Matthew 27
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Matthew 27
Matthew is the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament in terms of Jewish thought, with a primary focus on Jesus's teaching ministry and the establishment of the Kingdom.
Matthew is the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament in terms of Jewish thought, with a primary focus on Jesus's teaching ministry and the establishment of the Kingdom.
Matthew 27:1-66
BSB
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.
2 They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.
3 When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.
4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
5 So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
6 The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, “It is unlawful to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.”
7 After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.
8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
9 Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel,
10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me.”
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
12 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.
13 Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?”
14 But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.
16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
17 So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.
22 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!”
23 “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, ” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him.
28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.
29 And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
30 Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.
31 After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.
32 Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.
33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull,
34 they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.
35 When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.
36 And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.
37 Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.
39 And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads
40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”
41 In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying,
42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
44 In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.
45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.
46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.”
48 One of them quickly ran and brought a sponge. He filled it with sour wine, put it on a reed, and held it up for Jesus to drink.
49 But the others said, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.”
50 When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.
51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
53 After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
55 And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him.
56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus.
58 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
59 So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away.
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate.
63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’
64 So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.”
65 “You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”
66 So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.
2 They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.
3 When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.
4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
5 So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
6 The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, “It is unlawful to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.”
7 After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.
8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
9 Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel,
10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord had commanded me.”
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
12 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.
13 Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?”
14 But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.
16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
17 So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.
22 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!”
23 “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, ” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him.
28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.
29 And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
30 Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.
31 After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.
32 Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.
33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull,
34 they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.
35 When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.
36 And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.
37 Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.
39 And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads
40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”
41 In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying,
42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
44 In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.
45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.
46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.”
48 One of them quickly ran and brought a sponge. He filled it with sour wine, put it on a reed, and held it up for Jesus to drink.
49 But the others said, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.”
50 When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.
51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
53 After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
55 And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him.
56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus.
58 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
59 So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away.
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate.
63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’
64 So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.”
65 “You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”
66 So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.
BSB
Introduction:
- Matthew 27 is not just a historical record; it's the climax of God's story of salvation.
- This event unfolded under Roman rule in Judea,
- Crucifixion was a common punishment for rebels and slaves—designed to humiliate and deter.
- Pontius Pilate (Roman prefect from AD 26-36), oversaw executions.
Often during festivals to maintain order amid large crowds.
- Matthew 27 is not just a historical record; it's the climax of God's story of salvation.
- This event unfolded under Roman rule in Judea,
- Crucifixion was a common punishment for rebels and slaves—designed to humiliate and deter.
- Pontius Pilate (Roman prefect from AD 26-36), oversaw executions.
Often during festivals to maintain order amid large crowds.
Matthew 27:1-2
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
- After a nighttime trial in Caiaphas's house—illegal under Jewish law—they reconvene at dawn to legitimize it.
- They lack authority to execute, so they hand Jesus to Pilate.
- Historically, Pilate was known for his brutality, as recorded by Josephus and Philo.
- John Chrysostom - Handover reveals the leaders' hypocrisy—they hated Roman rule but used it for their ends.
- Wesley - Binding Jesus shows their fear, despite His meekness.
- They lack authority to execute, so they hand Jesus to Pilate.
- Historically, Pilate was known for his brutality, as recorded by Josephus and Philo.
- John Chrysostom - Handover reveals the leaders' hypocrisy—they hated Roman rule but used it for their ends.
- Wesley - Binding Jesus shows their fear, despite His meekness.
What does this teach us?
- Sin has a way of blinding us to the very truth that is right in front of us.
- Leading us to make decisions that contradict our own values and beliefs.
- We must regularly examine our hearts and motivations.
- This passage challenges us to seek humility and openness to the Holy Spirit.
- Sin has a way of blinding us to the very truth that is right in front of us.
- Leading us to make decisions that contradict our own values and beliefs.
- We must regularly examine our hearts and motivations.
- This passage challenges us to seek humility and openness to the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 27:3-10
3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus[a] was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.”
3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus[a] was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.”
- Judas feels remorse—"metamelomai" (meh-tah-meh-loh-my), meaning regret, not full repentance.
- Contextually, thirty pieces of silver echoes Zechariah 11:12-13, the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).
Zechariah 11:12-13
12 Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. 13 Then the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter.
- Contextually, thirty pieces of silver echoes Zechariah 11:12-13, the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).
Zechariah 11:12-13
12 Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. 13 Then the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter.
Matthew 27:11-26
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood;[b] see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged[c] Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood;[b] see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged[c] Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Isaiah 53:7
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
- Barabbas means "son of the father"—ironic, as the crowd chooses a criminal over the true Son of God.
- The crowd's cry, "His blood be on us,”- Humanity's shared guilt.
- Crucifixion involved flogging first, weakening the victim.
- Pilate's hand-washing mimics Jewish ritual (Deut. 21:6-7), but can't absolve him.
Lesson:
- We must cultivate the courage to defend what is just and true.
- The crowd's cry, "His blood be on us,”- Humanity's shared guilt.
- Crucifixion involved flogging first, weakening the victim.
- Pilate's hand-washing mimics Jewish ritual (Deut. 21:6-7), but can't absolve him.
Lesson:
- We must cultivate the courage to defend what is just and true.
Matthew 27:27-31
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters,[d] and they gathered the whole battalion[e] before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters,[d] and they gathered the whole battalion[e] before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
- A battalion—about 600 soldiers—mocks Jesus.
