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Matthew 27

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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.

Study Notes — Matthew 27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death, and Judas' return of the thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 27:1-10). Jesus is then taken before Pilate, who finds no fault in Him but ultimately succumbs to the crowd's demands and sentences Jesus to crucifixion (Matthew 27:11-26). The crucifixion itself is described in detail, including the mocking of Jesus by the soldiers and the crowds, as well as the supernatural events that occur during the crucifixion, such as the earthquake and the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:27-56). The chapter concludes with the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea, and the posting of guards at the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus' body (Matthew 27:57-66).

Context for the Chapter

Matthew 27 is the culmination of the gospel narrative, as it describes the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. This chapter is set within the larger context of the Passion Week, which begins with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and concludes with His resurrection. The events of this chapter are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as they fulfill Old Testament prophecies and demonstrate the nature of God's love for humanity.

Heart Application

As we reflect on the events of Matthew 27, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for humanity and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. We are called to respond to this love by repenting of our sins and trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are also encouraged to demonstrate our love for God and others by living a life of obedience and service.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Matthew 27 describes the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. Jesus was sentenced to death by Pilate and was crucified on a cross, where He suffered and died for the sins of humanity. After His death, Jesus was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea. This chapter is significant because it demonstrates the depth of God's love for humanity and the nature of Jesus' sacrifice. As we reflect on Matthew 27:46, we are reminded of the temporary separation between God the Father and God the Son, and the significance of Jesus' cry of abandonment.

Voices from the Church

“The cross of Christ is the greatest wonder of the universe, and it is the symbol of God's love for humanity.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The crucifixion of Jesus is the central event of the gospel narrative, and it demonstrates the nature of God's justice and mercy.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death (Matthew 27:1-10) — The chapter begins with the Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death, and Judas' return of the thirty pieces of silver.
  2. Jesus before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26) — Jesus is taken before Pilate, who finds no fault in Him but ultimately succumbs to the crowd's demands and sentences Jesus to crucifixion.
  3. The crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:27-44) — The crucifixion itself is described in detail, including the mocking of Jesus by the soldiers and the crowds, as well as the supernatural events that occur during the crucifixion.
  4. The burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66) — The chapter concludes with the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea, and the posting of guards at the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus' body.
  5. The significance of the crucifixion (Matthew 27:45-56) — The chapter highlights the significance of the crucifixion, including the temporary separation between God the Father and God the Son, and the supernatural events that occur during the crucifixion.

Core Doctrines

The doctrine of substitutionary atonement
Matthew 27 demonstrates the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, as Jesus pays the penalty for humanity's sins on the cross.
The doctrine of the Trinity
The chapter highlights the doctrine of the Trinity, as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all involved in the events of the crucifixion.
The doctrine of redemption
Matthew 27 demonstrates the doctrine of redemption, as Jesus' sacrifice redeems humanity from the penalty of sin.
The doctrine of the resurrection
The chapter sets the stage for the doctrine of the resurrection, as Jesus' burial is an important precursor to His resurrection in Matthew 28.

Lessons from Matthew 27

  1. The importance of obedience to God's will — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's will, as Jesus submits to the Father's plan and suffers on the cross.
  2. The nature of God's love for humanity — Matthew 27 demonstrates the nature of God's love for humanity, as Jesus sacrifices Himself for the sins of the world.
  3. The significance of the cross in the Christian life — The chapter emphasizes the significance of the cross in the Christian life, as it is the symbol of God's love and the means of our redemption.
  4. The importance of forgiveness and mercy — The chapter highlights the importance of forgiveness and mercy, as Jesus forgives those who crucify Him and demonstrates God's mercy towards humanity.
  5. The need for humility and surrender — Matthew 27 demonstrates the need for humility and surrender, as Jesus surrenders to the Father's will and suffers on the cross.

Themes from Matthew 27

  1. The theme of sacrifice — The chapter highlights the theme of sacrifice, as Jesus gives His life for the sins of humanity.
  2. The theme of love — Matthew 27 demonstrates the theme of love, as Jesus demonstrates God's love for humanity through His sacrifice on the cross.
  3. The theme of redemption — The chapter emphasizes the theme of redemption, as Jesus' sacrifice redeems humanity from the penalty of sin.
  4. The theme of obedience — The chapter highlights the theme of obedience, as Jesus submits to the Father's will and suffers on the cross.
  5. The theme of forgiveness — Matthew 27 demonstrates the theme of forgiveness, as Jesus forgives those who crucify Him and demonstrates God's mercy towards humanity.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus, and how does it demonstrate God's love for humanity?
  2. How does the mocking of Jesus by the soldiers and the crowds highlight the depth of human sin and the nature of Jesus' sacrifice?
  3. What is the significance of the temporary separation between God the Father and God the Son, and how does it demonstrate the extreme nature of Jesus' sacrifice?
  4. How does the burial of Jesus set the stage for the resurrection narrative in Matthew 28?
  5. What is the practical application of the events of Matthew 27 for our lives as Christians?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death (Matthew 27:1-10)

Matthew 27:1 The chapter begins with the Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death, and Judas' return of the thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 27:2 Jesus is bound and led away to Pilate, the Roman governor.

2. Jesus before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26)

Matthew 27:11 Jesus is taken before Pilate, who finds no fault in Him.
Matthew 27:12 The chief priests and the elders accuse Jesus of many things, but He remains silent.

3. The crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:27-44)

Matthew 27:27 The Roman soldiers take Jesus and crucify Him, mocking Him and giving Him vinegar to drink.
Matthew 27:28 They strip Jesus of His clothes and divide them among themselves.

