Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. ¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Commentary

Vs. 16 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.”

Having heard the Mary’s testimony, the eleven disciples (Judas being dead) went into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them to go too, where He said He would appear to them.

Vs. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

Now when the disciples saw the Lord Jesus they, like the Mary’s before them, worshipped Him, however as Matthew recalls the event some doubted, (vs. 17), no doubt a reference to Thomas and some others as well, all which is detailed more fully in the Gospels of Luke and John. That said, to doubt is to be distinguished from unbelief, for only the latter results in eternal condemnation, while the former is sometimes a precursor to having great and lasting faith as Thomas and all the disciples demonstrated.

Vs. 18-20 ¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Now Jesus having revealed Himself Risen from the dead to them, now gives us the Great Commission, that is His calling us all who believe in Him to go out and make disciples in His Name. Therefore, to assure and strengthen us all of God being with us (and Jesus going before us in this), He now says: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” There is then nothing that is not and will not be subject to authority of the Son of God. Therefore, if any believer is doing the Will of God (preaching, teaching, and or doing the work of the Kingdom of God according to the Word of God) they can have confidence of Jesus Christ the Lord will be with them in it. Therefore, having declared to us all that, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Jesus now gives us all the the Great Commission, saying that we are to make disciples of all nations, thus not just to Jews did salvation come through Him, but to all nations, and so to all nations we must go and declare the Good News of remission of sins and everlasting life to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Now in making disciples the Lord Jesus Christ commands that we are to baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (vs. 19) because denial of Anyone of the Godhead is to deny God Himself (John 5:23, 7:37-39, 15:23; 1 John 2:22-23, 4:15, 5:1). Now in making disciples the Lord Jesus also commands that we teach them to observe all things as He has commanded us all (vs. 20; also see 2 John 9). For in making disciples of Christ we are not making them in Name only, but as Jesus Christ being Lord in (our) and their lives, thus we are to keep His Word as He has commanded us, teaching all too do the same (John 14:21). Finally, Jesus assures us all that wherever we go and whatever we go through in making disciples for Him, we can be assured that He is with us and will be with us, for He will never leave us, nor forsake us, even unto the end of the age, Amen (vs. 20; Deut. 31:8; Hebrews 13:5).

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 28:11-15

 ¹¹ Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. ¹² When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, ¹³ saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ ¹⁴ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Vs. 11 “Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.”

With the departure of the angel, and the Mary’s to Galilee, some of the guard there left the now empty tomb and came into Jerusalem and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.

Vs. 12-14 ¹² When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, ¹³ saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ ¹⁴ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.”

Having heard the Christ is Risen from the dead the chief priests along with the Jews elders consult together on what they should now do. There answer then is not to repent and believe but only to bribe the guards and assure them that they will keep them from punishment from the governor by also appeasing him if he here’s about it. Having done so they then tell them to go to the people and tell them that Jesus’ disciples stole Him away from the tomb, which is very implausible given that two poor women would’ve overpowered them, the Temple and Roman guard and then been able to move the large stone that temporarily housed Jesus’ body, and then been able to carry Him away with no one seeing. This then will begin their attempts to both deny and conceal Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead.

Vs. 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The guards then take the bribe money and go and do as they were instructed. And so, their saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. The attempted denial of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Resurrection of the dead though is far greater than just a saying reported amongst the Jews, for at its heart is the eternal salvation and redemption of everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore on this undeniable truth one’s soul will either rest and rejoice forever in heaven, or be tormented and mourn forever in hell, according to what believes or does not believe (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). Never then lesson the importance of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead.

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 28:9-10

⁹ And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Commentary
Now as the Mary’s are on their way to tell the disciples the Good News, behold Jesus met them, saying to them (and to us all who believe), “Rejoice!” Just a single Word, but a Word that implies so much, for not only through Jesus’ Resurrection from the Dead do we have victory over death, but also anything that could ever separate us from the love of God (see Rom 8:28-39). And so, having seen and heard Jesus, Risen from the dead, they both fall to their knees and holding Him by His feet they worship Him (vs. 9). Now as they did so, Jesus reassures them that as His first witnesses of His Resurrection they must go to the disciples and tell them all, saying to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Therefore, in Galilee where Jesus first called the twelve disciples, there it will be that He will appear to them as Risen from the dead.

