Matthew 27

Matthew 27 The Trial, Crucifiction and burial of Jesus The Trial and the Fate of Judas Morning Council: Early in the morning, the chief priests and elders decided to put Jesus to death, binding him and delivering him to Pilate the governor. Judas’ Remorse: When Judas saw Jesus was condemned, he tried to return the thirty pieces of silver, declaring he had "sinned by betraying innocent blood". The Field of Blood: After the priests refused the money, Judas threw it into the temple and hanged himself. The priests used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. Jesus Before Pilate The Interrogation: Pilate asked Jesus if he was the "King of the Jews," to which Jesus replied, "You have said so". Jesus remained silent against further accusations, greatly amazing the governor. The Crowd's Choice: It was a custom to release a prisoner at the feast. Pilate offered the crowd a choice between a notorious prisoner named Barabbas or Jesus. Pilate’s Wife: While sitting on the judgment seat, Pilate’s wife sent word to him to "have nothing to do with that righteous man," because of a dream she had. The Sentence: Persuaded by the priests, the crowd demanded Barabbas be released and Jesus be crucified. Pilate washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man’s blood," and the people replied, "His blood be on us and on our children!". The Mocking and Crucifixion The Soldiers' Scorn: After scourging Jesus, the soldiers stripped him, put a scarlet robe on him, and twisted together a crown of thorns for his head. They mocked him, spat on him, and struck him before leading him away. The Walk to Golgotha: They compelled a man named Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross. They arrived at Golgotha, meaning "Place of a Skull". The Execution: They crucified him and divided his garments by casting lots. Above his head was the charge: "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS". Insults at the Cross: Passersby, priests, and even the two robbers crucified with him derided him, telling him to save himself if he was the Son of God. The Death of Jesus Darkness and the Cry: From the sixth hour to the ninth hour, darkness fell over the land. Jesus cried out, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" meaning, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". Final Breath: After being offered sour wine, Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. Miraculous Signs: Immediately, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, rocks split, and tombs were opened.