The Plan to Kill Jesus, 26:1-5 (Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John 11:45-53).
[1-2] The Passover was a meal that the Jews ate to remember their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:1ff.). It was a yearly feast. For “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20. Statements about His death became very frequent as the time of His death drew closer (see Matthew 16:21; 17:22f.; 20:17f.). It was very important that Jesus died at the time of the Passover. During the Passover feast, the Jews killed a perfect lamb (Exodus 12:5). The blood of the lamb was put on the door posts to mark the houses of the Israelites (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). The blood on the door posts was to protect them from death. For more about the Passover, see Matthew 26:17-19. Jesus was called the Lamb of God (John 1:29). The word “lamb” that John used was the word that meant “sacrificial lamb.” Jesus was about to be offered as a sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:9-10).
[3-5] The office of high priest was passed from one generation to another. During the Roman occupation, the Procurator (Roman Governor) appointed the high priest. Caiaphas was the high priest from A.D. 18 to 36. He was the son-in-law of the former High Priest, Annas. Caiphas was not a legitimate High Priest according to the law of Moses. This may have been a meeting of the Jewish ruling council called the Sanhedrin (see verse 59). The priests knew that they must be careful how they arrested and killed Jesus. Many people were in Jerusalem for the Passover.
A Woman Anoints Jesus, 26:6-13 (Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8).
[6-9] The book of Matthew does not always relate the history of Jesus in chronological order. Here it backs up to cover an event that took place a few days earlier. Bethany was about two kilometres southeast of Jerusalem. It can be assumed that Simon had been healed of his leprosy because a leper could not be with other people (Leviticus 13:45-46; Deuteronomy 24:8). Neither Matthew nor Mark indicated who the woman was. But John did name her—Mary. John also said this happened just before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The dinner was evidently at Simon’s house (Matthew 26:6) with Lazarus and his sisters present (John 12:2-3). Alabaster was a soft, cream-coloured stone. The perfume was very costly. Mark indicated that the cost was more than 300 silver coins (denarii). This was more than a year’s earnings for a man. Lazarus and his family were undoubtedly wealthy. Anointing a guest showed him honour. Anointing was also apart of consecrating a king (1 Samuel 16:12-13; Psalm 84:9). Mary did this for another reason (see verse 12). John indicated that the ointment was poured on His feet (John 12:3). Jesus’ followers thought the ointment was being wasted. John indicated that the main objection came from Judas. He did not really care about the poor but about himself (see John 12:4-6).
[10-13] Jesus praised the woman for what she had done. She had shown her love and dedication to Him. In verse eleven, Jesus said that there would always be opportunities to help the poor, but He would not always be there in the flesh. The woman’s act prepared Him for His burial.
Matthew 26:14-32
14 Then one of the twelve apostles, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the most important priests. 15 He said, “If I were to hand Jesus over to you, what would you pay me?” They agreed with him on the price—30 silver coins. 16 From that time on, Judas was looking for the best time to give Jesus to them. 17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus’ followers came to him. They asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal?” 18 Jesus answered, “Go into the city to the host. Tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My time is near. My followers and I will have the Passover meal with you.” ‘ ” 19 Jesus’ followers did exactly as Jesus told them. They prepared the Passover meal. 20 When evening came, Jesus sat down at the table with his twelve followers. 21 While they were eating, Jesus said, “I am telling you the truth: One of you will turn against me!” 22 They began to feel very sad. Each one of them said to Jesus, “Lord, I am not the one, am I?” 23 Jesus answered, “The person who dipped his hand in the same dinner bowl with me will turn against me. 24 I will die just as it is written about me. But, how horrible it will be for that man who turns against me. It would be better if that man had never been born!” 25 Judas (the one who turned against him) answered, “Rabbi, I am not the one, am I?” Jesus answered Judas, “Yes, you are.” 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread and gave thanks. He broke off some of the bread and gave it to his followers. He said, “Take it and eat it. This bread is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup. He gave thanks to God for it and gave it to them. He said, “All of you, drink from it. 28 This is my blood which I am pouring out for many people for the forgiveness of sins. It shows the new agreement which God has made with men. 29 I tell you, from now on, I will never drink this fruit of the vine again, until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 Then they sang a song of praise and went out to Olive Mountain. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will be ashamed of me. This is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd and the flock of sheep will be scattered.’ Zechariah 13:7 32 However, after I rise from death, I will go ahead of you to the land of Galilee.”
