Matthew Chapter 27: The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Matthew chapter 27 narrates the climactic events of Jesus’ Passion in the Gospel of Matthew, detailing His trial before Pilate, crucifixion, death, and burial. This chapter portrays Jesus as the suffering Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies, endures rejection, and accomplishes redemption through His sacrificial death. Set in Jerusalem during Passover, it highlights the tragedy of human sin and the triumph of divine love. Using the English Standard Version (ESV) for scriptural references, this article explores Matthew 27, breaking it into key sections and providing cross-references to deepen its meaning.


Context and Setting
Matthew chapter 27 follows Jesus’ arrest and trial before the Jewish authorities (Matthew 26:47-75), occurring on the day after the Last Supper during Passover. The events unfold in Jerusalem at Pilate’s headquarters (the Praetorium), Golgotha (the place of crucifixion), and a new tomb. Matthew, written primarily for a Jewish audience, emphasizes Jesus as the Messianic King who fulfills Scripture, even in suffering (Matthew 1:1; 27:37). The chapter sets the stage for the resurrection (Matthew 28), underscoring Jesus’ identity as the Christ and the hope of salvation (Matthew 16:21).

Key Sections and Themes

1. Jesus Before Pilate and Judas’ Remorse (Matthew 27:1-10)
In the morning, the chief priests and elders decide to put Jesus to death, binding Him and delivering Him to Pilate, the Roman governor (Matthew 27:1-2). Meanwhile, Judas, realizing his betrayal, attempts to return the thirty pieces of silver, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4, ESV). The priests dismiss him, and Judas, in despair, hangs himself (Matthew 27:5). The priests use the money to buy a potter’s field for burying strangers, called the Field of Blood, fulfilling Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah’s imagery (Matthew 27:6-10).

Cross-References:
  • Zechariah 11:12-13: The thirty pieces of silver thrown into the house of the Lord, fulfilled in Judas’ actions.
  • Jeremiah 32:6-9: Buying a field, linked to the potter’s field purchase.
  • Acts 1:18-19: An alternate account of Judas’ death, emphasizing the field’s name.
  • Psalm 41:9: Betrayal by a close friend, fulfilled in Judas (cf. Matthew 26:14-16).
Significance: Jesus’ delivery to Pilate escalates His trial to Roman authority, fulfilling the need for crucifixion (Matthew 20:19). Judas’ remorse, contrasted with the priests’ indifference, reveals his guilt but lack of repentance, while their purchase of the field fulfills prophecy, underscoring God’s sovereignty over human sin. The Field of Blood symbolizes the cost of betrayal and Jesus’ innocent suffering.

2. Jesus’ Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26)
Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” and Jesus replies, “You have said so” (Matthew 27:11, ESV). Despite accusations from the chief priests, Jesus remains silent, astonishing Pilate (Matthew 27:12-14). Following Passover custom, Pilate offers to release a prisoner, presenting Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious criminal (Matthew 27:15-17). Pilate’s wife warns him, having suffered in a dream because of Jesus, urging, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man” (Matthew 27:19, ESV). The crowd, incited by the chief priests, demands Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:20-22). Pilate, washing his hands to symbolize innocence, yields to the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood” (Matthew 27:24, ESV). The people respond, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25, ESV). Pilate releases Barabbas, flogs Jesus, and hands Him over for crucifixion (Matthew 27:26).

Cross-References:
  • Isaiah 53:7: The servant’s silence before his accusers, fulfilled in Jesus’ trial.
  • John 18:28-40: The parallel account of Jesus before Pilate, emphasizing His kingship.
  • Psalm 2:2: Rulers conspiring against the Lord’s anointed, seen in the crowd’s demand.
  • Deuteronomy 21:6-8: Washing hands to claim innocence, echoed in Pilate’s gesture.
Significance: Jesus’ silence fulfills Messianic prophecy, while His affirmation as King reveals His spiritual reign (Matthew 2:2). The crowd’s choice of Barabbas reflects humanity’s rejection of the Messiah, and their curse ironically points to Jesus’ atoning blood (Hebrews 9:22). Pilate’s capitulation highlights human weakness under pressure, contrasting with Jesus’ steadfastness.

3. The Crucifixion and Mockery (Matthew 27:27-44)
Soldiers strip Jesus, dress Him in a scarlet robe, crown Him with thorns, and mock Him as “King of the Jews,” before leading Him to Golgotha (Matthew 27:27-31). They crucify Him, dividing His garments by casting lots, fulfilling Psalm 22:18 (Matthew 27:35). A sign above reads, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37, ESV). Two robbers are crucified with Him, and passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders mock Him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself” (Matthew 27:39-42, ESV). Even the robbers revile Him (Matthew 27:44).

