Matthew 26-28: Dark Before the Dawn

The end of Jesus' ministry is fast approaching, but it is not the end his disciples and followers were anticipating when they entered into Jerusalem triumphantly.  This is the worst of ends, reserved only for thieves and murderers.  As much as Jesus tried to prepare the disciples for what was going to take place, they still failed to comprehend it completely.  He alluded to the end when the woman anointed him with the costly perfume.  "She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have 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." - Matt 26:10-13 NIV

He told them the worst about themselves, that they would all disappear when he needed them most, and  prepared them for his resurrection, but they were in denial that either would occur: 
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
   " 'I will strike the shepherd,
      and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."  - Matt 26:31-32 NIV

When the soldiers arrested Jesus and it became obvious that there was not going to be a good outcome, all of the disciples fled.  Peter, the one who was adamant that he would never disown Christ followed at a safe distance, only to hear the cock crow after his third denial.  Then Jesus was left totally alone to face his accusers.  'Crucify him,' they called to Pilate. 'Let his blood be on us and on our children.(Matt. 27:25)

Through the years, there have been many who were killed for their faith.  They have been beheaded, thrown in dungeons, thrown to the lions, shot by firing squads and left to rot in prison.  But not one of those martyrs was the Christ, who after being beaten and drug through the streets, died an ignominious death; hanging on a wooden cross, with a crown of thorns on his head.  Not one of those martyrs bore the burden of all of the sins of the world.  Not one of those martyrs descended into hell.  Not one of those martyrs rose again.  Not one of those martyrs  could say, And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matt 28:20 NIV