- The scarlet robe mimics royal purple; thorns parody a crown; reed a scepter.
Isaiah 50:6
6 I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
Application: Jesus willingly bore the weight of human mockery and humiliation so that we might exchange our sin for His righteousness.
- The scarlet robe mimics royal purple; thorns parody a crown; reed a scepter.
Isaiah 50:6
6 I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
Application: Jesus willingly bore the weight of human mockery and humiliation so that we might exchange our sin for His righteousness.
Matthew 27:32-44
32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
- Golgotha, "Place of the Skull," was outside Jerusalem, possibly resembling a hill or execution site.
- Crucifixion: Nails through wrists and feet, body sagging, causing asphyxiation.
- Victims lingered days.
- The wine with gall (myrrh?) was a narcotic; Jesus refuses, choosing full suffering.
- Lots for garments fulfill Psalm 22:18.
Psalm 22:18
18
they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
- Crucifixion: Nails through wrists and feet, body sagging, causing asphyxiation.
- Victims lingered days.
- The wine with gall (myrrh?) was a narcotic; Jesus refuses, choosing full suffering.
- Lots for garments fulfill Psalm 22:18.
Psalm 22:18
18
they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
- Historical note: Crucifixion was public, along roads, to shame.
- Robbers ("lestai") could mean insurgents.
- Early fathers like Augustine saw the two robbers as humanity: one repents (in Luke), one doesn't.
- Chrysostom highlights passersby's blindness.
- Kendall reflects on the irony: To save others, He couldn't save Himself.
Truth: The cross fundamentally inverts the world's understanding of power!
- Robbers ("lestai") could mean insurgents.
- Early fathers like Augustine saw the two robbers as humanity: one repents (in Luke), one doesn't.
- Chrysostom highlights passersby's blindness.
- Kendall reflects on the irony: To save others, He couldn't save Himself.
Truth: The cross fundamentally inverts the world's understanding of power!
Matthew 27:45-56
45 Now from the sixth hour[f] there was darkness over all the land[g] until the ninth hour.[h] 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son[i] of God!”
55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
45 Now from the sixth hour[f] there was darkness over all the land[g] until the ninth hour.[h] 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son[i] of God!”
55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
- Darkness from noon to 3 PM—supernatural, not eclipse (Passover full moon).
- Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1 in Aramaic: "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani" (ay-lee, ay-lee, leh-mah sah-bahk-thah-nee).
- This cry reveals the spiritual forsakenness—bearing sin's weight (2 Cor. 5:21).
2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
- Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1 in Aramaic: "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani" (ay-lee, ay-lee, leh-mah sah-bahk-thah-nee).
- This cry reveals the spiritual forsakenness—bearing sin's weight (2 Cor. 5:21).
2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
- Chrysostom: sees darkness as creation mourning.
- Wesley: Forsakenness was hell's equivalent for Jesus.
- Lewis on suffering:Christ detested this obscenity but endured.
- Kendall: Jesus asked "why," so we can too.
- Lennox affirms historical earthquakes align with this.
Application: In our darkest moments of suffering, doubt, or feelings of abandonment, we are invited to cry out honestly to God.
- Wesley: Forsakenness was hell's equivalent for Jesus.
- Lewis on suffering:Christ detested this obscenity but endured.
- Kendall: Jesus asked "why," so we can too.
- Lennox affirms historical earthquakes align with this.
Application: In our darkest moments of suffering, doubt, or feelings of abandonment, we are invited to cry out honestly to God.
Matthew 27:57-61
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
- Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, boldly requests the body.
John 19:38
38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.
- Joseph's act of courage, stepping out from secrecy to honor Jesus' body, shows that true discipleship often requires risking reputation and safety.
John 19:38
38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.
- Joseph's act of courage, stepping out from secrecy to honor Jesus' body, shows that true discipleship often requires risking reputation and safety.
Matthew 27:62-66
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard[j] of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard[j] of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
- Chrysostom: Their fear shows they knew His power.
- Wesley: This sets stage for empty tomb miracle.
God's resurrection power overcomes every barrier, inviting us to live with confident expectation of His victories!
- Wesley: This sets stage for empty tomb miracle.
God's resurrection power overcomes every barrier, inviting us to live with confident expectation of His victories!
It cost crucifixion to redeem us!
Respond today:
1. Repent
2. Believe
3. Follow.
4. Let the cross transform you.
Respond today:
1. Repent
2. Believe
3. Follow.
4. Let the cross transform you.
- Reflect on what the sacrifice of Jesus means to you personally.
- How does knowing Jesus gave his life for you impact your daily decisions and actions?
- Take a moment to offer a prayer of gratitude and commitment to the One who gave it all for you.
- How does knowing Jesus gave his life for you impact your daily decisions and actions?
- Take a moment to offer a prayer of gratitude and commitment to the One who gave it all for you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the immense sacrifice you made for us. Help us to live in the power of your resurrection and to reflect your love in our daily lives. Amen.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the immense sacrifice you made for us. Help us to live in the power of your resurrection and to reflect your love in our daily lives. Amen.
- Reflect on the cross: What does it mean to you personally?
- What barriers in your life need God's resurrection power?
- How can you live out gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice?
- What barriers in your life need God's resurrection power?
- How can you live out gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice?
