Examples in Matthew 27
The twenty-seventh chapter of the Gospel of Matthew is one of the most sobering parts in all of Bible Scripture: the betrayal, trial, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Beyond the historical events, this chapter also highlights the eternal consequences of choices, actions, and beliefs. We hope that this will make you reflect on your life as to where you stand. Don’t say to easily that you would never do this. Place yourself in their position and ask yourself: if I would have lived at that place and time, would I betray Jesus, or would I support Him?
Because so many aspect are hidden in this chapter we created a Table of Contents so it becomes easier to navigate through this page:
Contents
- Judas: Remorse Without Forgiveness
- Pilate: The Danger of Compromise
- The Soldiers: Mockery and Blindness
- The Religious Leaders: Blind Guides to Destruction
- The Crowd: Choosing Barabbas Over Christ
- Simon of Cyrene: Obedience in Fear
- Joseph of Arimathaea: Courage in Mourning
- The Centurion: Confession of Faith
- The Women: Ministering unto Jesus
Judas: Remorse Without Forgiveness Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Luke 22:3; John 12:6, 1 John 1:9
Judas betrayed Jesus because Satan entered into Judas:
“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.”
and as such, Satan made him into a tool to kill Jesus. A whole process was going on prior to this betrayal: we see Judas as part of Jesus' close friends. Others would see him as a follower of Christ, but in his heart he didn’t really follow Him. He thought carnally, e.g. stole money from the purse of the group for his own benefits:
“This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.”
He also thought to give up Jesus for money (30 pieces of silver). Probably, in his mind, Jesus wouldn't die, as the priests didn't have to power to kill: they were prohibited to kill by their own Law. Nevertheless the consequences reached much further than he initially thought, as the leadership turned Jesus over to the Romans, who would kill Jesus. Judas realized too late that Jesus would die as a results of his betrayal. He felt remorse, even confessed his guilt, but rather than turning to the only One who could forgive him — Jesus — he turned to destruction and ended his life. This story warns us that remorse is not the same as repentance: repentance makes you behave differently while remorse doesn't. Secondly, forgiveness can only be found in Christ:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Are you driven by demonic forces leaving a trail of damage? If you don't want to end up in hell, you will have to find a way to get rid of these external forces! Cry out to Jesus and seek help in a Christian community to help you get delivered, before it is too late!
Pilate: The Danger of Compromise Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Matthew 27:19, James 4:17
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He even received a warning from his wife:
“When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”
However, instead of standing for truth, he chose the easy way out. And, washing his hands did not remove his guilt either. Here is the consequence: when we know the truth and refuse to act upon it:
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Are you driven by what the crowds think, or are you driven by your career, compromising your faith, thinking it easier to give in? This is sin. Repent and stand firm for Jesus!
The Soldiers: Mockery and Blindness Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Matthew 27:27–31, Hebrews 9:27
“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon 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! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.”
The soldiers didn't recognize who stood before them: the Son of God. They were unnecessary cruel. Their cruelty has eternal consequences:
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Are you blind to God and Jesus? Do you mock Him, or use His name thoughtlessly / curse the source of life? Repent and call on the name of Jesus with a sincere heart. Read this article on how to become born again: How to Become Born Again.
The Religious Leaders: Blind Guides to Destruction Back to contents ↑
Key verses: John 10:30; John 8:19; John 11:47–48; Matthew 27:4; Matthew 27:6–7; Matthew 23:27–28; Matthew 27:20; Acts 3:14–15; John 10:17; Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 24:1–2; John 3:18
Next we come across the hypocrisy and hardened hearts of the chief priests and elders of Israel. Those which where considered to guide God’s people into truth, instead led them into the greatest sin of history: the rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah.
They Were Afraid to Loose Their Social Position
Back to contents ↑“I and my Father are one.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that He and God are one! To know Jesus is to know the Father; to reject Him is to reject the Father:
“Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”
Even though the religious leaders heard him proclaim this message during his ministry, they were unwilling to accept it. They had hardened their hearts. Instead they were afraid to loose their power and position, because, if Jesus was gaining power, then their authority would be diminished, and their influence over the people would be broken. For this reason, they opposed Him.
They told the crowds that Jesus would bring unrest and bring the anger of the Romans over the nation:
“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.”
Are you opposing Jesus because you are afraid to loose something? Repent, for He is the source of life. Rejecting Him is choosing death!
They Rejected Their Office
Back to contents ↑“Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.”
The priests in Isreal were supposed to be the mediator between the people and God. They had to represent God as it were to the people and had to represent the people to God. They were responsible to bring sin offerings, wave offering, thank offerings etc. on behalf of the people. However, when Judas turned to them confessing his guilt to the priests, they showed no compassion for his soul.
Are you blind for the spiritual needs of others? Don't you take your responsibility towards your brothers and sisters? Open your eyes and do not become like these leaders. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes for the needs of others and how you can step in as mediator between God and them.
They were Hypocrites
Back to contents ↑“And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.”
