Jesus’ Crucifixion in Matthew 27

Read Matthew chapter 27

Introduction: The 27th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew is a crucial point in Jesus’s life (and crucial for the whole world), which tell the events leading up to and including his crucifixion. This chapter is filled with betrayal, false accusations, sorrow, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for humanity’s sins. The chapter presents a series of events that are both recorded in history and theological, giving us a look into the political and religious climate of the time, as well as the fulfillment of several hundred Old Testament prophecies. As we get into this outline of the crucifixion of Jesus, we will explore each verse in detail, we will see it as the most important event of all time, thousands of years of prophecies fulfilled, and salvation has come to the world.

I. Matthew 27:1-2 – Jesus on Trial
In these verses, we see the climax of the plot against Jesus by the religious leaders. After a night of illegal trials, they hand Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor. This event fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:3, where the Messiah is described as being despised and rejected by men. The handover to Pilate shows the extent of the Jewish leaders’ rejection of Jesus, preferring Roman justice over their own laws.

II. Matthew 27:3-10 – Judas’ Remorse leads to Suicide
Here, we witness the remorse of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His suicide is a tragic end, and his actions fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-13, where the shepherd is valued at a meager price and the money is thrown to the potter. The chief priests’ decision to buy the potter’s field with the blood money further fulfills this prophecy.

III. Matthew 27:11-26 – Pilate Washes his Hands
In these verses, Jesus stands before Pilate, and despite being found without fault, the crowd demands his crucifixion. Pilate’s act of washing his hands is symbolic of his attempt to absolve himself of guilt, reminiscent of Psalm 26:6 where the Psalmist proclaims his innocence by washing his hands in innocence. The crowd’s accepts the blood of Jesus on themselves and their children is a chilling foreshadowing of the destruction that would come upon Jerusalem (Matthew 23:35-36).

IV. Matthew 27:27-44 – Roman Soldiers Mock Jesus
The Roman soldiers mock and torture Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head, fulfilling the prophecy in Genesis 3:18, where thorns are a result of the curse of sin. The mocking inscription above Jesus’ cross, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews,” is ironic as it states the true identity of Jesus, even in their attempt to mock him.

V. Matthew 27:45-56 – Darkness Fell over Land
These verses describe the darkness that fell over the land, Jesus’ final moments, and his death. The tearing of the temple curtain signified the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:27 where God promises to make his sanctuary among the people. Jesus’ death is not the end of God’s care for mankind, but the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

VI. Matthew 27:57-66 – Jesus Crucified and Burial in Borrowed Tomb
The chapter ends with Jesus’ burial and the sealing of the tomb. Joseph of Arimathea’s actions fulfill Isaiah 53:9, which states that the Messiah would be buried with the rich. The religious leaders’ insistence on the tomb being sealed and guarded  leads to the fulfillment of Jesus’ own prophecy that he would rise after three days (Matthew 16:21).

Conclusion: Matthew 27 shows us the agonizing account of the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. From Judas’ betrayal to Pilate’s reluctant condemnation, and from the mockery of the soldiers to the darkness that covers the land, each verse builds upon the narrative of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. The chapter not only details historical events but also fulfills hundreds of prophecies, confirming Jesus as the Messiah. Despite the sorrow and pain witnessed in these verses, the chapter ends with a message of hope for the world – the sealed tomb would soon be empty, pointing out that the death and resurrection is a victory over the devil and death. As we read this chapter of the passion, we as believers should be reminded of the depth of God’s love for us and the high price paid by Jesus for our salvation.