‏ Matthew 27

Jesus Delivered to Pilate; Judas’s Despair and Death

This section tells about the morning after Jesus was condemned by the Jewish leaders. Because the Jews did not have power to execute anyone, they brought Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate. We also read about Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Judas is filled with regret and tries to return the money, then ends his own life. The chief priests use the money to buy a field, which fulfills Old Testament prophecy. The story shows both the wicked actions of the leaders and the tragic end of Judas, who could not find forgiveness.

v. 1: Early in the morning, the chief priests and elders meet again to decide what to do with Jesus. Since the Jews were under Roman rule, they could not carry out the death penalty themselves. They bind Jesus and lead him away to Pilate, the Roman governor. This fulfills prophecy that the Messiah would be delivered to the Gentiles (see Genesis 49:10 ^a).

v. 2: Jesus is bound like a criminal and led from Caiaphas to Pilate. The leaders want Pilate to pass the death sentence, using the power of the Roman government to get rid of Jesus. This shows how the religious leaders misused their authority, making an alliance with a ruler they usually disliked.

v. 3: Judas, who betrayed Jesus, sees that Jesus has been condemned. He is filled with regret and tries to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. Judas realizes that what he did was wrong and tries to undo it, but it is too late.

v. 4: Judas confesses to the religious leaders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” He admits that Jesus was innocent and that he has done something terribly wrong. But the priests do not care about his guilt or about Jesus’ innocence. They say, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” This shows their hypocrisy and hard hearts.

v. 5: Judas throws the silver coins into the temple and leaves. Overcome by guilt and despair, he goes away and hangs himself. Judas’s story is a warning about the danger of sin, guilt, and hopelessness when someone tries to fix things without turning to God for mercy.

v. 6–8: The chief priests pick up the coins, but they say it is not lawful to put the money in the temple treasury since it is “the price of blood.” They use the money to buy a field to bury strangers in. This field becomes known as the “Field of Blood.” Even though the priests pretend to care about the law, their actions show that they care more about appearances than true justice and mercy.

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v. 9–10: Matthew explains that this event fulfills the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah (and written by Zechariah) about the thirty pieces of silver used to buy the potter’s field (see Zechariah 11:12–13 ^b). This shows that even in their wickedness, the religious leaders were unknowingly fulfilling God’s plan and the words of Scripture.

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Christ at the Bar of Pilate

This section describes how Jesus was brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, early in the morning after his arrest. The Jewish leaders wanted Pilate to sentence Jesus to death because they did not have the authority to execute him themselves. Pilate questions Jesus and listens to the accusations made by the Jewish leaders and the crowd. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the people choose to free Barabbas instead. In the end, Pilate gives in to the pressure and hands Jesus over to be crucified, even though he knows Jesus is innocent.

v. 11: Jesus stands before Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asks him if he is the king of the Jews. Jesus replies, “You have said so,” meaning he agrees but not in the way Pilate thinks. Jesus does not deny his identity, even though he is being falsely accused. He stands calmly and bravely, showing that he is not afraid to tell the truth, even when facing death.

v. 12-14: The chief priests and elders make many accusations against Jesus, but Jesus does not answer them. Pilate is surprised by Jesus’ silence. Usually, prisoners try to defend themselves, but Jesus does not argue or try to escape punishment. He fulfills the prophecy that the Messiah would be silent before his accusers (see Isaiah 53:7 ^c). Jesus is focused on following God’s will, not on saving himself.

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v. 15-18: At the Passover festival, it was the custom for the governor to release one prisoner chosen by the crowd. Pilate asks the people whom they want released: Jesus or Barabbas, a well-known criminal. Pilate hopes the crowd will choose Jesus, because he knows that the leaders have handed Jesus over out of envy, not because he did anything wrong.

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v. 19: While Pilate is sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sends him a message. She says she has suffered in a dream because of Jesus and warns Pilate not to have anything to do with “that just man.” This is another sign that Jesus is innocent and that God is warning Pilate.

v. 20-21: The chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to demand Jesus’ death. Pilate asks again which of the two men they want released, and the crowd shouts for Barabbas. The leaders influence the people to make a terrible choice—to free a criminal and condemn an innocent man.

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v. 22-23: Pilate asks the crowd what he should do with Jesus, and they shout, “Crucify him!” Pilate asks, “Why? What crime has he committed?” But the crowd only shouts louder. Pilate cannot find anything Jesus has done wrong, but the people are determined to have him put to death.

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v. 24: Pilate sees that he cannot convince the crowd, and that a riot is starting. He washes his hands in front of everyone to show that he does not take responsibility for Jesus’ death, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.” But this action does not remove his guilt—he is still the one who gives the order for Jesus to be crucified.

v. 25: The people reply, “His blood be on us and on our children!” They accept responsibility for Jesus’ death. This is a tragic moment, showing how far the crowd has been led astray by their leaders.

Christ Scourged and Derided; Christ Mocked by the Soldiers

This section describes what happened to Jesus after Pilate ordered his crucifixion. Jesus is scourged, mocked, and abused by Roman soldiers before being led away to be crucified. These cruel acts fulfilled the prophecies about the suffering Messiah. In these events, we see both the depth of human sin and the willingness of Jesus to endure pain and shame for our salvation.

v. 26: Pilate gives in to the crowd, releases Barabbas, and orders Jesus to be scourged and then crucified. Barabbas, a criminal, is set free, while the innocent Jesus is punished. Scourging was a harsh whipping that often left people weak and bleeding. This punishment fulfilled scripture: By his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5 ^d). Jesus suffers this cruelty so that sinners can be forgiven.

Pilate gives in to the crowd. He releases Barabbas and orders Jesus to be flogged and then crucified. Jesus, the innocent Son of God, is condemned to die, while a guilty man goes free. This fulfills what Jesus said about being handed over to the Gentiles and suffering for the sins of others.

v. 27: The soldiers take Jesus into the governor’s headquarters (the common hall), and gather the whole band of soldiers around him. Instead of treating Jesus with respect, they make him a public spectacle. This shows how people can join together to do wrong, especially when following the crowd.

v. 28: They strip Jesus of his clothes and put a scarlet robe on him. This robe is meant to mock him as “King of the Jews.” The robe and nakedness show both shame and cruelty. The soldiers are making fun of Jesus’ claim to be a king, not realizing that he is truly the King of Kings.

v. 29: The soldiers make a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus’ head. They also give him a reed to hold as a mock scepter. Then they kneel before him in fake honor, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” The thorns cause pain, and the mock ceremony is meant to insult him. This fulfills scripture that the Messiah would be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3 ^e).

v. 30: They spit on Jesus and take the reed, using it to strike his head. Spitting is a sign of great disrespect. Hitting him with the reed drives the thorns deeper into his scalp, causing more pain. Jesus continues to suffer silently, showing his patience and love.

v. 31: After mocking him, the soldiers take off the scarlet robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they lead him away to be crucified. Jesus is now ready to carry his cross to the place of execution. Through all this, he does not fight back, fulfilling the prophecy: He was led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7 ^f).

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The Crucifixion

This section describes the events and meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus is led to the place called Golgotha, “the place of a skull,” and there he is nailed to the cross. He is mocked and treated with cruelty by soldiers and bystanders. Even in his suffering, Jesus fulfills the prophecies about the Messiah. This is the central moment of the Christian faith, when Jesus dies for the sins of the world.

v. 33: Jesus is taken to Golgotha, which means “the place of a skull.” This was probably the regular place where criminals were executed outside Jerusalem. It was a place of death and shame, showing how low Jesus was brought for our sake. Jesus died in a public place, where many could see him, so that his death could not be hidden or denied.

v. 34: The soldiers offer Jesus wine mixed with gall (a bitter substance). This was meant to dull the pain, but Jesus tastes it and refuses to drink it. He chooses to face his suffering fully aware, without trying to escape the pain. This shows his willingness to take the full punishment for sin without avoiding any part of it (see also Psalm 69:21 ^g).

v. 35: Jesus is crucified—his hands and feet are nailed to the cross. The soldiers divide his clothes and gamble for his garment, fulfilling the prophecy (see Psalm 22:18 ^h). Jesus suffers not only physical pain but also shame and humiliation, as even his clothes are taken from him. This also shows that Jesus gave up everything for us.

v. 36: The soldiers sit down and keep watch over Jesus as he hangs on the cross. They are there to make sure he dies and that no one tries to rescue him. Even though they are just doing their job, their actions fulfill God’s plan for salvation.

v. 37: A sign is placed above Jesus’ head, stating, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” This was meant as a charge against him, to show the reason for his execution. Even though the people meant it as a joke, it is true—Jesus is the King, not only of the Jews but of all people.

v. 38: Two criminals are crucified with Jesus, one on his right and one on his left. This fulfills the prophecy that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12 ⁱ). Jesus, who was innocent, dies among guilty people, showing that he takes the place of sinners.

v. 39-40: People passing by mock Jesus, shaking their heads 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!” They misunderstand Jesus’ words and make fun of him. They don’t realize that he is saving others by staying on the cross, not by coming down.