4. The supernatural events surrounding the crucifixion (Matthew 27:45-56)

Matthew 27:45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour, darkness falls over the land.
Matthew 27:46 Jesus cries out with a loud voice, saying, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'

5. The burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66)

Matthew 27:57 As the day comes to a close, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph asks Pilate for Jesus' body.
Matthew 27:58 Joseph takes Jesus' body and wraps it in a clean linen cloth, laying it in his own tomb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus?

The crucifixion of Jesus is significant because it demonstrates God's love for humanity and provides the means of our redemption from sin (Matthew 27:35, John 3:16).

Why did Jesus cry out, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'?

Jesus cried out because He was temporarily separated from God the Father, demonstrating the extreme nature of His sacrifice for humanity's sins (Matthew 27:46, Psalm 22:1).

What is the significance of the burial of Jesus?

The burial of Jesus is significant because it sets the stage for the resurrection narrative in Matthew 28 and demonstrates the reality of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:57-66).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Matthew 27:1 → Psalm 2:1-2 The Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death is a fulfillment of Psalm 2:1-2, which describes the rebellion of the nations against God and His Anointed One.
2 Matthew 27:9-10 → Zechariah 11:12-13 The thirty pieces of silver that Judas returns are a fulfillment of Zechariah 11:12-13, which describes the payment of thirty pieces of silver for the Shepherd of the flock.
3 Matthew 27:24 → Deuteronomy 21:6-9 Pilate's washing of his hands is a reference to Deuteronomy 21:6-9, which describes the ritual of washing one's hands to cleanse oneself of guilt.
4 Matthew 27:35 → Psalm 22:18 The dividing of Jesus' clothes among the soldiers is a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18, which describes the enemies of God's Anointed One dividing His clothes among themselves.
5 Matthew 27:46 → Psalm 22:1 Jesus' cry of abandonment is a fulfillment of Psalm 22:1, which describes the Anointed One's feeling of abandonment by God.
6 Matthew 27:51 → Exodus 26:31-33 The tearing of the temple veil is a reference to Exodus 26:31-33, which describes the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle.
7 Matthew 27:57 → Isaiah 53:9 The burial of Jesus in a rich man's tomb is a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9, which describes the Anointed One's burial in a rich man's tomb.
8 Matthew 27:60 → Daniel 6:17 The sealing of the tomb with a stone is a reference to Daniel 6:17, which describes the sealing of the lions' den with a stone to prevent Daniel's escape.
9 Matthew 27:62 → Psalm 16:10 The request of the chief priests and the Pharisees to Pilate to secure the tomb is a fulfillment of Psalm 16:10, which describes God's preservation of the Anointed One's body from decay.
10 Matthew 27:66 → Acts 13:29-30 The posting of guards at the tomb is a reference to Acts 13:29-30, which describes the Jewish leaders' attempts to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus' body and claiming that He had risen from the dead.

Sermons on Matthew 27

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Arrogance and Defeat by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to take the defeat and discouragement out of their spirits and hearts. He emphasizes that failure, whether in business or any othe
John Piper (Biographies) Charles Spurgeon by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in preaching, even in the face of adversity and criticism. He encourages preachers to have a long-term perspec
Chuck Smith A Deadly Choice by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice regarding Jesus Christ, highlighting the biblical theme of choosing between life and death. It explores the consequ
Alan Redpath (John) 21 - Trial Tragedy of Divine Love by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker discusses the movements of Jesus during his trial and crucifixion. The speaker highlights the contrast between the cruelty of Jesus' enemies and the ten
Leonard Ravenhill It Is Finished by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' declaration 'It is finished' from John 19:30, asserting that these words encapsulate the culmination of Old Testame
Warren Wiersbe Seven Words From the Cross - Loneliness by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from Matthew 27:45-50, where darkness covers the land from the sixth hour to the ninth hour. Jesus cries out, "My God, My God, w
Zac Poonen (Basics) 23. Another Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for believers to recognize its gravity. He uses the example of Adam and Eve, who were given only one comm
Richard Wurmbrand Das Neue Wesen (German) by Richard Wurmbrand The sermon transcript discusses the conditions and demands that the world places on believers in order for them to have faith. It suggests that modernizing theology, incorporating
Paul Washer Family Series Part 2 (Honor, the Gateway to Blessings) by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fathers spending quality time with their children, particularly on weekends. He argues that all truth is revealed truth, m
Keith Daniel The Book of Job by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Job from the Bible. Job, a wealthy and righteous man, experiences a series of devastating losses, including the death of his child

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 27

In this chapter, we see the culmination of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The crucifixion of Jesus is a demonstration of God's love for humanity, and it is the central event of the gospel narrative. As we reflect on the events of Matthew 27, we are reminded of the depth of human sin and the nature of Jesus' sacrifice. We are called to respond to this love by repenting of our sins and trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The chapter also highlights the significance of the cross in the Christian life, as it is the symbol of God's love and the means of our redemption. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The cross of Christ is the greatest wonder of the universe, and it is the symbol of God's love for humanity.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies

Throughout the chapter, Matthew highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Psalm 22:1 and Zechariah 11:12-13. This demonstrates the divine nature of the events unfolding and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.

The role of human sin

The chapter emphasizes the role of human sin in the crucifixion of Jesus, as the crowds and the soldiers mock and ridicule Him. This highlights the depth of human rebellion against God and the need for redemption.

The supernatural events surrounding the crucifixion

The chapter describes several supernatural events that occur during the crucifixion, such as the earthquake and the tearing of the temple veil. These events demonstrate the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the impact it has on the world.

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