Matthew chapter 27 chronicles the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. The Jewish authorities condemn Jesus and hand Him over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite Pilate’s reluctance, he ultimately yields to the crowd’s demands and sentences Jesus to death.
Summary of Matthew 27
The chapter opens with the Jewish leaders plotting to kill Jesus. They bound Jesus and bring Him before Pilate for judgment. Judas, filled with remorse for his betrayal of Jesus, attempts to return the money he was paid to the chief priests but is rejected. Judas throws the money to the temple, then hangs himself out of grief for the grave sin he committed.
Meanwhile, Jesus stands before governor Pilate who asks Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replies, “You have said so.” When the chief priests and elders accused Jesus, he gave no answer. Pilate was surprised that Jesus gave not one reply to the accusations.
During the festival, it was the governor’s custom to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. Pilate asked the crowd, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd while saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility!”
Jesus is then mocked, beaten, and crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers. He is then forced to carry the cross to the place of crucifixion, Golgotha, where He is ultimately nailed to the cross and dies.
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lemasabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom and the earth shook with a violent earthquake.
A rich man named Joseph from Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate if he could bury Jesus’ body in a tomb that was designated for himself. Pilate granted this request.
The chapter ends with the chief priests and the Pharisees going to Pilate and asking for the placement of a guard at Jesus’ tomb for three days. They feared that Jesus’ disciples would come and steal the body and tell the people that He has been raised from the dead as He had predicted. The tomb was made secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Matthew 27 Themes
- Innocence and Injustice: Jesus, portrayed as innocent, is condemned by both the religious and secular authorities.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The events surrounding Jesus’ death are seen as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.
- Redemption Through Suffering: Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice are presented as the path to salvation.
- Authority and Power: The chapter explores the tension between Roman and Jewish authority.
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