A Study of Matthew Chapter 27

 by Stan Feldsine - www.tojesusbeallglory.com)

Matt 27:1-2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate

Mat 27:1-2 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. (2) So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

At this point it appears that the leaders are starting to recognize that a good deal of this process was illegal. It was also illegal to do what they were doing at night, as the Mosaic Law called for these proceeding to be performed during the day. So they waited until morning to resume making their plans and now delivering Jesus to Pilate.

Jesus had not been found guilty of any offense under Mosaic Law. Only false witnesses had come forward to accuse Him. The closest charge they could come up with is that He had tried to destroy the temple, but He had not done that.

The only charge they could come up with was blasphemy, and the penalty for that was death according to Jewish Law. But even the charge of blasphemy was false because the charge of blasphemy expressly required that the blasphemer to pronounce the 4 letter name of God. The blasphemer was not guilty unless he used that name. Jesus had not done so.

Since the Sanhedrin had no charge they could lay to Jesus's account in a religious trial, they needed a civil trial before the Romans, and they went about trumping up a charge against Him that would allow the Roman authorities to execute a death sentence.

In the meantime......

Matt 27:3-5 - Judas Hangs Himself

Mat 27:3-5 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. (4) "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." (5) So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Judas, seeing that Jesus was condemned, apparently was overcome with remorse, and attempted to return the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests who had given it to him. The chief priests would not take it back so Judas threw it into the the temple and left.

And so we come upon another of the perceived contradictions in this story of Judas.

Mat 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Act 1:18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.

So what really happened. Dr. Fruchtenbaum explains.

"If between the first night and the first day of Passover, a dead body was found within the walls of Jerusalem, the city was reckoned ceremonially unclean. As long as the body was within the walls, the priests could not proceed with the special sacrifice of the first day. If he corpse was thrown over the wall facing the Valley of Hinnom, the city would be reckoned as cleansed. The priesthood could them proceed with the morning Passover sacrifice.

When Judah hanged himself, he defiled the city. As long as his body was within he walls, the priests could not proceed with the sacrifice, so they took it and threw it over the wall facing the Valley of Hinnom. In that fall, Judas' guts gushed out."

This explanation clears up the apparent contradiction. Matthew is describing how Judas died, and Luke is describing what happened to his body after it was found.

The question of Judas' salvation based on his having remorse seems to be settled in Mat 26:24. This seems to indicate that although Judas was remorseful, he had not taken the opportunities afforded him over the three years to come to believe and repent.

Mat 26:24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

Mat 26:24 indicates that God foreknew that Judas would betray Jesus. It was foreordained and prophesied in what was written about Jesus. But like the Israelites, a foreordained and predicted outcome does not take away the responsibility of those who fulfill the prophecy.

The fact that God was sovereignly ordained to die does not take away the responsibility of the Jews or Judas's part in the fulfillment.

Matt 27:6-10 - The Field of Blood

Mat 27:6-10 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." (7) So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. (8) That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. (9) Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, (10) and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

After Judas tossed the 30 pieces of silver into the temple, the chief priests gathered them up. They were not able to use the money in the temple treasury since it was "blood money" or the price of blood, meaning it was a bribe that was given to bring about Jesus's death. It was illegal for the chief priest to accept the money back on that account. So their only recourse was to return the money to the donor, who was Judas.

So this gives rise to another apparent contradiction. Mat 27:7 says that the chief priests used the money to buy the potters field, but Act 1:18 says that Judas bought the field.

Act 1:18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.

From the Jewish perspective, both of these are true. What happened is that after Judas tossed the money into the temple, he went off to hang himself. This resulted in Judas, the donor, not being able to accept the money back. However, the Jewish law did allow for the money to be sued to purchase something for the benefit of the community.

So, the chief priests bought and paid for the potters field with all the legal documents in Judas's name. The field was referred to as "the potters field" because the soil was primarily clay, and the potters would come to the field to get clay for their pots. They named the field "The Field of Blood" because it was the place where Judas died.

Jesus makes reference to Jeremiah and quoted from Zechariah.

Mat 27:9-10 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, (10) and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

Although Jesus did not provide the passage in Jeremiah, it may have been Jer 18:2-3 and Jer 32:8-9 or perhaps some other verses.