Judas Turns Against Jesus, 26:14-16 (Mark 14:10f.; Luke 22:3-6).
[14-16] Judas Iscariot was not as loving and devoted as the woman. He was a traitor. Perhaps the fact that he did not get his hands on the money for the ointment (John 12:4-6) made it easier for him to betray Jesus. The price Judas received (30 pieces of silver) was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). This price was also mentioned in Zechariah 11:12.
The Last Supper, 26:17-25 (Mark 14:12-21; Luke 22:7-14; John 13:1-35).
[17-19] Though the Passover feast was celebrated only on one night, the Jews continued to eat unleavened bread (bread without yeast) for seven days (Exodus 12:15-20). They ate the Passover feast with family (Exodus 12:3-4) or with friends. For a description of the meal, read Exodus 12:1-20.
The owner of the house probably knew Jesus. Use of the words “the teacher” was away to let the man know that it was Jesus who wanted to use his house (see Matthew 23:8).
[20-25] The custom of the day was to recline while eating (see John 13:1ff.). The men would dip bread into a common dish. To turn against someone you shared a meal with was a terrible thing (see Psalm 41:9). This happened to Jesus. For “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20. The Scriptures did say He would die (Isaiah 53; Psalm 16:10). Judas did have a choice. Because he chose to betray Jesus, it would have been better if he had not been born.
The Supper of the Lord, 26:26-30 (Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25; 10:14-22).
[26-27] While Jesus and His followers were eating a Jewish Passover, Jesus began His own supper. For years the Jews had eaten the Passover. Jesus’ death was very near. He was the real Passover Lamb of God (John 1:29), and He began a new supper. He used bread (without yeast) and the “fruit of the vine” (juice from grapes) as symbols of His own body and blood. The fact that He said, “This is my body” and, “This is my blood” (verse 28) does not mean that it was really His body and blood. He was still there in the flesh. He meant that those things represented His body and blood. Similar usage of words can be found in Matthew 13:38: “the field is the world,” “the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom,” “the weeds are the sons of the evil one.”
[28-30] The Passover pointed back to the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt. Jesus’ supper pointed to a new act of deliverance (Galatians 3:13; Romans 6:23; Colossians 1:13). God made a covenant (agreement) with Israel through Moses, and Jesus made a new covenant (agreement) (Hebrews 8:8-13; 9:15; 1 Corinthians 11:26). Verse twenty-nine looked forward to the beginning of the kingdom. When the church began (Acts 2), the Christians did celebrate the supper of the Lord (Acts 2:42: 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17f.). During that supper, Christians had fellowship with the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:16).
The supper of the Messiah also points to the end of time (Isaiah 25:6; Matthew 8:11; Luke 14:15f.). The Lord’s Supper does look forward to His Coming (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Passover meal traditionally ended with the singing of Psalm 115-118. The Mount of Olives was just east of Jerusalem.
Jesus Told of Peter’s Denial, 26:31-35 (Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38).
[31-32] Jesus said that all His followers would be ashamed of Him because of His death on the cross. He also predicted that He would rise again (Matthew 16:21; 17:9, 23; 20:19). He also said that His first appearance to them after His resurrection would be at Galilee (Matthew 28:7, 10, 16-17; Mark 16:7).
Matthew 26:33-38
33 Peter answered him, “Everyone else may be ashamed of you, but I will never be ashamed of you!”
34 Jesus said to Peter, “I am telling you the truth: Before the rooster crows in the morning; you will say you don’t even know me three different times!” 35 Peter answered him, “Even if I must die with you, I will always be loyal to you.” All of Jesus’ followers said the same thing. 36 Then Jesus and his followers went to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him. He began to feel sad and depressed. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is full of sorrow; I am going to die. Stay here and be watchful with me.”
[33-35] Peter was always very bold (Matthew 14:28f.; 16:16, 22; 17:4). He was sure he would never leave Christ. “Before the rooster crows” meant before dawn. Even though Jesus had the power to know the future, Peter disagreed. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter had a chance to affirm his love for Christ three times (John 21:15-17). Jesus forgave those who denied Him. Jesus said Peter would eventually die for Him (John 21:18-19).
