The Death and Burial
of Jesus
Matthew Twenty-Seven
The death of Jesus demands more
than just asking Jesus into your heart. His death for our sins demands
submissive obedience. The death of Jesus demands a change in behavior of those
that would follow Him. The life of one that would follow Jesus must show evidence
of commitment to Him who died, was buried and arose again. The story of Jesus'
death and burial in Matthew Twenty-seven should move us to that commitment.
Matthew devoted about
one-fourth of his gospel to the death of Jesus and the events of the last days
of His life leading to that sacrifice for our sins. His death pictures the
struggle between salvation by His blood and damnation brought on by following
men. Jesus was a godly and perfect man that did nothing wrong. (Matthew 27:19, Matthew 27:23) The Christ
suffered pain, humiliation and separation from God so that sinners might be
saved. He died for the sins of the entire world. Jesus was crucified not for
doing anything wrong, but for His claim to be the Messiah.
Jesus' betrayer
hangs himself Matthew 27:1-10:
The chief priests and elders wanted
Jesus put to death. Pilate was the person used to
accomplish
their wicked purpose. They thought that Pilate would be willing to put Jesus to
death because he
claimed to be a friend of Caesar. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but did what
the Jews wanted anyway.
Jesus had already been
condemned by the Jews on the charge of blasphemy. They knew this would not be
enough for Pilate to pronounce a death sentence on Him so now they make a
political charge against Jesus. They began to accuse Him of making Himself the
King of the Jews. Pilate asked Him, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus,
of course, is King, not only of the Jews, but of all obedient people
everywhere. Jesus is king but only in a spiritual sense. Jesus said, "My
kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my
servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my
kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36)
In addition to the tragedy of
Jesus' death Matthew twenty-seven also records the death of Judas. Judas had
sold Jesus and betrayed Him with a kiss. (Matthew 26:47-50) Judas then
committed suicide by hanging himself. He reminds us that sin never turns out
like the sinner thinks it will. In this case Judas' sin lead to such
guilt that he returned the money and hanged himself. When he hanged himself he
probably fell down, and the violence of his fall probably caused his bowels to
gush out according to Acts 1:18. Judas
also reminds us that we cannot undo what has been done. Sin always has a
terrible end!
Jesus was sentenced
to death by Pilate Matthew 27:11-26:
Pilate asked Jesus,
"Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus did not reply to the false
charges made by the chief priests and elders. This caused Pilate to marvel and
to understand that Jesus really was innocent. Pilate believed in Jesus but,
like many, would not submit to Him. Even Pilate's wife knew Jesus was an
"upright man." "...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." (Matthew 27:19) Though man can never rid himself of personal
responsibility Pilate tried. He first wanted to release Jesus instead of
Barabbas. The people refused. Then in response to the people's desire to
crucify Jesus, Pilate washed his hands of responsibility (he thought) and
allowed Jesus to be crucified.
Jesus was mocked
by the soldiers Matthew 27:27-31:
Jesus was mocked and humiliated in every possible way. He was dressed in a
scarlet robe like a king. They probably decided that a king needs a crown. They
platted a crown of thorns and put it on His precious head. As if that were not
painful and humiliating enough, they gave Him a "scepter" to hold in
His precious hands. It was a reed. Then they began to mock Him, and bow their
knees to Him, and say to Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Hail means
greetings, good health to you, live long to you. They spat on Jesus, struck Him
with a reed, dressed Him again in His own clothes and led Him away for the
crucifixion. Why did Christ have to suffer so? Jesus suffered this agony
because He loved us and He did not want any of us to die without hope! His
suffering causes us to see a vivid picture in our own minds of the ugliness of
sin.
Jesus' death
and burial Matthew 27:32-66:
The power of the cross makes
salvation possible. The sign over His head read, "This is Jesus the King
of the Jews." He is far more though, "Now to the King eternal,
immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and
ever." (1 Timothy 1:17) Jesus showed the world
God in the most sacrificial way possible. Now we must be, "Looking unto
Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand
of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Simon of Cyrenia
helped Jesus bear the cross to
Jesus was buried in a tomb
belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. He had not
consented to the action of the council even though he was a member. He
displayed love and courage by seeing that Jesus was properly buried. Joseph's
tomb was a "new tomb hewn out in a rock." (Matthew 27:60) Some Roman
soldiers were given the impossible task of trying to keep Jesus in the tomb. In
spite of their guard "He arose."
Jesus' sacrifice on
the cross is the result of amazing love. "Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all." If Jesus could willingly endure this
suffering for us, surely we can live for Him! To prepare for eternity you must
obey the gospel NOW and keep faithful to God. Purify your heart by deep faith
(John