Matthew 27: The King on Trial and Triumphing Through Death
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
And sitting down they watched him there;
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Matthew 27 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, detailing the agonizing events of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and burial. It's a day of immense suffering, yet also a day where God's plan of redemption unfolds with stunning clarity. This chapter reveals the depths of human sin and the boundless love of God, offering profound insights into the person and work of Jesus Christ. Let's delve into the events of this day and explore their enduring significance.
From Council to Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2)
Following the sham trial during the night described in Matthew 26, Matthew 27 opens at daybreak with the Jewish ruling council, comprised of the chief priests and elders, convening to formally confirm their verdict against Jesus. To meet the technicalities of their own law, they re-affirm the death sentence, making it official. They then bind Jesus and lead him away to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This act highlights their lack of authority to carry out a death sentence themselves, underscoring their dependence on Roman power to achieve their malicious aims. Pilate, a known brutal ruler of Judea from AD 26-36, resided in Caesarea Maritima but was in Jerusalem for Passover due to the large crowds and potential for unrest. The Jewish leaders sought to manipulate Pilate into executing Jesus, revealing their desperation and the depth of their animosity towards Him.
Judas's Remorse and Suicide (Matthew 27:3-10)
Witnessing Jesus' condemnation, Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, is overcome with remorse. He attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his confession is met with cold indifference. Unlike Peter, whose remorse led to repentance and restoration (John 21:17), Judas succumbs to despair and commits suicide by hanging himself.
This tragic episode serves as a stark contrast between genuine repentance, which involves turning to God and away from sin, and mere regret, which can lead to self-destruction. The chief priests, unwilling to sully themselves with "blood money," use the silver to purchase a field to bury foreigners, later known as the Field of Blood. Matthew connects this event to Old Testament prophecy, specifically Zechariah 11:12-13, highlighting God's sovereign control even in the midst of human treachery.
Jesus Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14)
Pilate questions Jesus directly, asking, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, "You have said so" (Matthew 27:11). While acknowledging His kingship, Jesus offers little further defense against the accusations leveled against Him by the Jewish leaders. His silence amazes Pilate. This silence echoes the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Jesus's silence isn't an admission of guilt, but a demonstration of His submission to the Father's will and His willingness to bear the sins of humanity.
The Choice: Jesus or Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26)
Pilate, aware of the Jewish leaders' envy towards Jesus (Matthew 27:18), attempts to release Jesus through a Passover custom of freeing a prisoner. He presents the crowd with a choice: Jesus, or Barabbas, a notorious criminal, a rebel and murderer (Luke 23:19). Pilate likely thought the crowd would prefer to release Jesus. His wife even warns him to "have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream" (Matthew 27:19).
However, incited by the chief priests and elders, the crowd demands the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate, fearing a riot, yields to their demands. In a symbolic gesture, he washes his hands before the crowd, proclaiming his innocence in Jesus's blood. The crowd responds with the chilling declaration, "His blood be on us and on our children!" (Matthew 27:25). This tragic moment reveals the depth of human depravity and the consequences of rejecting the Messiah. Pilate then releases Barabbas, has Jesus flogged, and hands him over to be crucified. Flogging was a brutal beating, often with whips laced with bone or metal, and could be fatal on its own.
There is no neutral choice regarding the Messiah, and each person's eternal destiny hinges on their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ.
Mockery and Humiliation (Matthew 27:27-31)
The Roman soldiers subject Jesus to further humiliation. They strip Him, dress Him in a scarlet robe, place a crown of thorns on His head, and put a staff in His hand as a mock scepter. They kneel before Him, mocking Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29). They spit on Him and beat Him. Little did they know that every knee will bow before this God-man and confess, "Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). This cruel treatment fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 50:6, "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."
The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-44)
As Jesus, weakened by the flogging, is led to Golgotha (meaning "Place of the Skull"), the soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene, an African man from North Africa, to carry His cross. At Golgotha, they offer Jesus wine mixed with gall, likely a pain-numbing drink, but He refuses it, choosing to endure the full suffering of the cross with a clear mind. They crucify Him, and in fulfillment of Psalm 22:18, the soldiers gamble for His clothes, casting lots.
Above Jesus's head, they place a sign proclaiming, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37). Ironically, this declaration, intended as a mockery, is a profound truth. On the cross, Jesus is revealed as the King, not of earthly power, but of sacrificial love and redemption. Two criminals are crucified alongside Him, and those passing by, including Jewish leaders, mock and taunt Him, challenging Him to save Himself if He is the Son of God. Even the criminals join in the mockery.
Darkness and Jesus's Cry (Matthew 27:45-49)
From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covers the land. This supernatural darkness symbolizes God's judgment upon sin and the immense suffering Jesus is enduring. At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out in Aramaic, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), quoting Psalm 22:1. This agonizing cry reveals the depth of Jesus's suffering as He bears the weight of the world's sin and experiences the separation from the Father. Though he had previously known only unbroken divine fellowship from all eternity, Jesus experienced the horrible abandonment of his Father as God poured out his wrath on his Son as he bore the sins of the world.
Some misunderstand His words, thinking He is calling for Elijah. Someone offers Him a drink of sour wine.
The Temple Curtain Torn and the Earthquake (Matthew 27:50-56)
Jesus cries out again with a loud voice and yields up His spirit, dying on the cross (Matthew 27:50). At that moment, the curtain of the temple, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33), is torn in two from top to bottom. This miraculous event signifies that full access to God's holy presence is now granted through Jesus Christ. No further sacrifices are necessary. Truly, as Jesus declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
An earthquake occurs, rocks are split, and tombs are opened. Matthew also mentions that some saints were raised from the dead and came out of the tombs after Christ’s resurrection. This was a small picture of the future resurrection that will take place when Christ resurrects the bodies of all deceased believers to live forevermore (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
The centurion and those with him, witnessing these events, are filled with awe and declare, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). While the Jewish religious leaders rejected him, these Gentiles believed Jesus was exactly who he’d claimed to be. Many women, followers of Jesus, are present, watching from a distance.
The Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-61)
As evening approaches, Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and secret disciple of Jesus, asks Pilate for Jesus's body. Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who had objected to their denunciation of Jesus (Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-51). Pilate grants his request, and Joseph takes the body, wraps it in a clean linen cloth, and places it in his own new tomb, hewn out of the rock. This fulfills Isaiah 53:9. He rolls a large stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary are there, sitting opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)
The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees meet with Pilate, reminding him that Jesus had claimed He would rise again after three days. They fear that His disciples will steal the body and claim a resurrection. So, they request a guard to secure the tomb. Pilate grants their request, saying, "Take a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can" (Matthew 27:65). They seal the stone and set a guard.
This attempt to prevent any deception ironically becomes a key piece of evidence for the resurrection. The elaborate precautions taken by Jesus's enemies only serve to highlight the miraculous nature of His resurrection, as detailed in Matthew 28. The empty tomb, secured and guarded, becomes irrefutable proof of the power of God over death.
Matthew 27 is a chapter of profound sorrow and overwhelming hope. It reveals the depths of human sin in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, yet it also showcases the boundless love of God in His willingness to sacrifice His Son for the redemption of humanity. The events of this day, from the trials to the crucifixion to the burial, lay the foundation for the glorious resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the promise of eternal life.
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
And sitting down they watched him there;
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Matthew 27 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, detailing the agonizing events of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and burial. It's a day of immense suffering, yet also a day where God's plan of redemption unfolds with stunning clarity. This chapter reveals the depths of human sin and the boundless love of God, offering profound insights into the person and work of Jesus Christ. Let's delve into the events of this day and explore their enduring significance.
From Council to Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2)
Following the sham trial during the night described in Matthew 26, Matthew 27 opens at daybreak with the Jewish ruling council, comprised of the chief priests and elders, convening to formally confirm their verdict against Jesus. To meet the technicalities of their own law, they re-affirm the death sentence, making it official. They then bind Jesus and lead him away to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This act highlights their lack of authority to carry out a death sentence themselves, underscoring their dependence on Roman power to achieve their malicious aims. Pilate, a known brutal ruler of Judea from AD 26-36, resided in Caesarea Maritima but was in Jerusalem for Passover due to the large crowds and potential for unrest. The Jewish leaders sought to manipulate Pilate into executing Jesus, revealing their desperation and the depth of their animosity towards Him.
Judas's Remorse and Suicide (Matthew 27:3-10)
Witnessing Jesus' condemnation, Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, is overcome with remorse. He attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his confession is met with cold indifference. Unlike Peter, whose remorse led to repentance and restoration (John 21:17), Judas succumbs to despair and commits suicide by hanging himself.
This tragic episode serves as a stark contrast between genuine repentance, which involves turning to God and away from sin, and mere regret, which can lead to self-destruction. The chief priests, unwilling to sully themselves with "blood money," use the silver to purchase a field to bury foreigners, later known as the Field of Blood. Matthew connects this event to Old Testament prophecy, specifically Zechariah 11:12-13, highlighting God's sovereign control even in the midst of human treachery.
Jesus Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14)
Pilate questions Jesus directly, asking, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, "You have said so" (Matthew 27:11). While acknowledging His kingship, Jesus offers little further defense against the accusations leveled against Him by the Jewish leaders. His silence amazes Pilate. This silence echoes the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Jesus's silence isn't an admission of guilt, but a demonstration of His submission to the Father's will and His willingness to bear the sins of humanity.
The Choice: Jesus or Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26)
Pilate, aware of the Jewish leaders' envy towards Jesus (Matthew 27:18), attempts to release Jesus through a Passover custom of freeing a prisoner. He presents the crowd with a choice: Jesus, or Barabbas, a notorious criminal, a rebel and murderer (Luke 23:19). Pilate likely thought the crowd would prefer to release Jesus. His wife even warns him to "have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream" (Matthew 27:19).