Jesus Prays, 26:36-46 (Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46).
[36-38] “Gethsemane” means “oil press.” Gethsemane was evidently in an olive grove. Many people think Gethsemane was on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. Peter, James, and John accompanied Him (see Matthew 17:1). Their job was to watch. This was a difficult time.
Matthew 26:39-56
39 Then Jesus went forward a short distance and bowed down to pray. He said, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me—but what You want is more important than what I want.” 40 Then Jesus came to his followers. He found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “Were you not strong enough to stay awake with me for just one hour? 41 Watch and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 42 Jesus went away the second time. He prayed, “My Father, if this must happen and I must drink the cup of suffering, if this is what You want, let it be.” 43 Again, Jesus came and found them sleeping. Their eyes were very tired. 44 He left them again. The third time he prayed the same prayer. 45 Then Jesus came to his followers and asked them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Listen, the time has come – I am now being handed over into the hands of sinful men. 46 Get up, we must go. Look! The one who turned against me is near!” 47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve apostles, came. There was a large crowd with him. They had come from the most important priests and the elders of the Jewish people. They had sticks and swords. 48 Judas had given them the signal to arrest the one he would kiss. 49 Judas went immediately to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” Then Judas kissed him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came for!” Then the men who came with Judas reached out and took hold of Jesus. 51 Suddenly, one of the men with Jesus reached for his sword and pulled it out. He struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place! Everyone who uses violence will be violently destroyed. 53 Don’t you think I could call on my Father for help? He would bring more than twelve legions of angels here! 54 But how could the Scriptures come true, if this did not happen?” 55 At that moment, Jesus said this to the crowd: “Why did you come out here to get me with swords and sticks? Do you think I am a criminal? I was sitting in the temple courtyard every day teaching. You did not arrest me there. 56 All this happened to make the writings of the prophets come true.” Then all of Jesus’ followers left him. They ran away.
[39-46] Even though He had His followers and close friends with Him, He had to face this alone. “Cup of suffering” referred to His approaching death (see Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15, Matthew 20:22). Jesus did not desire the pain of death, but He desired to do the will of God, His Father. The physical act of dying was going to be brutal, though it brought joy later—the salvation of souls (Hebrews 12:2). The body is weak in comparison to our spiritual will, at times (see verse 41). They were to watch, but it was Jesus who knew when His captors were near. For “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20.
The Arrest of Jesus, 26:47-56 (Mark 14:43-50; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:3-12).
[47-49] The men who came to arrest Jesus were important Jewish leaders. They came prepared for some resistance (they had sticks and swords). John 18:3 mentions that they also had some Roman soldiers with them. Judas betrayed Jesus with an act of friendship, a kiss.
[50-54] Ironically, Jesus called Judas “friend.” Matthew used “friend” only for those who were opposing Jesus or who were in the wrong (Matthew 20:13; 22:12). John 18:10 tells us that it was Peter who cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear. Jesus did not need men to defend Him. Violence only leads to more violence. A legion in the Roman army had about 5,000 men. Jesus had to die to accomplish God’s plan. His death fulfilled Scripture, and Jesus willingly obeyed the Father’s will (John 10:18). Jesus had the power to avoid dying, but He did not use it.
[55-56] Jesus rebuked them for coming with such force, as though He were a criminal. Of course, they had to wait and arrest Him when crowds were not around. The disciples ran away (see Matthew 26:31).
Matthew 26:57-64
57 After they arrested Jesus, they brought him to Caiaphas, the high priest. The teachers of the law and the Jewish elders were gathered there. 58 Peter was following Jesus, but he did not come near Jesus. He came as far as the high priest’s courtyard. Later, he went inside. He was sitting with the guards. He wanted to see what would happen. 59 The most important priests and the whole Jewish Council were trying to find some men who would give false evidence against Jesus, so that they could put him to death. 60 But they didn’t find many people to come forward to tell lies. Finally, two men came forward. 61 They claimed, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy God’s temple sanctuary and build it again in three days!’ ” 62 The high priest stood up and asked Jesus, “Will you give no answer to what they say against you—is it true?” 63 Jesus continued to be silent. The high priest said to him, “By the living God, I hereby force you: You must answer! Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “Yes, I am. Nevertheless, I tell you, from now on, you will see me: ‘sitting at the right side of God. Psalm 110:1
I will be coming on the clouds of the sky.’ ” Daniel 7:13
Trial Before Caiaphas, 26:57-68 (Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-55, 63-71; John 18:12-14, 19-24).
