Matthew 27: Jesus Condemned, Crucified, and Buried

Short answer: Matthew 27 narrates Jesus' trial before Pilate, Judas's remorse and suicide, the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. It also records the centurion's confession and the sealing of the tomb.

What Matthew 27 says

The chapter opens with the chief priests and elders binding Jesus and delivering him to Pilate. Judas, seeing Jesus condemned, feels remorse and returns the thirty pieces of silver, confessing his sin. The priests call it blood money and use it to buy the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Judas then hangs himself. This fulfills what was spoken through Jeremiah. Meanwhile, Jesus stands before Pilate, who asks if he is the King of the Jews. Jesus answers briefly, but when accused by the chief priests and elders, he says nothing, amazing Pilate. At the feast, Pilate offers to release one prisoner. He presents Barabbas and Jesus, knowing envy motivated the charges. Pilate's wife warns him in a dream to have nothing to do with Jesus.

The chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. When Pilate asks which to release, they shout for Barabbas. Pilate then asks what to do with Jesus, and they cry out for crucifixion. Pilate protests Jesus' innocence, but the crowd insists. Pilate washes his hands, declaring himself innocent, and the people accept responsibility. He releases Barabbas, flogs Jesus, and delivers him to be crucified. The soldiers take Jesus into the Praetorium, strip him, put a scarlet robe on him, and crown him with thorns. They mock him as King of the Jews, spit on him, and strike him. Then they lead him away to crucify him. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross.

At Golgotha, they offer Jesus sour wine mixed with gall, but he refuses. After crucifying him, they divide his clothes by casting lots and sit watching. A sign above him reads, This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two robbers are crucified with him. Passersby blaspheme, mocking him to save himself if he is the Son of God. The chief priests, scribes, and elders also mock, saying he saved others but cannot save himself, and challenge him to come down so they may believe. The robbers also reproach him. From the sixth to the ninth hour, darkness covers the land. Jesus cries out, asking why God has forsaken him. Some think he calls Elijah. He cries again and yields his spirit.

At Jesus' death, the temple veil tears from top to bottom, the earth quakes, and rocks split. Tombs open, and many saints are raised, appearing in the holy city after Jesus' resurrection. The centurion and those with him, seeing these events, fear greatly and declare Jesus the Son of God. Many women who followed Jesus from Galilee watch from afar, including Mary Magdalene and others. In the evening, Joseph of Arimathaea, a rich disciple, asks Pilate for Jesus' body. Pilate grants it, and Joseph wraps the body in clean linen, lays it in his new tomb, and rolls a great stone to the door. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sit opposite the tomb. The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees ask Pilate to secure the tomb, fearing the disciples will steal the body and claim resurrection. Pilate tells them to use their guard, and they seal the stone.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.” (Matthew 27:2) — This verse marks the transition from the religious trial to the civil trial, showing Jesus bound and delivered to Pilate, fulfilling the plan of the elders.
• “He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.” (Matthew 27:14) — Jesus' silence before Pilate is striking, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating his submission, which causes Pilate to marvel.
• “Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.” (Matthew 27:26) — Pilate releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be flogged and crucified, highlighting the injustice and the substitutionary release of a guilty man.
• “Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54)” (Matthew 27:54) — The centurion's confession after witnessing the earthquake and events is a pivotal moment, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God.

Gospel connection

Matthew 27 stands at the heart of the gospel narrative, showing Jesus willingly enduring betrayal, false accusation, mockery, and crucifixion. The chapter connects to the wider biblical story through fulfilled prophecy, such as the thirty pieces of silver and the potter's field, and through the temple veil tearing, symbolizing access to God. Jesus' cry of forsakenness echoes Psalm 22, and his death brings about resurrection hope as tombs open. The centurion's confession foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles. This chapter demonstrates that Jesus' death was not a tragic accident but the culmination of God's redemptive plan, as he bore the curse for sin, leading to the resurrection and the salvation of all who believe.

Application

This chapter asks readers to confront the reality of human sin and the cost of redemption. It invites us to examine our own hearts, recognizing that like the crowd, we are capable of rejecting Jesus when it suits us. It calls us to repentance, as Judas's remorse without true repentance warns against despair. We are urged to trust in Jesus' finished work, even when God seems silent, and to follow the example of the women and Joseph, who remained faithful. The centurion's confession challenges us to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. Ultimately, it calls us to live in light of the torn veil, drawing near to God with confidence, and to bear witness to the crucified and risen Savior.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not explain why Pilate's wife had the dream, nor does it record Jesus' thoughts during his silence. It does not describe the nature of the darkness or the details of the resurrection of the saints. It does not tell us what happened to Judas's body or how the chief priests felt about his death. It does not specify the exact location of Golgotha or the names of the robbers. It does not record any words from the women at the cross or from Joseph of Arimathaea beyond his request. It does not explain how the saints appeared to many or what they said. The text is silent on the eternal destiny of Judas, Pilate, or the mocking crowd.

Questions for study

1. Why do you think Judas felt remorse but did not seek forgiveness from Jesus? How does his response differ from true repentance?
2. What does Jesus' silence before Pilate reveal about his character and mission? How might we respond when falsely accused?
3. Pilate washed his hands but still handed Jesus over. In what ways do we try to absolve ourselves of responsibility while still participating in wrong?
4. The centurion confessed Jesus as the Son of God after witnessing the crucifixion events. What evidences in your life have led you to recognize Jesus as Lord?
5. The chief priests and Pharisees secured the tomb to prevent deception. How does their action ironically help confirm the resurrection? What does this teach about God's sovereignty?

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Related studies: Matthew 1 Bible Study, Matthew 10 Bible Study, Matthew 12 Bible Study, Matthew 13 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why did Judas return the thirty pieces of silver?

Judas felt remorse when he saw Jesus condemned and confessed that he had betrayed innocent blood. He returned the money to the chief priests and elders, but they did not help him.

What was the significance of the temple veil tearing?

The tearing of the veil from top to bottom at Jesus' death symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting direct access to God through Jesus' sacrifice.

Why did Pilate release Barabbas instead of Jesus?

Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and that envy motivated the charges, but he yielded to the crowd's demand for Barabbas and crucified Jesus to avoid a riot.