Preparation for betrayal (1–2, 10–11). Judas solved the chief priests’ problem by offering to lead them to Jesus. But how do you “conveniently” betray the Son of God? Is it not a costly endeavor in every way?
Preparation for burial (1–9). Mary’s act of worship brought joy to the heart of Jesus and malice to the heart of Judas, who wanted the money she had spent (John 12:6). Other women came to anoint Him after His burial (16:1), but Mary did it when He could be encouraged by her love.
Preparation for fellowship (12–26). It meant much to Jesus to spend those hours with His disciples. He loved them (John 13:1), and their presence encouraged Him. He took the cup and the bread of the Passover and transformed them into memorials of His own blood and body, for He wanted the disciples to remember Him.
Preparation for danger (27–31, 66–72). The good fellowship in the Upper Room made the Twelve forget the danger outside, so Jesus gave them warning. Peter was not the only one who boasted and felt self-confident: “And they all said likewise” (v. 31). Heed His warnings; He knows what is coming.
Preparation for death (32–65). Jesus’ prayers reveal the conflict in His holy soul as He faced bearing the sins of the world on the cross. When you have a Gethsemane experience, pray what He prayed: “Not what I will, but what You will” (v. 36). Peter had a sword, but Jesus took a cup. You need not fear the cup the Father has prepared for you. Jesus could submit to the abuse of men because He had already submitted to the will of God.