[57] These men were probably members of the Sanhedrin Council. The Sanhedrin was the highest court of justice for the Jews. There were 71 members of the council. It was mostly made up of priests, teachers of the law, and Pharisees. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin (John 3:1). We do not know if he attended this meeting. The New Testament indicates that the high priest presided over this meeting (Matthew 26:57; Acts 24:1). If this was an official meeting, it was illegal. The Sanhedrin could decide cases involving the death penalty only during the day. This meeting was at night, before dawn.
[58] Peter followed closely enough to find out what would happen but far enough away so as not to be noticed.
[59-61] The council was not seeking justice. They only wanted to kill Jesus. To build a case against Jesus, they looked for false witnesses, people who would lie about Him. They needed at least two witnesses to condemn Him (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15). Two men lied about Jesus’ words concerning the temple (John 2:19). Stephen was later killed for threatening the temple (Acts 6:13).
[62-64] When accused, Jesus gave no reply (see Isaiah 53:7). The high priest wanted to force Him to reply. He placed Jesus under oath. At this, Jesus had to reply (Leviticus 5:1). Jesus answered with words that meant, “You are saying it.” The reply was taken to be an agreement with the accusation (verse 65). Jesus went on to say that they would see Him come in power. For “Son of Man,” see Matthew 8:20. These were statements from the Old Testament (Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13).
Matthew 26:65-75
65 Then the high priest ripped his clothes and he cried out, “He has said an evil thing! Why do we need any more witnesses? Listen, you have just heard him say this evil thing! 66 What do you think?” They answered, “He is guilty! He must die!” 67 Then they spit in Jesus’ face. They hit him with their fists. Some of them slapped him. 68 They said, “Prophesy for us, you Messiah! Let God tell you which one of us hit you!” 69 Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came to him. She said, “You, too were with Jesus, the one from Galilee!” 70 But, in front of everyone, Peter said that this was not true. He said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” 71 Later, Peter went out to the gate. Another girl saw him. She said to the men there, “This man was with Jesus from Nazareth!” 72 Again Peter denied it. This time he said, “I swear, I don’t know the man!” 73 After a little while, the men who were standing there came to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of Jesus’ group! It is clear that you have a Galilean accent!” 74 Peter began to curse and swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said, “Before the rooster crows, you will say, three different times, that you don’t even know me.” Peter went outside and cried bitterly.
[65-68] It was a Jewish custom to tear one’s clothes when grieved (2 Samuel 1:11-12; 3:31; 2 Kings 18:37-19:2). For the “evil thing” or “blasphemy,” see Matthew 9:3. To claim to be God was a serious offense. They treated Jesus shamefully with acts of hatred (see Isaiah 50:6; 53:7).
Peter Denied Jesus, 26:69-75 (Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:56-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27).
[69-75] Peter was still out in the courtyard (Matthew 26:58). Peter’s denial became stronger each time. First, he simply denied knowledge of what she was talking about (verse 70). Then he denied it by swearing an oath (verse 72). Finally, he denied it with swearing and cursing (verse 74). The rooster reminded him of Jesus’ words (verse 34). Peter’s grief brought repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), but Judas chose to kill himself (Matthew 27:3-5).
Matthew 27:1-5
27 1 It was early in the morning. The most important priests and the Jewish elders of the people made the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They tied him up. Then they brought him and handed him over to Governor Pilate. 3 Judas, the one who turned against Jesus, saw that Jesus had been condemned. Judas changed his mind and brought back the 30 silver coins to the most important priests and the Jewish elders. 4 He said, “I have done wrong! I handed over an innocent man to die!” They answered, “We don’t care! That’s your problem!” 5 Then Judas threw the silver coins toward the temple sanctuary and left. He went off and killed himself by hanging.