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v. 41-43: The chief priests, scribes, and elders also mock Jesus. They say, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him.” They challenge Jesus to prove himself by escaping death. But Jesus shows his true power by accepting suffering, not by avoiding it. They do not understand that his mission is to save others by dying, not by saving himself.

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v. 44: Even the criminals who are crucified with Jesus insult him. At first, both join in mocking him, although we know from other gospels that later one of them repents (Luke 23:39-43 ^j). The rejection and insults from everyone show how alone Jesus was in his suffering.

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The Crucifixion; The Death of Christ

This section describes the death of Jesus on the cross and the extraordinary events that happened at that time. Jesus had been suffering for several hours. His death is the most important moment for Christians because it is through his sacrifice that sin is paid for and salvation is offered to all who believe.

v. 50: Jesus dies by crying out with a loud voice and yielding up his spirit. Usually, dying people become very weak and can barely speak, but Jesus cries with strength, showing that he gives up his life willingly, not because he is overpowered. He chooses the moment of his death. This fulfills the purpose for which he came—to offer himself as a sacrifice for sin (see also John 10:18 ^k).

v. 51: At the moment Jesus dies, the veil in the temple is torn from top to bottom. This curtain separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. Its tearing means that Jesus’ death opens the way for everyone to come to God, not just the priests. It also shows that the old religious system has ended and that Jesus is the new way to God (see also Hebrews 10:19-20 ^l). At the same time, there is a great earthquake, and rocks split apart. This shows that something huge and powerful has happened.

v. 52-53: The earth shakes, and tombs open. Many bodies of holy people who had died are raised to life. After Jesus’ resurrection, these people come out of their graves and go into Jerusalem, where many people see them. This is a sign that Jesus’ death and resurrection have power over death. It is also a promise that those who trust in Jesus will also rise from the dead one day (1 Corinthians 15:20-22 ^m).

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v. 54: The Roman centurion and the soldiers who are guarding Jesus see the earthquake and what happens. They are filled with fear and say, “Truly, this was the Son of God.” Even the people who killed Jesus begin to realize that he was not just an ordinary man, but God’s Son.

v. 55-56: Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee are watching from a distance. They had cared for Jesus and supported him during his ministry. Among them are Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. The disciples are not there, but these women stay and witness Jesus’ death, showing their love and courage.

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The Burial of Christ

This section tells what happened after Jesus died on the cross. Even after his death, the way Jesus was buried shows both the love of his friends and the hatred of his enemies. His burial proves that he was truly dead, which makes his resurrection even more amazing. The details also fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus’ burial is important because it shows he really shared in our humanity—even in death—and it prepares the way for the miracle of Easter morning.

v. 57: When evening came after Jesus’ death, a man named Joseph from Arimathea came to take care of Jesus’ body. Joseph was a rich man and a secret disciple of Jesus. He was not one of the twelve disciples, but he believed in Jesus and wanted to honor him. Even though most of Jesus’ followers had run away, Joseph showed courage by asking Pilate for Jesus’ body.

v. 58: Joseph went to Pilate, the Roman governor, and asked for permission to take Jesus’ body and bury it. Pilate agreed, probably to clear his own conscience after condemning an innocent man. Joseph was allowed to take the body, showing that God can use unexpected people to do important things for his kingdom.

v. 59: Joseph took Jesus’ body down from the cross and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth for burial. This was the normal way to prepare a body for the tomb. Even though Jesus had suffered so much shame and pain, his burial was done respectfully. This shows the love and care his friends still had for him, even after his death.

v. 60: Joseph laid Jesus in his own new tomb, which he had cut out of the rock. No one had ever been buried there before. He rolled a large stone in front of the entrance to seal it. This fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be with the rich in his death (see Isaiah 53:9 ⁿ). Jesus’ burial in a new, sealed tomb also makes it clear that no one could have stolen his body secretly.

v. 61: Two women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, were sitting across from the tomb. They watched where Jesus was buried. Even when almost everyone else had left, these faithful women stayed close. Their presence is important, because they would later be the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection.

v. 62–64: The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate. They remembered that Jesus had said he would rise again after three days. They were afraid that Jesus’ disciples might steal his body and claim he had risen. So they asked Pilate to make the tomb as secure as possible to prevent any rumors or tricks.

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v. 65: Pilate told them they could have a guard and make the tomb as secure as they wanted. He let them use Roman soldiers to stand watch at the tomb. This decision would actually help prove the resurrection, because no one could say the body was stolen.

v. 66: The religious leaders and soldiers sealed the stone and set a guard at the tomb. They wanted to make sure nothing would happen to Jesus’ body. But in the end, all their efforts could not stop what God planned—Jesus’ resurrection.