Matthew 27
What did I learn about Jesus?
- He died a gruesome death at the hands of his own people.
- He remains silent before those who would accuse him.
What did I learn about disciple-making?
- Following Jesus means following the man who was God who died on cross.
Extended thoughts and observations from a few folks:
(Elder, Steve Maxwell) “He who knew no sin was made sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus experienced God’s wrath so that we won’t have to.
The whole episode with Pilate is very interesting verses 11-26. Pilate seems anxious. He seems to understand who Jesus really is. He knew what was just and recognized that Jesus was did not deserve death. He knew it was out of envy that Jesus had been handed over verse 18. However, Pilate chose to give in to the Jews. He washed his hands of this, but his heart was not clean. He recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews but not has his king. This reminds me of the parable of the 10 virgins from chapter 25 – the five virgins without oil knew who the Bridegroom was (Christ), but they did not have a relationship with him – the bridegroom did not know them. We all have a choice in regard to Jesus. We must choose to go beyond an intellectual understanding of who Jesus is. We must move from understanding that he is the King, and we must accept him as our Lord, our Savior and our King.
It is interesting in verses 62-65 how the Pharisees remembered Jesus’ prophecy of His resurrection on the third day while his disciples seemed to have forgotten. In 26:55 it says, “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”
(Elder, Bart Brynestad) This chapter is very sobering. There are so many personalities, that are feeling different things, doing both right and wrong;
– Judas- remorseful but not apologetic.
– Pilate and his wife- knew Jesus was innocent but caved to the mob mentality.
– Mary and Mary- always caring for Jesus’ needs.
– Joseph- rich guy who did the right thing.
– Apostles- nowhere to be found.
– Pharisees- always up to no good.
(Pastor Mark) A couple thoughts from me…on the heels of Steve’s great insights:
– Judas’s remorse. He wasn’t repentant…he was remorseful. There’s a difference. Even at this point, if he were truly repentant, he could have turned his heart back to Jesus and been forgiven. But his guilt (well-deserved) drove him to self-destruction instead of salvation. I am struck by how we make some life decisions that we just cannot reverse. Reminds me of how important it is that we think carefully… the first time… before we decide to do something that will change the course of our life forever.
– The temple curtain. Only Matthew tells us of this. That curtain was eight inches thick and separated the Holy of Holies (the most sacred part of the temple into which even the High Priest could only enter once a year, on the Day of Atonement) from the rest of the temple proper where the other priests could go. It represented the seemingly impenetrable or unbridgeable chasm that separates a holy God from unholy people… even unholy people who try to be holy, like priests. And yet, in the death of Jesus that impassable separation is ripped like toilet paper from top to bottom. Imagine the power that can tear an 8-inch thick curtain… and the love that wants to. God wants to be with us… and wants us to be with him. Emmanuel!