Jesus Brought to Pilate, 27:1-2 (Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1-2; John 18:28-32).
[1-2] The rooster had announced the sunrise. The council had made its decision to put Jesus to death. Though the council could decide on a death penalty, it had no authority to carry one out. A death sentence had to be approved by the Roman governor (see John 18:31). Pilate was the governor at this time. He had that position from A.D. 26 to A.D. 36. Jesus had indicated that He would be handed over to non-Jews (Matthew 20:18-19). Discussion of Jesus before Pilate continues in Matthew 27:11.
The Death of Judas, 27:3-10 (Acts 1:18-19).
[3-5] Judas evidently did not expect Jesus to be sentenced to die. He had a sorrow that only brought death, not a change (see 2 Corinthians 7:10). Judas betrayed a friend and an innocent man (see Deuteronomy 27:25). The priests did not have guilty consciences.
Matthew 27:6-23
6 The priests picked up the coins and said, “Since this is blood money, it would not be right to put this into the treasury.” 7 So they decided to use it to buy a potter’s field for burying strangers. 8 Today that field is called Blood Land. 9 Then what God had said through Jeremiah the prophet came true: “They took 30 silver coins. This was the value that the sons of Israel put on him. 10 They used the money to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord God ordered me.” Zechariah 11:12-13 11 Jesus stood before the governor. The governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Yes.” 12 The most important priests and the Jewish elders accused Jesus, but Jesus gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many charges they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus didn’t even say a word. The governor was very surprised. 15 Every year at the Passover Feast, the governor always set one prisoner free, whomever the people wanted. 16 This time they had a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when the people gathered, Pilate said to them, “Who do you want me to set free? Jesus Barabbas or the Jesus who is called Messiah?” 18 (Pilate knew that they had handed Jesus over to him because of jealousy.) 19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him. It said, “Have nothing to do with this innocent man! Last night in a dream I suffered many things because of him!” 20 The most important priests and the Jewish elders persuaded the crowds to ask Pilate for Barabbas. They wanted to destroy Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two men do you want me to set free?” They answered, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate asked them, “What should I do with Jesus, the one who is called Messiah?” They all answered, “Nail him to a cross!” 23 But Pilate asked, “Why? What crime has Jesus done?” But they continued yelling even more, “Nail him to a cross!”
[6-10] The priests were careful to use the money properly so that it would not defile the temple. They were not concerned about justice. They fulfilled prophecy when they bought a field (Acts 1:19) with the money.
Jesus Questioned by Pilate, 27:11-14 (Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:3-5; John 18:33-38).
[11-14] Jesus’ reply to Pilate’s question was literally, “You are saying it,” or “You have said so.” His reply indicated a “yes” answer. Jesus gave no reply to the accusations of the Jews (Isaiah 53:7). Pilate was surprised at His silence. Pilate knew why they wanted to kill Him (Matthew 27:18).
Jesus Is Sentenced to Die on the Cross, 27:15-26 (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16).
[15-18] The practice of releasing a prisoner was carried out to make the ruler popular with the crowds. Pilate thought this was the way to get Jesus released. Some texts simply call the other prisoner Barabbas. Barabbas was a murderer and a rebel (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19; John 18:40).
[19] During the days of Jesus, many people believed in the power of dreams. Dreams were at times used for revelation (see Matthew 1:20-21).
[20-23] It is ironic that the crowd asked for a rebel to be freed, and yet this was the charge they brought against Jesus (John 19:12). The chief priests would free anyone or say anything to get Jesus killed.
Matthew 27:24-40
24 Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere—only more trouble. He took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. He said, “I am not responsible for this man’s death —you are!” 25 The whole crowd answered, “We accept that responsibility for us and for our children!” 26 Then he set Barabbas free for them. After beating Jesus with whips, Pilate handed him over to be nailed to the cross. 27 The governor’s soldiers took Jesus to the Roman fortress. The whole group gathered around Jesus. 28 They took off his clothes and dressed him with a long red robe. 29 They used thorny branches to make a crown. Then they put it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand. They kneeled down before him and made fun of him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spit on him. They took the stick and began to hit him on the head. 31 When they finished making fun of him, they took off the long robe and dressed him with his own clothes. Then they led him away to nail him to the cross. 32 As they were going out of Jerusalem, they found a man from the city of Cyrene. His name was Simon. They forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha. (This means ‘The Place of the Skull.’) 34 They gave Jesus some wine. (A drug for pain was mixed with it.) When he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. 35 Then they nailed him to the cross. The soldiers gambled to see who would get Jesus’ clothes. 36 They sat there watching him. 37 At the top of the cross they wrote the reason for his punishment in these words: THIS IS JESUS. THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Along with Jesus, two criminals were nailed to crosses. One was on his right side. The other was on his left. 39 The people who were passing by shook their heads and said terrible things to Jesus. 40 They said, “You are the one who was going to destroy the temple sanctuary and build it again in three days! Since you are the Son of God, save yourself! Come on down from the cross!”
[24-26] The act of washing hands was a sign of claiming innocence (see Deuteronomy 21:6-7; Psalm 26:6). Pilate had tried several times to get Jesus freed (Matthew 27:21; John 19:4, 6, 12). The Jews freely accepted the guilt for His death (Deuteronomy 5:9). Even though they were guilty of actually killing Jesus, we too are guilty. He died for our sins (Romans 5:8; Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:23-24). The promise of forgiveness in Christ is for all generations and all people (Acts 2:39). Jesus was beaten with whips as He had said He would be (Matthew 20:19).
The Soldiers Mock Jesus, 27:27-31 (Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-3).
[27-31] The fortress (praetorium) was where the Roman guards stayed. They mocked Jesus by crowning Him king. They had a mock robe, crown, and sceptre for Him. This was as He had said it would be (Matthew 20:19).
Jesus on the Cross, 27:32-44 (Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:17-27).
[32-33] Cyrene was in northern Africa. Simon was possibly in Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover. Nothing more is known about him. Jesus was probably weak from the flogging. Golgotha was not far from the fortress. The exact location of Golgotha is not known. It may have been called the “place of the skull” because it looked like a skull or because executions took place there.
[34-36] Men who were going to be crucified were usually given a drug to dull the pain. Mark said the drink was wine mixed with myrrh (Mark 15:23, see Matthew 2:11). Jesus refused this. He was dying for others and would not dull the pain. They nailed His hands and His feet (Luke 24:39). The clothes of condemned men became the property of the soldiers. This fulfilled the words in Psalm 22:18. The soldiers were to watch to make sure the victims were not helped and that they did die.
[37-38] The Jewish leaders did not like the inscription at the top of the cross (John 19:21f.). The words were in three languages: Aramaic, Latin, and Greek (John 19:20). The fact that He was crucified with thieves fulfilled the words in Isaiah 53:12.
[39-40] The crowd fulfilled Scripture (see Psalm 22:7; 109:25). Their challenge to Him echoed the challenge of Satan, “Since you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). They remembered His statement about the temple (Matthew 26:61; John 2:19). They did not know that the “temple” was referring to His “body” (John 2:19-21).
Matthew 27:41-45
41 In the same way, the most important priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish elders made fun of Jesus. They continued to say, 42 “He saved other people, but he cannot save himself! He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now! Then we will believe in him! 43 He trusts in God; let God rescue him now if He wants him. Jesus did say, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 Even the criminals who were nailed to the other crosses did the same thing—they kept insulting Jesus. 45 There was darkness over the whole land from noon until three o’clock in the afternoon.
[41-44] The important priests, teachers of the law, and Jewish elders laughed at the thought of His saving others (from sin, Matthew 9:2 or from sickness, Matthew 9:6-7) and not saving Himself. They still asked for a sign (Matthew 12:38; 16:1; see 1 Corinthians 1:22). They laughingly asked Him, “How could God let this happen to His Son?” (see Isaiah 53:10-12). The thieves also insulted Jesus. One of them believed in Jesus (Luke 23:40-43).
The Death of Jesus, 27:45-56 (Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30).
[45] The crucifixion began at 9 a.m. (Mark 15:25). The Greek word that Luke used means eclipse (Luke 23:45). But a natural eclipse of the sun is impossible during a full moon. The Passover was always during a full moon. The darkness was an act of God.
