# Overview Matthew Chapter 27 begins with the continuation of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]' trial before #PontiusPilate, the Roman governor. After being handed over by the chief priests and elders who sought to have Him executed, Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews. Despite the accusations and mockery from the crowd, Jesus remains largely silent, fulfilling the prophecy of the #sufferingservant described in #Isaiah 53:7. Pilate, recognizing the innocence of Jesus but pressured by the crowd, offers to release a prisoner as per the Passover custom. The crowd chooses #Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, over Jesus, leading Pilate to symbolically wash his hands, declaring himself innocent of Jesus' blood. This scene poignantly captures the rejection of the #Messiah by His own people and the miscarriage of justice that led to His crucifixion. The chapter proceeds to describe the crucifixion of Jesus at #Golgotha. After being scourged and mocked by the Roman soldiers, who place a crown of thorns on His head and a reed in His hand, Jesus is led to the place of execution. As He hangs on the cross, He is taunted by passersby, chief priests, and even the criminals crucified alongside Him. During the crucifixion, darkness falls over the land, and Jesus cries out to #God with a sense of abandonment, quoting #Psalm 22:1, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" At the moment of His death, the temple veil is torn, the earth shakes, and tombs are opened, symbolizing the profound spiritual significance of His sacrifice. The centurion and those with him, witnessing these events, proclaim Jesus to be the Son of God. The chapter concludes with Jesus' burial by #JosephofArimathea in a new tomb and the posting of guards to secure the tomb, setting the stage for the resurrection narrative. ## Theological Insights Matthew 27 presents significant theological themes centered on the suffering, death, and burial of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], highlighting the fulfillment of #OldTestament prophecies and the profound meaning of the #Crucifixion in God's redemptive plan. 1. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The events in this chapter demonstrate the fulfillment of numerous prophecies concerning the #Messiah. For instance, the thirty pieces of silver paid to #Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus echoes the prophecy in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 11|Zechariah 11:12-13]], and Judas' subsequent remorse and suicide underscore the betrayal foretold in the Scriptures. 2. **Jesus as the Suffering Servant**: Jesus' trial and crucifixion depict Him as the Suffering Servant prophesied in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53]], who bears the sins of many. His silent acceptance of the accusations before #PontiusPilate, as well as the mockery and suffering He endures, align with Isaiah’s portrayal of a servant who is oppressed and afflicted, yet does not open His mouth. 3. **The Atoning Sacrifice**: The death of Jesus is central to the Christian understanding of atonement. In [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 27|Matthew 27:46]], Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" quoting [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 22|Psalm 22]], which is a messianic psalm that begins in despair but ends in triumph. This cry illustrates Jesus taking on the full weight of human sin and experiencing separation from the Father, a crucial aspect of His role as the sacrificial Lamb. 4. **The Veil is Torn**: The tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death symbolizes the new access to God granted through Jesus' sacrifice, signifying the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new covenant (see [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10]]). This act represents the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, made possible through the atoning work of Jesus. 5. **Recognition of Jesus' Identity**: The centurion's declaration, "Truly this was the Son of God!" in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 27|Matthew 27:54]], affirms Jesus' divine identity. This acknowledgment by a Roman soldier signifies the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the spreading of the gospel beyond #Jewish boundaries. 6. **The Burial of Jesus**: The burial of Jesus in the tomb of #Joseph of Arimathea fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant being "with a rich man in his death" from [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53:9]]. This act sets the stage for the subsequent resurrection, reinforcing the truth of Jesus' victory over death and His power to bring eternal life to all believers. These themes collectively highlight the pivotal moment of Jesus' crucifixion as the climax of God's plan of salvation, emphasizing the theological significance of His death as both the fulfillment of prophecy and the means of reconciling humanity to God. ## Thematic Connections ### Fulfillment of Prophecy Matthew 27 intricately weaves the fulfillment of #prophecy throughout the narrative of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]' trial, crucifixion, and burial. The chapter highlights events such as the betrayal by #Judas for thirty pieces of silver, which fulfills the prophecy in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 11|Zechariah 11:12-13]]. Furthermore, the mocking of Jesus by the soldiers, the casting of lots for His garments, and His crucifixion between two criminals all resonate with the prophetic words found in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 22|Psalm 22]]. These elements underscore the divine orchestration and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. ### The Innocence of Jesus Throughout Matthew 27, the innocence of Jesus is consistently emphasized. Pilate's repeated declarations of Jesus' innocence, the dream of Pilate's wife, and Judas' remorseful admission that he had betrayed "innocent blood" all serve to highlight the sinless nature of Jesus. This theme echoes the portrayal of the suffering servant in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53]], who bears the sins of others despite being without sin Himself. ### The Sovereignty of God Amidst Human Rejection The chapter reveals the theme of God's sovereignty, even in the face of human rejection and injustice. Although Jesus is subjected to mockery, false accusations, and crucifixion, God's redemptive plan is being fulfilled through these events. This theme parallels other biblical narratives where God's purposes prevail despite human opposition, such as in the stories of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 50|Joseph]], who was sold into slavery yet rose to power to save many, and [[Esther/Esther Chapter 4|Esther]], who risked her life to deliver her people. ### The Role of the Crowd The involvement of the crowd in demanding Jesus' crucifixion and choosing Barabbas over Him highlights the theme of the fickle and often misguided nature of human judgment. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the dangers of following the crowd rather than seeking God's truth, as seen in instances like the golden calf incident in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 32|Exodus 32]] and the people's desire for a king in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 8|1 Samuel 8]]. ### The Universality of Jesus' Sacrifice The events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, including the tearing of the temple veil and the centurion's confession of Jesus as the Son of God, point to the universal significance of His sacrifice. The tearing of the veil symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, inviting all, both Jew and Gentile, into a relationship with God. This theme connects with the promise to #Abraham that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed, as noted in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:3]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver The betrayal of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] by #JudasIscariot for thirty pieces of silver fulfills the prophecy found in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 11|Zechariah 11:12-13]]. Zechariah speaks of thirty pieces of silver, which were thrown into the house of the Lord, and this is echoed in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 27]] when Judas returns the silver to the chief priests and elders. This act highlights the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the value placed on the Lord's shepherd and the subsequent use of the money to purchase the potter's field, emphasizing the profound connection between the events of Jesus' betrayal and the Old Testament prophetic vision. ### The Silence Before Accusers During the trial before #PontiusPilate, Jesus remains silent in response to accusations, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53:7]], which describes the servant as oppressed and afflicted, yet not opening his mouth. Jesus’ silence before His accusers is a direct fulfillment of this prophecy, underscoring His role as the suffering servant who willingly endures unjust treatment without retaliation, aligning with the prophetic vision of the #Messiah’s sacrificial role. ### The Mocking and Suffering of the Messiah The mocking and suffering that Jesus endures at the hands of the soldiers is a fulfillment of the prophecy in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 22|Psalm 22:7-8]], where it is foretold that the righteous sufferer would be mocked and derided. The soldiers’ actions, including the crowning of thorns and the mocking title of "King of the Jews," resonate deeply with this Psalm, illustrating how Jesus’ passion fulfills the prophetic descriptions of the Messiah’s humiliation and suffering. ### Casting Lots for His Garments The soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments fulfills the prophecy found in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 22|Psalm 22:18]], which explicitly states, "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." This detail in Matthew's narrative demonstrates the precision with which Jesus' crucifixion aligns with Old Testament prophecy, reinforcing the legitimacy of Jesus’ messianic identity and the divine orchestration of these events. ### The Darkness Over the Land The supernatural darkness that covers the land during Jesus' crucifixion recalls the prophetic imagery found in [[Amos/Amos Chapter 8|Amos 8:9]], where it is foretold that darkness would descend at noon as a sign of divine judgment. This occurrence during Jesus' death signifies the gravity of the moment and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings concerning judgment and lamentation, further highlighting the cosmic significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death. ### The Piercing of His Side The piercing of Jesus' side fulfills the prophecy in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 12|Zechariah 12:10]], which speaks of the inhabitants of Jerusalem looking upon the one they have pierced. Although not directly mentioned in Matthew, the piercing is a well-known aspect of the crucifixion narrative, underscoring the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy and illustrating the continuity between Jesus’ crucifixion and Old Testament expectations of the suffering Messiah. ### The Tearing of the Temple Curtain The tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecies concerning access to God and the establishment of a new covenant. While not a direct citation of a single prophecy, this event aligns with the broader prophetic themes found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]], which speaks of a new covenant between God and His people, signifying the opening of direct access to God through Jesus' sacrificial death. ## Verses - **Matthew 27:1** - "Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] to death." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 15]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 23]], [[John/John Chapter 18]] - **Matthew 27:2** - "Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to #Pilate, the Roman governor." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 15]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 23]], [[John/John Chapter 18]] - **Matthew 27:3** - "When #Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders." - See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 26]] - **Matthew 27:4** - "'I have sinned,' he declared, 'for I have betrayed an innocent man.' 'What do we care?' they retorted. 'That’s your problem.'" - See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1]] - **Matthew 27:5** - "Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself." - See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1]] - **Matthew 27:6** - "The leading priests picked up the coins. ‘It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,’ they said, ‘since it was payment for murder.’" - **Matthew 27:7** - "After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners." - **Matthew 27:8** - "That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood." - **Matthew 27:9** - "This fulfilled the prophecy of #Jeremiah that says, 'They took the thirty pieces of silver—the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel,'" - See also [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 32]] - **Matthew 27:10** - "'and purchased the potter’s field, as the Lord directed.'" - **Matthew 27:11** - "Now Jesus was standing before #Pilate, the Roman governor. ‘Are you the king of the #Jews?’ the governor asked him. Jesus replied, ‘You have said it.'" - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 15]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 23]], [[John/John Chapter 18]] - **Matthew 27:12** - "But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent." - See also [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53]] - **Matthew 27:13** - "'Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?' #Pilate demanded." - **Matthew 27:14** - "But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise." - **Matthew 27:15** - "Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted." - See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 15]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 23]] - **Matthew 27:16** - "This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named #Barabbas." - **Matthew 27:17** - "As the crowds gathered before #Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?'" - **Matthew 27:18** - "(He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)" - **Matthew 27:19** - "Just then, as #Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.'" - **Matthew 27:20** - "Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for #Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death." - **Matthew 27:21** - "So the governor asked again, ‘Which of these two do you want me to release to you?' The crowd shouted back, ‘Barabbas!'" - **Matthew 27:22** - "Pilate responded, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!'" - **Matthew 27:23** - "'Why?' Pilate demanded. ‘What crime has he committed?’ But the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify him!'" - **Matthew 27:24** - "Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!'" - **Matthew 27:25** - "And all the people yelled back, ‘We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!'" - **Matthew 27:26** - "So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified."