Note: for the best experience please pick-up this book to follow along.
Welcome back to our 14-day journey through “Matthew’s Message: Unveiling the Truths of Jesus’ Ministry.” Today, we focus on the crucifixion of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 27. This event marks the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry, highlighting the profound significance of His sacrificial death and the redemption it brings.
The Road to the Cross:
- Jesus Before Pilate:
- Matthew 27:11-26 – Jesus stands trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite Pilate’s initial reluctance, the crowd demands Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate symbolically washes his hands, declaring his innocence of Jesus’ blood, but ultimately condemns Jesus to death to appease the crowd.
- The unjust trial and condemnation of Jesus highlight His innocence and the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus’ willingness to endure this suffering demonstrates His obedience to the Father’s will and His love for humanity.
- Mockery and Scourging:
- Matthew 27:27-31 – Roman soldiers mock Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on His head, a reed in His hand, and a scarlet robe on His shoulders. They ridicule Him as “King of the Jews” and beat Him. Jesus endures the physical and emotional agony with silent dignity.
- The mockery and scourging of Jesus fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:3-5). His silent endurance reveals His strength and commitment to God’s redemptive plan.
The Crucifixion:
- The Journey to Golgotha:
- Matthew 27:32-34 – Jesus is led to Golgotha (the place of the skull), carrying His cross. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to help Him. Upon arrival, Jesus is offered wine mixed with gall, a bitter substance, but He refuses to drink it.
- The journey to Golgotha underscores the physical and emotional weight of Jesus’ sacrifice. His refusal to drink the gall signifies His willingness to fully embrace the suffering of the cross.
- The Act of Crucifixion:
- Matthew 27:35-37 – Jesus is nailed to the cross, and the soldiers cast lots for His clothing, fulfilling Psalm 22:18. A sign reading “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” is placed above His head. Jesus hangs between two criminals.
- The act of crucifixion is brutal and agonizing. Jesus’ willingness to endure this suffering reveals the depth of His love and the cost of our redemption.
- The Mockery and Darkness:
- Matthew 27:38-44 – Bystanders, religious leaders, and even the criminals crucified with Him mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself. From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covers the land.
- The mockery Jesus endures highlights humanity’s rejection of Him. The darkness symbolizes the weight of sin and the judgment He bears on our behalf.
- Jesus’ Death:
- Matthew 27:45-50 – At about three in the afternoon, Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). He then gives up His spirit and dies. His cry of abandonment reflects the separation from the Father as He bears the sins of the world.
- Jesus’ death is the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. By bearing the punishment for our sins, He opens the way for our reconciliation with God.
The Significance of the Crucifixion:
- The Temple Curtain Torn:
- Matthew 27:51 – At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. This symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting us direct access to His presence.
- The tearing of the curtain signifies the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus’ sacrifice.
- The Earthquake and Resurrection of the Saints:
- Matthew 27:52-53 – The earth shakes, rocks split, and tombs break open. Many holy people who had died are raised to life and appear to many in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection.
- These miraculous events testify to the power and significance of Jesus’ death, affirming His identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life.
Reflection and Application:
The crucifixion of Jesus is the heart of the gospel. It reveals the depths of God’s love and the extent of His sacrifice for our redemption. Reflect on the following questions:
- How does the reality of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice impact your understanding of His love for you?
- In what ways can you live in response to the profound grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus’ death?
- How can you share the message of the cross with others, demonstrating its power and significance in your life?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the incredible sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to comprehend the depth of His suffering and the magnitude of His love. May the reality of the cross transform our hearts and lives, leading us to live in gratitude, obedience, and bold witness for You. Amen.
Tomorrow, we conclude our journey by celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and exploring the Great Commission. Join us as we reflect on the victory over death and the mission entrusted to us as His followers.
Feel free to share your thoughts, reflections, and questions in the comments below. Let’s continue this journey together, seeking to grow in our faith and understanding of our Savior.
Stay blessed, Dustin Royer