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 28:1-8

 ¹ Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. ³ His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴ And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ⁷ And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” ⁸ So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.


Commentary
Vs. 1-4 ¹ Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. ³ His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴ And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

On the first day of the week (that is Sunday, the day after the Jews Sabbath), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the tomb at the rise of dawn; their faithfulness during this time then is unmatched by any other disciple. And having arrived there a great earthquake happened; “for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the door and sat on it” (vs. 2). For if this was small thing for him to defeat the councils of men, how much more for the Lord Jesus Christ to Rise from dead. Now the angel’s countenance was like lightening (meaning gripping, intense, blinding) and his clothing as white as snow. Now when the guards saw him they shook with fear and became like dead men, and not just because they had been overwhelmed with fear, but the angel’s holy presence literally caused them (and them only) to fall into such a state.

Vs. 5-8 ⁵ But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ⁷ And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” ⁸ So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

With the guards being incapacitated, the angel now speaks to the women, telling them that Jesus is not dead, that He is not in the Tomb, rather He is Risen from the dead just as He said He would do, having then said as much to them the angel invites them to come and see for themselves (vs. 5-6). Having done so the angel now tells the Mary’s to go and tell the rest of the disciples that Jesus is Risen from dead, indeed the angel tells them that Jesus is going before them into Galilee, and they will see Him there. Therefore, having heard that, the Mary’s being filled with fear and great joy, run to tell the disciples.

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:57-66

⁵⁷ Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. ⁵⁹ When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. ⁶¹ And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. ⁶² On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, ⁶³ saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ ⁶⁴ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” ⁶⁵ Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Commentary
Vs. 57-58 “Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him.”

Now Joseph of Arimathea was also a member of the Sanhedrin council, but he had not consented to their decision and deed to condemn Jesus to death (Luke 23:51). For Joseph had become a disciple of Jesus, and yet until this moment his faith had not yet manifested itself in a way that would’ve made this known to his fellow council members. And so, until this moment Joseph would’ve been what my grandmother called a “secret disciple”, one who believes, but as of yet had not yet publicly confessed or manifested their true faith in Jesus Christ the Lord in a way that would be self-evident to all. That though is about to change, (as it is with every true disciple), as Joseph in wanting to honor Jesus in His death, now goes to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, something that would’ve been untenable to his fellow council members who had schemed and condemned Jesus to His death. Pilate then casting aside all his fears, now goes to the governor Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus, Pilate then commands that the body be given to him. 

Vs. 59-60 ⁵⁹ When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

Now when Joseph had taken the body he (along with Nicodemus another council member who came seeking Jesus one night early in His ministry, see John 3) prepared it according to their customs by anointing the body with spices (John 19:38-42), and then wrapping it is a clean linen cloth. Having done so Joseph then laid Jesus’ body in his new tomb which he had hewn out of a rock, thus fulfilling the Scripture which states; “And they made His grave with the wicked—But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any ^mdeceit in His mouth.” ^{Isaiah 53:9} Now when he had done so, they rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb sealing it and then they and departed.

Vs. 61 “And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.”

Now along with these men was Mary Magdalene was there and the other Mary (not Jesus’ mother, but the mother of James and Joses) sitting opposite the tomb. These two women then continue their mourning over Jesus there at His tomb.

Vs. 62-66 ⁶² On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, ⁶³ saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ ⁶⁴ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” ⁶⁵ Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

The chief priests and Pharisees having heard that Jesus had been buried and that the Day of Preparation (Friday, the day before the Sabbath, and the first day of the Passover Week) being passed, and fearing that Jesus’ disciples would remove His body from the Tomb to fulfill His Word that said, ‘After three days I will rise’ now gather together to ask Pilate that he seal and guard the tomb. Their fears about Jesus’ Person and His influence over the people then continues to haunt them even in His death. Pilate then as is his capitulating nature grants them their request, and with that they go and seal the tomb, and set a guard there so that no one can remove Jesus’ body (vs. 66).

