and John 18, pay attention to the contrast between Jesus and those around Him. Judas betrays Him. The disciples flee. Peter denies Him. Religious leaders manipulate testimony. Soldiers arrest and mistreat Him. Yet Jesus remains composed, truthful, obedient, and fully committed to the mission the Father has given Him.
In Matthew 27, Jesus is condemned even though He is innocent. Barabbas is released while Jesus is handed over to be crucified. He is mocked, beaten, stripped, and nailed to a cross. The One who deserved honor receives shame. The One without sin bears the judgment sinners deserve.
At the cross, darkness covers the land, the temple curtain is torn, and the earth shakes. Jesus’ death is not a tragic accident or an unexpected defeat. It is the willing sacrifice of the Son of God, who gives His life to open the way for sinners to be forgiven and brought near to God.
These passages invite us to behold the obedience, courage, holiness, and love of Jesus. They call us to repent of sin, reject self-reliance, receive the grace purchased at the cross, and follow the Savior who remained faithful when everyone else failed.
👉 Continue where you are in this set’s reading journey.
📖 Don’t rush—take time to reflect, write, and pray through Jesus’ surrender, suffering, sacrificial love, and saving death on the cross.
Start with 🟦 Foundations Commentary.
If a passage raises questions or you want to go deeper, move to 🟩 Leader or 🟪 Deep Roots.
You do not need to read every (or any) commentary level to benefit from The Gospels.
Matthew 26:36-56
John 18:1-24
Matthew 26:57-75
Matthew 27:1-26
Matthew 27:27-56
Your Next Step
Using The Gospels Journal in a Group Setting?
Continue the conversation with The Gospels Set 22 Discussion & Heart Check Questions. Explore Jesus’ willing submission to the Father’s will, His faithfulness through betrayal and injustice, Peter’s denial, the meaning of Barabbas’ release, and the saving significance of Christ’s death on the cross.
Together, consider what it means to surrender to God’s will even when obedience is costly. Discuss prayer in seasons of suffering, resisting fear and compromise, the hope found in Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, the forgiveness available to failures like Peter, and how the cross transforms the way we worship, serve, and share the gospel.
If you are not using The Gospels Journal in a group setting, you can still use the Discussion and Heart Check Questions for personal reflection, accountability, and application.
Perfect for: small groups, discipleship groups, families, Sunday School classes, one-on-one discipleship relationships, and personal reflection.
Keep Walking with Jesus
Remember, you’re not just reading Scripture—you’re learning to walk with Jesus. Stay consistent this week. Read slowly, reflect honestly, pray intentionally, and come back for the next step in the journey.
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