Exposed

Service Times: 9:15a & 10:45a

Exposed

Author

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally credited to Matthew (Levi), a tax collector turned follower of Christ. Once part of an exploitative system, Matthew experienced radical transformation at the hands of Jesus.

Audience

Written primarily for Jewish Christians, Matthew connects the dots between Jesus and the Old Testament prophecies they knew by heart. His aim is not only to prove that Jesus is the Messiah but to prepare believers to follow Him in a world that won’t always understand.

Date

Most scholars date the Gospel between 60–80 AD – a period of growing hostility toward the early church. Believers were being pressed from every side, and Matthew’s focus on discipleship, surrender, and endurance was both timely and timeless.

Genre

As a theological narrative, Matthew blends story, prophecy, and instruction.

Purpose

As betrayal, fear, confidence, and failure unfold, we see how easily faith can fracture when it’s built on self-reliance. But we also see how Jesus meets people in those moments—not to condemn, but to transform. Matthew 26 invites us to examine what pressure reveals in us, and to discover the kind of faith Jesus is forming beneath the surface.

Sermon Discussion Guide

Matthew 26:14–25
Big Idea: Betrayal often begins quietly and close to home.

  1. Read Matthew 26:14–25 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out to you about how Judas is described and how the disciples respond?
  2. Judas was close to Jesus but not surrendered to Him. Where is it possible to be “close” to Jesus without fully trusting Him?
  3. The disciples all ask, “Is it I?” What does that question reveal about self-awareness, and how often do you ask it in your own life?
  4. What small compromises or patterns might God be inviting you to address before they grow into something bigger?

Matthew 26:26–35
Big Idea: Confidence in ourselves is exposed before faith is tested.

  1. Read Matthew 26:26–35 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What do you notice about Peter’s confidence compared to Jesus’ warning?
  2. Where does self-confidence subtly show up in your faith, especially in ways that feel justified or unnoticed?
  3. How does communion (the covenant moment in this passage) reshape how you think about grace and dependence on Jesus?
  4. What would it look like this week to rely less on your own strength and more on Jesus?

Matthew 26:36–46
Big Idea: Prayer exposes whether we rely on God or ourselves under pressure.

  1. Read Matthew 26:36–46 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out to you about Jesus’ posture in prayer?
  2. The disciples wanted to stay with Jesus but fell asleep. Where do you see that same gap between intention and action in your life?
  3. How do you typically respond when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or under pressure?
  4. What is one practical way you can build a more dependent, honest prayer life this week?

Matthew 26:47–56
Big Idea: Fear exposes what we cling to when following Jesus becomes costly.

  1. Read Matthew 26:47–56 and/or recap this week’s sermon. How do the disciples respond when things become dangerous?
  2. What do you tend to reach for when your comfort, security, or control is threatened?
  3. Where might you be following Jesus … until it costs you something specific?
  4. What would it look like to trust Jesus in that area instead of protecting yourself?

Matthew 26:57–68
Big Idea: Power exposes itself when truth becomes inconvenient.

  1. Read Matthew 26:57–68 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What do you notice about how power is used in this passage?
  2. Why is truth often distorted or avoided when it becomes uncomfortable?
  3. When are you tempted to control outcomes instead of trusting God with them?
  4. What can we learn from Jesus’ restraint and silence in moments of injustice or pressure?

Matthew 26:69–75
Big Idea: Failure exposes the gap between intention and formation.

  1. Read Matthew 26:69–75 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out about Peter’s progression from confidence to denial?
  2. Where do you see a gap between what you intend spiritually and how you actually respond under pressure?
  3. How do you typically respond to your own failure – hide, justify, or bring it to God?
  4. How does Peter’s story reshape your understanding of grace, restoration, and what God can do with your failures?

Sermons