Jer 18:2-3 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." (3) So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel.

Jer 32:8-9 "Then, just as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said, 'Buy my field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. Since it is your right to redeem it and possess it, buy it for yourself.' "I knew that this was the word of the LORD; (9) so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver.

Zechariah was directly quoted although he was not referenced by Jesus.

Zec 11:12-13 I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. (13) And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the LORD.

Jesus indicated that a prophecy regarding the 30 pieces of silver was fulfilled by Judas, predicting that the price for Jesus as the 30 pieces, and that they would be used to buy the potters field.

Mat 27:9-10 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, (10) and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

It is interesting that Jesus said that the prophecy was spoken by Jeremiah, but He quoted Zechariah. Various explanations have been given for this, but it is not certain why Jesus spoke as He did about the prophets.

Matt 27:11-14 / John 18:28-32- Jesus Before Pilate

Mat 27:11-14 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "You have said so," Jesus replied. (12) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. (13) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" (14) But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.

John provides considerable extra detail to this event.

Joh 18:28-32 Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. (29) So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?" (30) "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you." (31) Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right to execute anyone," they objected. (32) This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die.

Back to the main story now. Jesus, having been brought to Pilate is about to begin the civil trial. Pilate was known as a low ranking and cruel governor who was prone to over reacting to circumstances. Pilate's rule ended after he ordered the massacre of bunch of Samaritans. After that event, he was recalled to Rome to account for his cruelty.

It was very early in the morning when things got started, and Pilate was expecting what was coming. He had, after all sent out a Roman cohort with Judas, and was expecting to have to deal with that when they returned.

The religious leaders had yet to eat the Passover meal. Passover started in the evening and went through the night and into the next day. The Jews has partaken of the Passover in the first evening, and the religious leaders were partaking as a part of the sacrifice that day. So the people ate the first evening and the leaders would partake the first day.

If they became "unclean", they would not be able eat the Passover meal. One way they could become unclean was by entering a Gentile's house, such as the palace of the Roman governor, Pilate. So they brought Jesus to the palace, but the religious leaders did not enter it.

As a result, Pilate came out to them. Per the Roman law, he asked what the charge was. Of course, there was no charge as none had been found whether by witness or by false witness. Normally, the witness would have been Judas, since he is the one who brought the initial charge and arrived to get Jesus with the crowds, but Judas was dead.

The religious leaders, because they had no charge to accuse Jesus with, sidestepped the question and insisted that Pilate sentence Him without charge or trial, using the argument that if He were not guilty they would not have brought Him to Pilate.

Pilate told them that if they had no charge or accusation they should deal with Him themselves. The religious leaders could not do this since they were looking for a death penalty, and they could not carry that out themselves according to Roman law. Providentially, the Father had moved on the Romans to remove the ability of the Jews to carry out the death penalty only 6 months earlier. They explained this to Pilate.

This was all ordained by the Father, John says that all this took place to fulfill the manner of death that Jesus would suffer. When the Jews had the authority in the past to carry out death sentences, it was carried out by stoning. Jesus had said several times that His death would be by crucifixion, which was the way the Roman death penalty was carried out. We can see the sovereignty of God in these proceedings.

So realizing that Pilate needed a charge to carry out the wishes of the religious leaders, the drummed up a false charge of sedition, or incitement to resistance or insurrection against the Roman government.

Luk 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king."

There are three charges in this statement. First, Jesus was accused of perverting the nation by mixing truth and heresy, second Jesus was accused of forbidding the Jews from giving tribute or paying taxes to Rome, a treasonous act, and third that Jesus claimed to be a king. All lies arrived out by taking the words of Jesus out of context.

John 18:33-38 - My Kingdom is Not of This World

Joh 18:33-38 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" (34) "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" (35) "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" (36) Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." (37) "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (38) "What is truth?" retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him.

The charges levied against Jesus resulted in Pilate having a private conversation with Jesus. This is the normal process after the Romans received a charge and a trial was initiated. Pilate was questioning Jesus regarding His political ambitions and whether or not He was a threat to Caesar's rule.

Pilate's question was political. He wanted to know if Jesus considered himself to be a king, and if so what were His intentions. These questions were intended to determine if Jesus was a political threat to Caesar.