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^m 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:51–56

⁵¹ Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, ⁵² and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; ⁵³ and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. ⁵⁴ So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” ⁵⁵ And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, ⁵⁶ among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Commentary
Vs. 51-53 ⁵¹ Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, ⁵² and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; ⁵³ and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

At the moment that Jesus yields up His spirit (that is His mortal life), the veil in temple is torn in two, from top to bottom. Now the veil was that which kept everyone except the high priest (and that just once a year on the Day of Atonement) out of the Holiest of Holy’s where the Ark of Covenant and Mercy Seat was, (thus where God was). Therefore, with Christs death, the veil was torn in two from top to bottom by God’s doing, indicating that the barrier that kept sinful humanity from Him has now by the shed blood and broken body of His Son been removed from us, for He Himself has removed the barrier that kept us from Him, through the veil of Christ’s flesh (Heb. 10:19-20). As well at that moment great natural forces were unleashed, the earth quacked and rocks split giving a very visible indication to all present there that this was no ordinary death (vs. 51). Even beyond the crucifixion site, God raised from the dead many saints who had died, who coming out the grave after Jesus Christ’s resurrection they went into the holy city, that is Jerusalem and appeared to many (vs. 52-53); indicating to them, and to all, that this Man Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25).

Vs. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Now when these great signs from God occurred, and the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the other signs they were gripped with fear, and they said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Their confession then being born out of fear from seeing the signs (and not faith in the Son of God crucified for them) does not appear to me to be a confession of saving faith, though I maybe wrong, and would gladly be wrong in regards to this.

Vs. 55-56 ⁵⁵ And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, ⁵⁶ among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

The Scripture now recalls the woman who followed Jesus from Galilee; who ministered to Him during His ministry life; who followed Him right up to His Crucifixion death, something the other disciples fearing did not do. Nonetheless our salvation is not based on our faithfulness, but God’s. Now the women were: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.


Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:45:50

 ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” ⁴⁷ Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.” ⁵⁰ And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 

Commentary
Vs. 45 “Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.”

This darkness then being brought on by God the Father demonstrates that the Lord Jesus Christ is now bearing the punishment for our sins. For three hours then Jesus, and Jesus alone, is not only bearing the punishment of our sins, but also humanities alienation from God the Father that our sin brings. It is then very appropriate that darkness overtakes the whole land while this is occurring.

Vs. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

The finial moments of Jesus being on the cross are now recalled, when in the ninth hour Jesus cries out with a loud voice saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” His Word here then foretold in Psalm 22:1 is His crying out to God as God the Father withdraws from His Son so that He can now bear all our sins unto death on the Cross as the Scripture says must occur. It is the most poignant moment in history when God the Son forsaken by God the Father cries out in a cry that only they as One can fully comprehend.

Vs. 47-50 ⁴⁷ Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.” ⁵⁰ And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

Now in Jesus’ darkest hour some of the people there when they heard that thought Jesus was calling out to Elijah to save Him. There ignorance and spiritual blindness and callousness is hard stomach. And yet that is all they wanted to see, not the suffering Savior dying on the cross for them, but a sign from heaven, in this case a revered prophet, Elijah. Others though seeing that Jesus was dying, now bring Him a sponge soaked in sour wine, hoping that it would sustain Him a little while longer on cross. However, those who want to see if Elijah will come and save Him now rebuke them and tell them to leave Jesus. During it all then not one of then considers Jesus Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross for them and for all. Instead they are only wanting to see either “a sign” from heaven, or the suffering of an innocent Man, the Son of Man increase unto death. The final act though in this sordid world scene will not be by them, but by the Holy Son of God who now yields His mortal spirit to death, something which He foretold that He would do (John 10:17-18).

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:35-44

³⁵ Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” ³⁶ Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. ³⁷ And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS ³⁸ Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. ³⁹ And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” ⁴¹ Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ⁴² “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. ⁴³ He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” ⁴⁴ Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Vs. 35 ³⁵ Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Jesus is now crucified by them, and while He is being crucified by them, they divide up His garments amongst themselves, casting lots for them, that the Scripture spoken by the prophet in Psalm 22:18 might be fulfilled, which states: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” The callousness of those there is hard to fathom, and yet their doing so is a perfect picture of the unregenerate human heart, which always covets the least, while being utterly indifferent to the Most Precious.

