Jesus predicts that the exact day and hour of His return are unknown to anyone except God the Father (Matthew 24:36).
He compares His return to the days of Noah, emphasizing that people were living normal lives until the flood unexpectedly came and took them away (Matthew 24:37-39).
Jesus illustrates the suddenness of His coming by describing scenarios where one person is taken and another left (Matthew 24:40-41).
He encourages vigilance and readiness because His return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44).
Jesus describes two types of servants—faithful and wise servants who are rewarded for doing their duties, and wicked servants who abuse their role and are punished when the master returns unexpectedly (Matthew 24:45-51).
In the parable of the ten virgins, five wise virgins prepare with enough oil, while the five foolish ones do not and are shut out when the bridegroom comes, highlighting the need for readiness (Matthew 25:1-13).
The parable of the talents emphasizes using God-given abilities responsibly: two servants invest and double their master's money, while the third hides it and faces judgment for his laziness (Matthew 25:14-30).
Jesus describes the final judgment with the imagery of a shepherd separating sheep (the righteous) from goats (the wicked): the righteous are rewarded for their acts of kindness done to others as if to Him, while the wicked face eternal punishment for their neglect (Matthew 25:31-46).
Jesus informs His disciples of His imminent betrayal and crucifixion during the Passover celebration (Matthew 26:1-2).
The chief priests and elders plot to kill Jesus but decide to avoid doing so during the feast to prevent an uproar (Matthew 26:3-5).
A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume in Bethany, symbolizing preparation for His burial, despite criticism from the disciples over the expense (Matthew 26:6-13).
Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).
During the Last Supper, Jesus tells His disciples that one of them will betray Him, identifies Judas as the betrayer, and institutes the practice of communion, symbolizing His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:17-30).
Jesus predicts Peter's denial and the disciples' falling away after His arrest, though He assures them He will rise and meet them in Galilee (Matthew 26:31-35).
In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in agony, submitting to the Father's will, while His disciples repeatedly fall asleep instead of keeping watch (Matthew 26:36-46).
Judas leads a mob to arrest Jesus, betraying Him with a kiss. Jesus rebukes an act of violence by one disciple and willingly surrenders, fulfilling Scripture (Matthew 26:47-56).
Jesus is taken to Caiaphas and falsely accused by witnesses. When asked, He affirms He is the Christ, leading to condemnation for blasphemy. He is mocked and beaten (Matthew 26:57-68).
Peter denies knowing Jesus three times as foretold, hears the rooster crow, and weeps bitterly in remorse (Matthew 26:69-75).
The council delivers Jesus to Pilate, who questions Him but discerns Jesus' innocence. However, he succumbs to pressure from the crowd and sentences Jesus to crucifixion, releasing Barabbas instead (Matthew 27:1-26).
Roman soldiers mock Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on Him, and lead Him to Golgotha, where He is crucified between two criminals. The charge is written above His head: "Jesus King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:27-38).
Onlookers mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself if He is God’s Son. Even the criminals crucified with Him insult Him (Matthew 27:39-44).
Darkness covers the land for three hours. Jesus cries out to God, then dies. The temple veil tears, the earth quakes, and graves open, causing many to believe He was the Son of God (Matthew 27:45-54).
Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus in his own tomb, sealing it with a large stone. The chief priests secure the tomb with guards to prevent claims of resurrection (Matthew 27:57-66).
On the third day, Jesus rises from the dead. An angel rolls away the stone, announcing His resurrection to Mary Magdalene and another Mary. They are instructed to inform the disciples (Matthew 28:1-10).
The guards report the resurrection to the chief priests, who bribe them to spread a false narrative that Jesus’ body was stolen (Matthew 28:11-15).
Jesus appears to His disciples in Galilee, commissions them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them His commandments, promising His presence always (Matthew 28:16-20).