V1-2    The Sanhedrin, having condemned Jesus at their late night meeting, send Him to Pilate. Since Roman occupation, use of the death sentence required the approval of the Roman Governor. This means that the accusations against Jesus change from spiritual to political.

V3-5    Judas’ remorse, but no repentance, “It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” We cannot avoid our responsibility and accountability, v24.

            Judas testifies to Jesus’ innocence, see also v19, 23-24. It seems possible that Judas did not expect Jesus to be put to death; but now he realises the awfulness of his betrayal, and his money is useless to assuage his remorse.

V6-8    “It is against the law,” say the chief priests, again exposing their hypocrisy; this is a minor matter compared to their attacks on the glorious Son of God.

V9-10 The children if Israel value Him lightly, see Is 53.3. Again, even this incident fulfils Scripture.

V11-14            Jesus remains silent before Pilate, as He had before the Sanhedrin.

V15-18            The opportunity for Pilate and the people to have Jesus released. But they prefer the “notorious” prisoner Barabbas.

V19            Pilate’s wife testifies to Christ’s innocence.

V20-23            The chief priests and elders incite the crowd against Jesus.

V24     Pilate lays aside any conviction, and pursues the route of convenience and pragmatism, avoiding conflict for the sake of Christ and the truth.

V25     See 23.35-36; Rom 11.17; the natural branches are broken off; here is Israel’s fall, Rom 11.22, and riches for the Gentiles.

V26     Pilate speaks of Jesus’ innocence, but still has Him scourged, and delivered to be crucified.

V27-31            Further mistreatment of Jesus, see 26.67-68. These are the governor’s soldiers, rather than the priests’ soldiers, who were involved in Jesus’ arrest.

            There is no retaliation, no harsh word, no grumbling, no resistance, see 5.39; 1 Pet 2.23. he committed Himself to Him who judges righteously, for men do not judge righteously. Christ is our example; do not give as good as you get!

V32     Jesus physically cannot carry His cross, such is the physical suffering He has already endured.

V33-38            Matthew provides lots of brief details;

-          The place called Golgotha, the Place of the Skull;

-          Wine mixed with gall, offered but refused;

-          The soldiers divide up His clothes, and then keep watch over Him;

-          The written accusation, “The King of the Jews;”

-          He is crucified with robbers;

            The Prince of Life endures a horrible and painful death.

V39-44            Jesus continues to endure mockery; this is real hatred, stirred up by the chief priests and elders, as in v20. Yet all are ignorant of the unseen realities here, John 12.27.

V45-50            Having been on the cross for three hours, there are three hours of darkness, after which Jesus cries out. See Mark 15.33-37; Luke23.44-46; John 19.28-30. At the end of this time, there are four specific statements;

            “My God, My God, why (to what) have you forsaken me?”

            “I am thirsty;”

            “It is finished;”

            “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

            His final cry, in v50, seems to silence His critics, he has the last word, as He yielded up His spirit. “I lay down my life ... no-one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord,” (John 13.17-18).

V51     Jesus is smitten by God (Is 53.4), and, in testimony, the temple veil is split from top to bottom. Even in His death, we see His uniqueness, as there are clear testimonies of Him.

V52-53            The testimony of many saints raised, prefiguring a general resurrection, see Dan 12.2. Here are dramatic miracles testifying to Jesus’ uniqueness.

V54     The testimony of the centurion and those with him, making the clear statement that “Surely He was the Son of God.”

V55-56            The testimony of the women, offering loyal service to the One they have come to love.

V57-61            The burial of Jesus Christ, a further proof of His death, Acts 2.26-27; His body does not decay; in contrast, Lazarus’ body began to decay and to smell, John 11.39. Here is a sign too of our future resurrection. Rev 1.18 speaks of the keys of death and Hades, a symbol of Christ’s authority; for even death is now subject to Him. Rom 6.4; we are dead and buried and raised with Him; therefore we are called to walk in newness of life.

            Christ’s body is anointed in His death, Ps 45.8. Joseph’s actions here cost him his reputation amongst the religious leaders, Heb 13.13.

            Mary Magdalene, Mary, and the other women observe where Jesus’ body is laid; thus they know where to go on the Sunday morning.

V62-64            The people misunderstand the Lord’s predictions about His death; but they take more seriously His promise of resurrection.

V65-66            “Make it as secure as you know how;” an ironic statement; no human power can restrain the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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