Jesus asked Pilate where he had heard this charge from. Was it from the religious leaders or did Pilate come up with this himself. Pilate answered "Am I a Jew? Your own people have handed you over.", meaning that he had heard the charge from the religious leaders.

Knowing that Pilate had heard the charge from the Jews, Jesus gave Pilate a specific answer to the question of sedition. What Jesus told Pilate is two things. First, the kingdom of which He was being charged was not of this world, and second, this kingdom was from another place.

The Greek "ek" from which we get "of" is defined in Strongs G1537 as, "A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds)..."

This passage where Jesus says His kingdom is "not OF this world" is greatly misused by the majority of the church that follows replacement theology theory. They interpret this statement on the part of Jesus to mean that His Messianic Kingdom from which He will rule the world is not an earthly kingdom, but an other worldly spiritual kingdom, or not "IN" the world.

But Jesus did not say the kingdom was not "IN the world", he said the kingdom was not "OF the world". This is a statement regarding the origin of the kingdom, whether spiritual or earthly. It is not a statement regarding the nature of either the spiritual or earthly kingdom. It says nothing about it's nature. This is confirmed by Jesus's statement that "my kingdom is from another place", indicating it's origin, not it's nature.

The idea that this passage is a denial of the future physical Messianic Kingdom cannot be supported by the text itself. Jesus is not speaking about the nature of the kingdom, only that it originates with God Himself, not earthly political powers.

This was satisfactory to Pilate. Jesus was indicating to Pilate that his kingdom, at that time, would not be a threat to Caesar because its power would originate "from another place", in the spiritual dimension. The Messianic Kingdom had been rescinded and would not come for another couple thousand years in the future, so that was not the kingdom that Jesus was referring to. The evidence for Jesus's explanation was probably bolstered by the lack of fighting on the part of Jesus's disciples.

After hearing Jesus's explanation of His kingdom, Pilate said that Jesus was a king then. To which Jesus replied that He was the king of the truth, and that is of the truth hears His voice. Pilate walks away sarcastically asking "What is truth?"

Luke 23:4 - The First Declaration of Innocence

Luk 23:4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

As far as Pilate is concerned, there is no wrongdoing nor threat on Jesus's part, and he declared so.

Luk 23:4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

The chief priests however rebuffed Pilate in their desire to have Him killed.

Mar 15:3 The chief priests accused him of many things.

Jesus responds with silence.

Mat 27:12-14 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. (13) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" (14) But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.

Among the accusations hurled out, someone mentioned that Jesus was Galilean. This fact provided a way out of the dilemma for Pilate, since his jurisdiction was Samaria and Judea, but Galilee was under the jurisdiction of Herod.

Luk 23:5 But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."

Luke 23:6-11 - Jesus Sent to Herod Antipas

Luk 23:6-11 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. (7) When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. (8) When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. (9) He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. (10) The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. (11) Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

Having discovered that Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas. Pilate was thrilled to discover that Jesus as a Galilean since it took the sticky issue out of his hands and passed it off to someone else.

Herod Antipas was the seventh and youngest son of Herod the Great. He was a tetrarch, which is a "subordinate ruler" and he ruled for 43 years under whoever was Caesar at the time. At the present time, Caligula was Caesar.

About a year prior to this, this same Herod was tricked into beheading John the Baptist by Herodias's mother, who had an issue with John due to his calling out her and Herod's adulterous relationship.

Mat 14:6-11 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much (7) that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. (8) Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." (9) The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted (10) and had John beheaded in the prison. (11) His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.

Jesus had heard that Herod was trying to have Him killed as well and called him a "fox".

Luk 13:31-32 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." (32) He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'

Herod became interested in Jesus at the time of John's beheading due to the reputation that Jesus was getting for His miraculous powers. He even thought for a while that Jesus was a resurrected John the Baptist. Now, a year later Herod is finally getting a chance to meet Jesus face to face, and was looking to be entertained by Him. Jesus refused to perform for Herod.

Mat 14:1-2 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, (2) and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

Herod was disappointed at Jesus's lack of cooperation and set out to mock Him, arraying Him in fine apparel, probably regal clothing. However, even Herod could find no fault worthy of a Roman death in spite of the false accusations being hurled at Jesus. So the second trial ended with another declaration of innocence.