The same leaders who betrayed innocent blood, were making outward reference to the ceremonial laws by not putting blood money into the treasury. This hypocrisy was spoken of by Jesus earlier:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
Are you outwardly appearing to be a very religious person without love for Jesus Christ and you neighbor? Repent, and ask the Holy Ghost to give you genuine love.
They Stirred the Crowd to destroy Jesus
Back to contents ↑“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.”
The leaders used their position to manipulate the people into reaching their own goals.
They made the crowd demand the release of a murderer instead of the Prince of life:
“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
Are you leading others away from Jesus? Repent and let you words speak love for Him.
They Mocked the Crucified King
Back to contents ↑“Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.”
Even after Jesus was nailed on the cross, they didn't come to their senses. They kept on mocking him. While in reality Jesus voluntarily died to take his life back again:
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.”
Are you mocking Jesus by denying that He is God. You will be surprised one day to find out that you were all wrong. Repent now while you are still alive, for tomorrow can be too late:
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:”
The Consequence of All This Is Judgment
Back to contents ↑The actions of the religious leaders led not only to their own total destruction, but also for the full nation. Jerusalem was destroyed a few decennia later, in AD 70, and their religious center, the temple was destroyed just as Jesus had foretold:
“And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Are you a religious leader of any kind? Are you a Christian, Hindu or Muslim leader? Are you an authority of any kind leading people away from Jesus Christ? Repent! Specifically to Christian leaders out there: are you sure that you are not serving your own agenda or the agenda of Satan? And, don't forget this:
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
The Crowd: Choosing Barabbas Over Christ Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Matthew 27:20; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 27:21; Mark 15:7; John 14:6; Matthew 27:25; Matthew 12:36–37
Earlier we already touched on the crowds reaction to Jesus. These people had seen Jesus heal the sick, teach with authority, and bring hope. Under the influence of the chief priests and elders, they turned against Him and demanded His crucifixion, while demanding to set a murderer free. It shows that when crowds blindly follow their leaders, they collectively can get deceived.
They Were Persuaded by Others
Back to contents ↑“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.”
The crowd allowed themselves to be swayed by corrupt leaders rather than standing for truth. Instead of recalling the healing miracles and mercy of Jesus, they listened to lies in the moment when it really mattered. Their decision reminds us of the danger of following the voices of men and your own impulses instead of the voice of God:
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”
Are you blindly following your leader(s), letting them make eternal descisions for you? Open your eyes, for you will be held responsible for your own deeds by God.
They Chose the Wrong Savior
Back to contents ↑“The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.”
Barabbas was a criminal guilty of insurrection and murder:
“And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.”
The crowd demanded the criminal Barabbas to be set free instead of the innocent Jesus. However, in God's ultimate wisdom, this story illustrates that even murders can be forgiven by the death of Jesus. Barabbas literally means 'son of the father', which indicates that he was accepted and freed by God by Jesus who literally took the death penalty which was upon Barabbas and died in his place.
Are you living your life with faith in the wrong leader, like Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, Buddha / Siddhartha Gautama, Krishna, Shiva, Guru Nanak, Confucius, Laozi, Guan Yin or Amaterasu?
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
They Called Down Judgment on Themselves
Back to contents ↑“Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”
In the heat of the moment, the crowd put a curse on their own heads and on the heads of their descendants. They did not realize the weight of their words. They should however have known better, for Jesus said earlier:
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Do you easily speak negative words towards God? This will lead to your own destruction. Confess your sins to Jesus and repent from doing so! Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and help you to change the course of your life.
Simon of Cyrene: Obedience in Fear Back to contents ↑
Key verse: Matthew 27:32
“And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.”
The Roman soldiers appointed Simon of Cyrene to bear the cross of Jesus. He had to support Jesus involuntarily. Imagine yourself in his position. Would you feel ashamed or proud to carry His cross?
Joseph of Arimathaea: Courage in Mourning Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Matthew 27: 57-60; Mark 15:43a
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Joseph was a well known and respected member of the council:
“Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.”
chose to risk his reputation and give up his own grave for Jesus after His death. He wasn't ashamed:
“For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.”
Do you love Jesus more than your reputation? Are you willing to give up resources for Jesus' reputation?
The Centurion: Confession of Faith Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Matthew 27:54; 1 Corinthians 1:18
“Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”
This Roman leader over 100 soldiers, likely hardened by countless executions, witnessed something entirely different at the cross when Jesus died: he saw the signs, felt the earth quake, and recognized that Jesus was the Son of God. His confession reveals who Jesus truly is:
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
Do you recognize this truth the way the Centurion did, or are you blinded? Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes!
The Women: Ministering unto Jesus Back to contents ↑
Key verses: Matthew 27:55–56, Matthew 16:27
“And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.”
While most of the disciples fled, the women remained. They had ministered to Jesus in life, and now they remained with Him in His death. Their devotion highlights the importance of faithful service and presence, even when circumstances seem hopeless. They show us that love for Christ perseveres through trial and never gives up.
We hope that you will persevere in the same way:
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”