Matthew Chapter 27: Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Chapter 27 narrates the heart-wrenching events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
After a night of trials before religious and civil authorities, Jesus is handed
over to be crucified. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, reluctantly sentences
Jesus to death despite finding no fault in him. The soldiers mock Jesus, dress
him in a scarlet robe, and place a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus is
crucified alongside two criminals. Darkness covers the land from noon until
three in the afternoon as Jesus hangs on the cross. With a cry, he breathes his
last, signaling his sacrificial death. The earth shakes, the temple curtain is
torn, and the centurion and others recognize Jesus' divinity. Joseph of
Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Jesus' body in a tomb.
Matthew Chapter 28: Resurrection and Great Commission
The final chapter of Matthew records the pivotal event of Jesus' resurrection.
As the Sabbath ends, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discover the empty tomb,
with an angel proclaiming that Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to the women and
instructs them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee. The religious leaders
bribe the guards to spread false information about the stolen body. In Galilee,
Jesus appears to his disciples, commissioning them to make disciples of all
nations, baptizing and teaching in his name. The chapter concludes with Jesus'
promise to be with them always. This chapter marks the triumphant culmination
of Jesus' resurrection and his commission for his followers to spread the
message of salvation to the world.
