Book of Matthew - Lesson 37
(Read Matthew 27:1-38)
Introduction: The 27th chapter of Matthew begins with the morning after Jesus had
been arrested, with the chief priests and elders of the people taking counsel to put
Jesus, the Son of God, to death. He was brought before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea
(vs. 1-2). Then we are told that Judas, "when he saw that he was condemned, repented
himself, but he could not undo the evil he had done and so he ended his life (vs. 3-5).
The matter of how to deal with the money Judas returned is considered in (vs. 6-10).
1. Jesus was asked if he was "king of the Jews?" His response was: "thou
sayeth."(KJV). Other translations are: "It is as you say." (NKJV) (v.
11-18). In other words he says, Yes, to that end I came (Cf. Jn. 18:37). Paul Informs us
later (1 Tim. 6:13) that: "Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good
confession;..."
2. Pilate's wife related a "dream" she had relative to Jesus (vs. 19-23). Pilate
understood that it was "envy" that motivated them to deliver Jesus. He talks
with them, asking why they want to crucify Him. They choose Barabbas instead of Jesus to
be released. What a terrible decision, with such consequences.
3. Pilate was a bit disturbed but saw that he could not "prevail," against the
mob, he "took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent
of the blood of this just person: see ye to it." The people were willing at that
moment to accept the responsibility, saying: "His blood be on us, and on our
children." (Vs. 24-25). Of course, Pilate did not discharge his responsibility as a
ruler - but many people THINK that by submitting to the demands of the majority they are
discharging their duty. Not so! Please let us understand that none of us can walk away
from our duty to stand for that which is right, because the majority is ready to commit
evil!
4. Barabbas was released, Jesus was taken to Golgotha to be crucified (Vs. 26-27). Pilate
offered them a choice of releasing Jesus or Barabbas (vs. 15-18), and they chose the
"murderer" (Cf. Acts 3: 13-14) rather than Jesus. This is an example of how
irrational religious people can be, when they are angered at someone who tells them they
are wrong, needing to change.
5. After Jesus was "scourged,"He had placed on Him a "crown of
thorns," given a "scarlet robe" and "mocked" (Vs. 23-38) and
"spit upon." A man by the name Simon was compelled to "bear his cross. He
was given vinegar to drink mingled with gall," which he refused. They crucified Him,
parting His garments, ignorant of the fact they were fulfilling words "spoken by the
prophets."
Questions:
1. The Time involved in this chapter?
2. Before whom was Jesus taken in what condition?
3. What did Judas confess when he returned the silver and what was he told (vs. 3-10)?
4. What did Pilate ask Jesus and His response (v. 11)?
5. How did Jesus react when he was "accused of the priest and elders" (vs.
12-14)?
6. How did Pilate and his wife describe the character of Jesus (Vs. 22, 24)?
7. What was done to Jesus before they "Led him away to crucify him" (vs. 27-31)
?
8. Who was compelled to "bear the cross" to what place - with what meaning (Vs.
32-33))?
9. What was done in fulfillment of "which was spoken by the prophet,.." (V35;
cf. Ps 22:18)?
10. What was placed over "his head" (v. 37)?
11. Who were on his left and right side/"hand"?