Matthew 27:46-56
46 At about three o’clock, Jesus shouted this loudly: “Eli, Eli, lema sabakthani?” (This means: “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?”) 47 Some of the men standing there heard this. They said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 48 One of them quickly ran and got a sponge. He soaked it in some sour wine. Then he put it on the end of a long stick and gave Jesus a drink. 49 The other men said, “Leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah will come and save him!” 50 Again, Jesus cried out very loudly. Then he died.
51 The curtain in the temple sanctuary was split into two parts—from the top to the bottom. The earth shook. Large rocks broke apart. (52-53 Tombs were opened. After Jesus rose from the grave, many holy people who had died were raised from death, too. They left their tombs and went into Jerusalem and appeared to many people.) 54 There was a Roman army officer and some of his men guarding Jesus. When they saw the earthquake and the other things that happened, they were very frightened. They said, “This man really was God’s Son.” 55 There were many women there. They had helped Jesus and followed him from the land of Galilee. They were far away, watching. 56 Some of them were: Mary (from the town of Magdala) Mary (the mother of James and Joseph) the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
[46-49] The cry offered by Christ echoed Psalm 22:1. He was just like all other people in the anguish of being killed. Yet, the Psalm He quoted was a Psalm of victory. While dying and suffering, He did have His eye on victory (Hebrews 12:2). Luke and John recorded other sayings of Christ on the cross (Luke 23:34, 43, 46 and John 19:26f., 28, 30). Giving Jesus a drink was the only act of kindness done for Him during His suffering on the cross. Some in the crowd thought He had called Elijah. Eli (verse 46) may have sounded like Elijah in their language.
[50-53] When Jesus died, the curtain separating the holy place from the most holy place in the temple was torn (Exodus 26:33). The high priest entered the most holy place once a year. Jesus, our high priest, offered Himself as the eternal offering (Hebrews 6:19-20; 9:24-26). He went into the true most holy place (heaven) so there was no more need for the temple’s most holy place. The separation from God by sin was removed by the blood of Christ. The power of what happened when Jesus died was shown by the earthquakes and the resurrection of holy people. The holy city is Jerusalem.
[54-56] Because of the things that happened, this statement was made by one or more Roman soldiers. It was a contrast to the Jews who did not believe. None of His followers, other than some women, seemed to be around. They stood at a distance. His mother, Mary, was there. Here she was called the mother of James and Joseph. James and Joseph were named as Jesus’ brothers (Matthew 13:55). Mary Magdalene and Salome (the mother of James and John, see Mark 15:40) were also there. They were all from Galilee.
Matthew 27:57-66
57 Since it was getting late, a rich man named Joseph from the town of Arimathea (He was also a follower of Jesus.) 58 came to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate gave an order to give the body to him. 59 So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean sheet. 60 Then he put Jesus’ body into his own new tomb which he had cut out of solid rock. He rolled a large stone to cover the door of the tomb. Then Joseph left. 61 Mary (the one from Magdala) and the other Mary were there. They were sitting in front of the grave. 62 That day was called Preparation Day. The next day, the most important priests and the Pharisees had a meeting with Pilate. 63 They said, “Sir, we remember what that liar said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from death.’ 64 So, give an order to make the grave secure until the third day. Otherwise, his followers might come, steal him, and tell the people: ‘Jesus came back to life!’ Then this last lie will be even worse than the first lie.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and protected the grave. They put a seal on the stone and they stationed a guard.
The Burial of Jesus, 27:57-61 (Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42).
[57-60] The law required that Jesus be buried before night (Deuteronomy 21:23). In asking for the body of Jesus and giving Him a burial, Joseph performed an act worthy of praise. He also fulfilled the words of Isaiah 53:9. Joseph was a rich man. The tomb was cut out of rock and, therefore, probably resembled a cave with a round stone door. Some think the “other Mary” was the wife of Clopas (John 19:25).
The Tomb Is Guarded, 27:62-66.
[62] The Preparation Day was a term used for the day before the Sabbath.
[63-66] The Jews thought the followers of Christ would try to steal the body. Only Matthew mentioned that Pilate placed a guard at the tomb. The guards were Roman soldiers (see Matthew 28:11-15). The fact that they posted a guard validated the resurrection account.