40 Day Bible Reading Challenge: Day 25 The Crucifixion of Jesus

 

Matthew Chapter 27 narrates the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, focusing on His trial, crucifixion, and burial. The chapter begins with Judas Iscariot's remorse over betraying Jesus, leading to Judas returning the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders before taking his own life. Jesus is then presented before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, where He is questioned but gives few responses. Despite Pilate's attempts to release Jesus, citing a lack of evidence for a death sentence and offering to release a prisoner to the crowd as a Passover tradition, the crowd demands Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas, a notorious prisoner.

The soldiers of the governor mock and torture Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on His head and dressing Him in a scarlet robe, before leading Him away to be crucified at Golgotha. Jesus is crucified alongside two robbers, and various events occur during His crucifixion, including darkness covering the land, the tearing of the temple veil, and Jesus' eventual death after proclaiming, "It is finished." Following His death, several miraculous signs are reported, such as earthquakes and the resurrection of saints, which lead many, including the centurion guarding Jesus, to declare Him the Son of God.

After Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple, requests Jesus' body from Pilate for burial. Pilate consents, and Jesus is buried in a new tomb, which is then sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers to prevent His disciples from stealing the body and claiming He had risen from the dead. This chapter sets the stage for the pivotal event of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus, which is celebrated as evidence of His divine nature and the foundation of Christian faith.