Introduction: The last part of the 27th chapter of Matthew reveals the darker side of man — when he/she is determined to have his/her own way! It shows how religious people may act when they are ignorant of God revealed plan for man. Jesus is crucified — between two thieves — and we are told of the reaction that people who witnessed the scene, gave to this the darkest hour of human history.
1. As Jesus was crucified between two thieves (v. 38) they who passed by showed their contempt for Him, some by contemptuous looks others by as well as speaking out, revealing their view of him as a failure! They saw Him as one who made claims of His wisdom and power, but who failed the test when it came to performing (Vs. 39-40). They even challenged Him to demonstrate His claimed ability at this very moment on the cross.
2. Also, the “chief priest,” scribes and elders mocked him, as He hung there suspended between heaven and earth (V. 41-43). What cruelty! They manifested just how distorted, corrupt minds of religious leaders can be. They, too, expressed their view of the discrepancy between His claim and His performance, as they saw it at that moment. They ridiculed the fact that He had “trusted in God,” saying now let God deliver Him, “if he will have him; for he said I am the Son of God.” How often man fails to see the working of the Divine manifestation, due to his preconceived ideas.
3. “The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” (V. 44) Later, of course we learn that one of them changed his mind about what was happening, and turned to the Lord and asked for help (Lk. 23:39-43).
4. From the 6th hour to the 9th, there was a darkness, and certain men began reasoning more correctly as to His true identity (Vs. 45-49).
5. Jesus yields up the ghost, and the “veil of the temple” is rent, with an earth quake, and graves opened (vs. 50-54). People witnessing this reasoned that He “truly ..was the Son of God.”
6. Certain women are identified as “beholding” from a distance what was happening (vs. 55-50).
7. Joseph of Arimathaea came requesting that he be given the body for burial, and it was “delivered” and prepared and placed in the tomb, with a “great stone” placed over the door (Vs. 57-61)
8. A request was made that the grave be guarded, least His body be stolen and claims made about it (Vs. 62-66). Guards were sent and told to “make it as sure as you can.”
Questions:
1. What groups showed their contempt for and abused Jesus on the cross (Vs. 39-44)
2. What happened at the 6th and 9th hours (Vs. 45- 46)?
3. Who did some THINK Jesus was calling for when He “cried with a loud voice” (Vs. 46-49)?
4. What happened when Jesus ‘ yielded up the ghost” (Vs. 50-54)? How did some reason at that point?
5. Who were watching “afar off” (vs. 55-56)?
6. Who came and took the body, placing it in his “own new tomb” (Vs. 57-61)?
7. Who came to Pilate with what request (Vs. 62- 64)?
8. What did people who came to Pilate say they remembered about this one they called “a deceiver”?
9. What was Pilate’s instructions about the “watch”?
10. How did the watchmen make “sure” the tomb?