Main Highlights
Jesus is unjustly condemned, crucified, dies, and is buried, fulfilling prophecy.
Key Verses
And they bound Him, and led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, the governor.- Matthew 27:2
But the governor said, “What evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”- Matthew 27:23
And after mocking Him, they stripped Him of the cloak and put His own garments on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.- Matthew 27:31
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?”- Matthew 27:46
And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock; and after he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb, he went away.- Matthew 27:59-60
Related Scripture
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.- Isaiah 53:7
Scholar Insight
""The account of the crucifixion is remarkable for its restraint. Matthew makes no attempt to describe the physical agony of Christ but concentrates rather on the religious significance of the events." - R.T. France, The Gospel According to Matthew (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007), p. 1064."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is just, but also allows injustice to occur for His ultimate purpose. The silence of God during Jesus' suffering is agonizing to understand. God the Father, allows the ultimate sacrifice to occur. “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Christological Connection
Jesus is portrayed as the suffering servant, obedient to the Father's will, even unto death. He is the King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11). He is mocked and scourged and crucified. “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29)
Systematic Theology
Atonement: Jesus' death serves as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His death is not simply an execution, but a means of reconciliation between God and humanity. 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?” (Matthew 27:46)
Law & Grace
The law demands justice, but through Jesus' sacrifice, grace is offered. He takes the punishment we deserve under the law. “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15)
Personal Application
We should respond with repentance and gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice. We should live in obedience to his teachings, recognizing the immense cost of our redemption. Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19)