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Matthew 27

66 verses

TL;DR

Matthew 27 narrates Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death, and the miraculous events following His burial, culminating in the early sign of the resurrection.

Summary

The chapter opens with the chief priests and elders condemning Jesus and handing Him to Pontius Pilate, while Judas repents and commits suicide after receiving the thirty pieces of silver. Pilate questions Jesus, who offers no defense, and ultimately releases the rebel Barabbas at the crowd's demand. The soldiers scourge Jesus, strip Him, give Him a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns, and a reed, mocking Him as king. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, accompanied by two thieves, and His death is marked by darkness and the tearing of the temple veil. As He cries out and dies, the earth shakes and graves open, with many resurrected saints appearing in Jerusalem. The centurion and witnesses proclaim Him the Son of God, and women—especially Mary Magdalene—observe the events. Joseph of Arimathaea obtains Jesus' body, buries Him in a new tomb, and the chief priests secure the tomb to prevent early resurrection claims.

Outline
  1. Judicial process and crucifixion of Jesus
  2. Execution details and symbolic mockery
  3. Death, supernatural occurrences, burial, and prophetic fulfillment
Themes
Betrayal and repentanceSacrifice for redemptionFulfillment of prophecyAuthority versus faithHope after death
Keywords
betrayalcrucifixionprophecyredemptionsacrificedarknessresurrectioncrosstemple veilJerusalem
People
JesusJudas IscariotPontius PilateBarabbasSimon of CyreneMary MagdaleneMary (mother of James and Joses)Joseph of Arimathaeathe chief prieststhe eldersthe soldiersthe centurion
Places
JerusalemGolgothaTemplecommon hallthe potter's fieldthe tomb of Arimathaeathe holy city
Things
thirty pieces of silverpotter's fieldscarlet robecrown of thornsreedvinegarlinen clothstonecrosstomb
Key Verses
  • Matthew 27:45-46: The darkness over the land and Jesus' cry highlight the gravity of His death and foreshadow the cosmic significance of the crucifixion.
  • Matthew 27:51: The veil of the temple is torn, symbolizing the new covenant and the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
  • Matthew 27:53-54: Resurrection of saints introduces the promise of eternal life and confirms the divine nature of the events.
  • Matthew 27:58-60: Joseph of Arimathaea's burial of Jesus sets the stage for the empty tomb and early signs of resurrection.
Questions
  • How does the narrative of Judas' remorse and suicide inform our understanding of repentance?
  • What is the theological significance of the veil of the temple tearing at Jesus’ death?
  • In what ways does the account of the resurrected saints challenge contemporary Jewish beliefs about resurrection?
  • How does Pilate’s action of washing his hands reflect on the nature of political authority?
  • What does the presence of Mary Magdalene and other women as witnesses suggest about the role of women in early Christianity?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains profound sorrow and suffering, yet also anticipates hope through prophetic fulfillment and the first signs of resurrection.