Vs. 36-38 ³⁶ Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. ³⁷ And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS ³⁸ Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.

The guards then having divided Jesus’ clothing amongst themselves, now sit down at their leisure, totally indifferent to who He is, and why He is suffering and dying on the Cross for them and for all (vs. 36). Instead they place over Jesus’ head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS (vs. 37). This then is the charge that is used to justify Jesus’ Crucifixion death. Now two robbers were also crucified alongside of Jesus, one on the right hand and another on His left (please see Luke 23:39-43), this too was also foretold in the Scripture (see Isaiah 53:12).

Vs. 39-44 ³⁹ And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” ⁴¹ Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ⁴² “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. ⁴³ He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” ⁴⁴ Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Matthew now recalls the horrible callousness of those who observe Jesus’ Crucifixion, who passing by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (vs. 39-40). Their saying as much then is not so much their own understanding of His Words, but the chief priests, who sought to set the people against Him by misrepresenting His Words to them. However, their passing by Him in such a cruel manner is also symbolic of all who do not believe, who likewise pass by the Gospel of God that could save them, and instead blasphemy Christ on the one hand, while calling for Him to do signs and wonders on the other, so that they may “believe.” All which can be forgiven the moment they (or anyone else guilty of the same attitude) repents and believes.

Vs. 39-44 (cont.) The chief priests then also seeing the Son of Man whom they so despised and hated now suffering and humiliated before them, also begin mocking Jesus along with the scribes and elders who helped them orchestrate this, saying to the crowds: “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. ⁴³ He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

The cruelty and the unbelief of the chief priests, and those who mocked along with them is all that they reveal of themselves by saying as much while Jesus is suffering on the Cross for the remission of all our sins. For religious men though steeped in their religion and its practices are not always Godly men, just as men in authority and power are not always righteous or virtuous men. Indeed, mankind as a whole apart from God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and His regeneration of their persons by His Spirit are a most degenerating, debased, and ultimately always become a depraved people. Now of course Jesus could’ve ended His crucifixion, but He did not, instead He choose to remain there so that by His suffering and shed blood unto death He could make the atonement for all our sins and transgressions. For as the Law reveals without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Heb. 9:22). How little then do these religious leaders know, even though they are the authorities and scholars of the Word of God in their day, yet the very Word of God that foretold and declared that all these events would unfold just as they have, they themselves have only become partakers in fulfilling, while still remaining unbelieving about them.

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:29-34

²⁹ When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰ Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. ³¹ And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified. ³² Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. ³³ And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, ³⁴ they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.

Commentary
Vs. 29-31 ²⁹ When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰ Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. ³¹ And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

Their abuse of Jesus continues as they now twist a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and putting a reed in His right hand as a mocked scepter, they bow to their knees before Him and mock Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Having done so they begin to spit on Him and taking the reed from Him they strike Him on the head with it (vs. 29-30). Jesus though is silent through this whole horrible scene, and offers no resistance. Having then mocked Him, they take the robe off Jesus and put His own clothes on Him before leading Him away to be crucified.

Vs. 32 “Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.”

Now while bringing Jesus to the Crucifixion site they encounter on the road Simon a man from Cyrene, and with Jesus struggling to carry the cross, (being weakened by their having scourged and beaten Him) they compel Simon to do so.

Vs. 33-34 ³³ And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, ³⁴ they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.

The grime execution processional now arrives at Golgotha, which means, “Place of the Skull.” the crucifixion site where executions were carried out outside the walls of Jerusalem. (This location is also referred to as “Calvary”). This then is the place where Jesus is Crucified; crucified with two other criminals; on one His right hand, one on His left (Luke 23:32-33). Now some of those there will offer Jesus sour wine with gall to drink as a kind of elixir for pain (Luke 23:36; also see Psalm 69:21); however, Jesus when he tasted it would not drink it. The full weight of suffering for ours sins and transgressions then will be felt by Him and Him alone.


Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:26-28

²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. ²⁷ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. ²⁸ And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.

Commentary

Pilate then capitulates to the desires of the crowd and releases to them Barabbas the notorious prisoner, and having done so he scourges Jesus before Jesus is led away from that horrible public spectacle where He has been so horribly treated and humiliated, back into the privy of the Praetorium, the place where Pilate’s guard and soldiers have assembled themselves to have sport with the Jesus who has now been condemned to death by him. This scene then is no less cruel as the soldier’s strip Jesus and put a scarlet robe on Him and begin mocking Him and His being a King.

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:15-25

 ¹⁵ Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. ¹⁶ And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. ¹⁷ Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” ¹⁸ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. ¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” ²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. ²¹ The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” ²² Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” ²³ Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” ²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” ²⁵ And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

Commentary
Vs. 15 “Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.”

Leaving then the inquisition at the governor’s residence, the scene now moves to a large gathering at the outdoor feast (which was a part of the Passover celebration) where the governor appearing in all his pomp and ceremony now offers to the Jews to release to them one of their own.

Vs. 16-18 ¹⁶ And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. ¹⁷ Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” ¹⁸ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

Now at that time there was in custody a notorious prisoner named Barabbas, who as we read in the other Gospels was a career thief, who was then both guilty of sedition and murder (Luke 17:17-18; John 18:40). Pilate then with the crowds assembled before him, now offers to release to them either Barabbas or Jesus Christ, Jesus being offered to them because Pilate new that the chief priests had handed Him over to him because of envy.

Vs. 19-20 ¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” ²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

Now while sitting on the Judgment seat Pilate’s wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” From that point forward then Pilate tries to get Jesus released, however that decision was not in his hands, but in the crowds, and with the chief priests and elders persuading them to ask for Barabbas and to destroy Jesus, Pilate being the weak natured person that he was will capitulate to their desires.

Vs. 21-25 ²¹ The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” ²² Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” ²³ Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” ²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” ²⁵ And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

Pilate then wanting to release Jesus; but being bound by his own tradition; now asks the crowds whom they want released to them, to which they all vehemently reply, Barabbas! (vs. 21). Having then heard their reply, in this cruel public assembly of unjust, evil and wicked people, of whom Pilate is sitting as the chief and overseer of, now asks them what they want him to do with Jesus who is called Christ, to which they all cry out, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” (vs. 22). Pilate though does not understand the crowd’s calls that he crucify Christ for them, therefore he says to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” However, the crowds are adamant, and will not be swayed, and begin to cry out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” (vs. 23) Pilate then seeing that he could not prevail at all, and seeing that a tumult is rising in the crowd, now washes his hands in their presence and says, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And with that the people answer and say, “His blood be on us and on our children.” (vs. 24-25). The finial words then spoken by them are the judgment that now rests on them and children after them. For if the Law brought a curse for failure to keep all of its statutes to them how much more will God require His Sons blood at the hands of those who wanted it shed for their own festive display. And yet that judgment which essentially lies on all of us can be revoked and forever removed when anyone believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and trusts His Crucifixion Death as the atoning sacrifice for all their sins (John 3:16-21). For God’s Will and Plans are never thwarted by the schemes, plots and plans or desires of wicked men and women, rather He turned their and the devil’s schemes and desires into fulfilling His Own Word and Will so that through it He could redeem and save many people through His Son’s obedience to Him for us all. Therefore, please see in Christ’s cruel death God’s own sacrificial and undying love for you and by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ the Savior of the world now resurrected from the dead and seated victoriously at the right hand of God into your own hearts and lives. For if you do Christ will by His Spirit come and live in you (Rev. 3:20) and He will not only bring you to life, He will completely transform and change you (2 Cor. 5:17), because by Christ’s precious blood shed on the Cross the atonement for all your sins has been made and debt paid! Therefore, come to the Son of God, the sacrificial Lamb of God, and freely have remission of all your sins and everlasting life (Rev. 22:16-17). Don’t delay come today!

Scripture Quotations: 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson