In this passage, we observe four actions which indicated that Christ’s death was about to happen (Matthew 26:1-25). The first action is taken by Christ in the form of a prediction, “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified” (v. 2). The second action is taken by the religious leaders in Jerusalem who plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him (vv. 3-5). The third action is taken by Mary (see John 12:1-8) who anointed Jesus with very costly fragrant oil (v. 7). Jesus said of her action, “For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial” (vs.12). Last, Judas Iscariot offers to hand Jesus over to the Jewish authorities (vv.14-16). In the next passage, which we will consider next week, Jesus explained the meaning of His death. He shed His blood for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:26-30).