Cross-References:
  • Psalm 22:7-8: Mocking of the suffering one, fulfilled in the taunts at the cross.
  • Isaiah 53:12: Numbered with transgressors, seen in Jesus’ crucifixion with robbers.
  • Mark 15:16-32: The Synoptic account of the crucifixion and mockery.
  • John 19:19-24: The sign and garment division, affirming Jesus’ kingship.
Significance: The crucifixion fulfills detailed prophecies, with the soldiers’ and crowd’s mockery ironically proclaiming Jesus’ true kingship. His suffering among criminals underscores His identification with sinners in atonement (2 Corinthians 5:21). The taunts challenge His divine power, yet His refusal to save Himself reveals His commitment to God’s redemptive plan.

4. Jesus’ Death and Supernatural Signs (Matthew 27:45-56)
From noon to three, darkness covers the land (Matthew 27:45). Jesus cries out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” meaning, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, ESV), quoting Psalm 22:1. Bystanders misunderstand, thinking He calls for Elijah, and offer sour wine (Matthew 27:47-49). Jesus cries out again and yields His spirit (Matthew 27:50). The temple curtain tears from top to bottom, the earth shakes, rocks split, tombs open, and holy people rise, appearing in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 27:51-53). The centurion and soldiers, seeing these signs, declare, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54, ESV). Women, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, watch from a distance (Matthew 27:55-56).

Cross-References:
  • Psalm 22:1: The Messiah’s cry of abandonment, fulfilled in Jesus’ words.
  • Amos 8:9: Darkness at noon, a sign of divine judgment, seen here.
  • Hebrews 10:19-20: The torn curtain, symbolizing access to God through Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • Luke 23:44-49: The Synoptic account of Jesus’ death and the centurion’s confession.
Significance: Jesus’ cry reflects the weight of bearing sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), fulfilling Psalm 22. The supernatural signs—darkness, earthquake, torn curtain, and resurrections—proclaim divine judgment and victory, opening access to God’s presence and foreshadowing the general resurrection. The centurion’s confession affirms Jesus’ divine identity, while the women’s presence highlights their faithfulness.

5. The Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66)
Joseph of Arimathea, a rich disciple, requests Jesus’ body from Pilate, wraps it in a clean linen shroud, and places it in his new tomb, rolling a stone across the entrance (Matthew 27:57-60). Mary Magdalene and the other Mary observe (Matthew 27:61). The chief priests and Pharisees, recalling Jesus’ prediction of rising after three days, persuade Pilate to secure the tomb with a guard and seal, fearing a resurrection hoax (Matthew 27:62-66).

Cross-References:
  • Isaiah 53:9: Buried with the rich, fulfilled in Joseph’s tomb.
  • John 19:38-42: The parallel account of Joseph and Nicodemus’ burial of Jesus.
  • Matthew 16:21: Jesus’ prediction of rising, prompting the leaders’ precautions.
  • Psalm 16:10: The Holy One not abandoned to the grave, setting the stage for resurrection.
Significance: Joseph’s burial fulfills prophecy and shows courage, while the women’s vigil continues their devotion. The leaders’ attempt to secure the tomb ironically ensures the resurrection’s credibility, as no theft could occur under guard. The burial prepares for the triumph of Matthew 28, fulfilling Jesus’ promise to rise.

Theological Themes
Matthew 27 weaves together several key themes:
  1. Messianic Suffering: Jesus’ death fulfills prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:3-12).
  2. Atonement: His sacrifice bears sin, tearing the curtain and opening access to God (Romans 5:8).
  3. Divine Sovereignty: Supernatural signs and fulfilled prophecies affirm God’s plan (Acts 2:23).
  4. Human Rejection: Judas, the crowd, and leaders reject Jesus, yet His death redeems (John 1:11).
  5. Faithful Witnesses: The women and centurion testify to Jesus’ identity (Hebrews 12:1).
Application for Today
Matthew 27 calls us to marvel at Jesus’ sacrificial love, trusting His atoning death for our salvation. Judas’ despair warns against unrepentant guilt, urging us to seek forgiveness. The crowd’s rejection challenges us to choose Jesus over worldly pressures. The supernatural signs inspire awe at God’s power and hope in resurrection. The women’s faithfulness encourages steadfast devotion, even in sorrow. As we reflect, may we confess Jesus as the Son of God, embrace His cross, and anticipate His rising.

Conclusion
Matthew chapter 27 reveals Jesus as the suffering Messiah whose crucifixion fulfills Scripture and accomplishes redemption. Through His trial, mockery, death, and burial, Jesus endures rejection yet triumphs as the King. As we study Matthew 27, may we trust His sacrifice, follow His faithful witnesses, and prepare for the hope of resurrection.
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