However, incited by the chief priests and elders, the crowd demands the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate, fearing a riot, yields to their demands. In a symbolic gesture, he washes his hands before the crowd, proclaiming his innocence in Jesus's blood. The crowd responds with the chilling declaration, "His blood be on us and on our children!" (Matthew 27:25). This tragic moment reveals the depth of human depravity and the consequences of rejecting the Messiah. Pilate then releases Barabbas, has Jesus flogged, and hands him over to be crucified. Flogging was a brutal beating, often with whips laced with bone or metal, and could be fatal on its own.
There is no neutral choice regarding the Messiah, and each person's eternal destiny hinges on their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ.
Mockery and Humiliation (Matthew 27:27-31)
The Roman soldiers subject Jesus to further humiliation. They strip Him, dress Him in a scarlet robe, place a crown of thorns on His head, and put a staff in His hand as a mock scepter. They kneel before Him, mocking Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29). They spit on Him and beat Him. Little did they know that every knee will bow before this God-man and confess, "Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). This cruel treatment fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 50:6, "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."
The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-44)
As Jesus, weakened by the flogging, is led to Golgotha (meaning "Place of the Skull"), the soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene, an African man from North Africa, to carry His cross. At Golgotha, they offer Jesus wine mixed with gall, likely a pain-numbing drink, but He refuses it, choosing to endure the full suffering of the cross with a clear mind. They crucify Him, and in fulfillment of Psalm 22:18, the soldiers gamble for His clothes, casting lots.
Above Jesus's head, they place a sign proclaiming, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37). Ironically, this declaration, intended as a mockery, is a profound truth. On the cross, Jesus is revealed as the King, not of earthly power, but of sacrificial love and redemption. Two criminals are crucified alongside Him, and those passing by, including Jewish leaders, mock and taunt Him, challenging Him to save Himself if He is the Son of God. Even the criminals join in the mockery.
Darkness and Jesus's Cry (Matthew 27:45-49)
From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covers the land. This supernatural darkness symbolizes God's judgment upon sin and the immense suffering Jesus is enduring. At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out in Aramaic, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), quoting Psalm 22:1. This agonizing cry reveals the depth of Jesus's suffering as He bears the weight of the world's sin and experiences the separation from the Father. Though he had previously known only unbroken divine fellowship from all eternity, Jesus experienced the horrible abandonment of his Father as God poured out his wrath on his Son as he bore the sins of the world.
Some misunderstand His words, thinking He is calling for Elijah. Someone offers Him a drink of sour wine.
The Temple Curtain Torn and the Earthquake (Matthew 27:50-56)
Jesus cries out again with a loud voice and yields up His spirit, dying on the cross (Matthew 27:50). At that moment, the curtain of the temple, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33), is torn in two from top to bottom. This miraculous event signifies that full access to God's holy presence is now granted through Jesus Christ. No further sacrifices are necessary. Truly, as Jesus declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
An earthquake occurs, rocks are split, and tombs are opened. Matthew also mentions that some saints were raised from the dead and came out of the tombs after Christ’s resurrection. This was a small picture of the future resurrection that will take place when Christ resurrects the bodies of all deceased believers to live forevermore (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
The centurion and those with him, witnessing these events, are filled with awe and declare, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). While the Jewish religious leaders rejected him, these Gentiles believed Jesus was exactly who he’d claimed to be. Many women, followers of Jesus, are present, watching from a distance.
The Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-61)
As evening approaches, Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and secret disciple of Jesus, asks Pilate for Jesus's body. Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who had objected to their denunciation of Jesus (Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-51). Pilate grants his request, and Joseph takes the body, wraps it in a clean linen cloth, and places it in his own new tomb, hewn out of the rock. This fulfills Isaiah 53:9. He rolls a large stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary are there, sitting opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)
The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees meet with Pilate, reminding him that Jesus had claimed He would rise again after three days. They fear that His disciples will steal the body and claim a resurrection. So, they request a guard to secure the tomb. Pilate grants their request, saying, "Take a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can" (Matthew 27:65). They seal the stone and set a guard.
This attempt to prevent any deception ironically becomes a key piece of evidence for the resurrection. The elaborate precautions taken by Jesus's enemies only serve to highlight the miraculous nature of His resurrection, as detailed in Matthew 28. The empty tomb, secured and guarded, becomes irrefutable proof of the power of God over death.
Matthew 27 is a chapter of profound sorrow and overwhelming hope. It reveals the depths of human sin in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, yet it also showcases the boundless love of God in His willingness to sacrifice His Son for the redemption of humanity. The events of this day, from the trials to the crucifixion to the burial, lay the foundation for the glorious resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the promise of eternal life.