Luke 23:12-14 - The Second Declaration of Innocence

Luk 23:12-14 That day Herod and Pilate became friends--before this they had been enemies. (13) Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, (14) and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. (15) Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. (16) Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."

Pilate and Herod had been enemies due to events in their past. When Pilate became the governor of Jerusalem, he had ordered his army to install flags and banners throughout the city to honor the Romans. This violated Jewish Laws prohibiting the making of images.

Herod was a convert to Judaism or so he claimed, and understood the Jewish sensitivities regarding the installation of these images and was concerned because this would only inflame the Jews and present the possibility of rebellion. After asking Pilate to take them down, Herod wrote a letter of complaint to the Roman Senate, who ordered Pilate to comply with the Jews. So there was animosity between Pilate and Herod.

Now that Pilate had properly turned over Jesus to Herod for consideration of His guilt, the two became friends and put the past behind them.

All this resulted in Pilate calling the religious leaders together and declaring to them that neither he nor Herod had found any fault in Him worthy of death.

Never the less, Pilate said he would punish Jesus then release Him.

Matt 27:15-23 - The Second Trial - Crowd Chooses Barabbas

Mat 27:15-23 Now it was the governor's custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. (16) At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. (17) So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" (18) For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. (19) While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." (20) But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. (21) "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. (22) "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" (23) "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

At the Passover it was customary for the Roman governor in Judea to release a Jewish prisoner as a show of good faith. Pilate, in one of several attempts to show that Jesus was innocent and that there was no call for a death penalty, had offered to punish and release Jesus.

The person up for release this year was a man called "Barabbas". His name is significant. Barabbas was not a proper name. It was a Greek transliteration of "bar" = "son of", and "Abba" = "son of Abba". Extra biblical sources reveal that his proper name was Yeshua. Yeshua, or Jesus was a common name in this era. Even more interesting is that Barabbas's fathers name was "Abba" = "the father".

So Barabbas's name was "Yeshua the son of the father". Barabbas and Jesus shared names, with Barabbas having the name, and Jesus having the reality. Jesus was truly the son of the Father, and Barabbas was the son of the father in name only.

Pilate knew the deceit that was in the Jewish religious leaders heart, and he again questioned them on their insistence that Barabbas be released instead of Jesus.

Mar 15:9-15 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, (10) knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. (11) But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. (12) "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them. (13) "Crucify him!" they shouted. (14) "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" (15) Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

In the middle of the proceeding Pilate is interrupted by his wife, who had a disturbing dream that upset her. She warned her husband not to have anything to do with these proceedings because she was suffering due to the dreams. She as apparently made aware that her husband was involved in an absolute failure of justice and both were trying to avoid that. Her name was Claudia Procula, and she eventually became a believer.

The distraction on the part of Pilate's wife was long enough that the chief priests and elders were able to persuade the people to call of Barabbas's release instead of Jesus's, which they did upon Pilate's return.

Matt 27:24-26 - Jesus Delivered to be Flogged

Mat 27:24-26 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" (25) All the people answered, "His blood is on us and on our children!" (26) Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Pilate, upon releasing Barabbas, asked the crowd what they would have him do about Jesus, and the crowd called out "Crucify Him!". So Pilate took a pitcher of water and symbolically washed his hands of the whole ordeal in front of the crowd, saying that he considered himself innocent of the innocent blood of Jesus.

But Pilate was demonstrating the weakness of his leadership by allowing the ordeal to continue. He know what the correct course of action was, but he chose to be bullied to do wrong. So Pilate sent Jesus to be flogged and then handed Him over to be crucified.

Matt 27:27-30 - The Fourth Mockery

Mat 27:27-31 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. (28) They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, (29) and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. (30) They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.

John reveals that Pilate's intent was to flog and mock Jesus. He was given a crown of thorns and a reed in His hand to mock His claim to be a king. The knelt before Him calling out "Hail king of the Jews!". Then His deformed body was brought out and presented to the crowd in the hopes that seeing the degree of punishment He endured would pacify them into turning away from calling for His crucifixion.

Joh 19:1-4 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. (2) The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe (3) and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they slapped him in the face. (4) Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him."

The presentation of the beaten body of Jesus was of no use, as the crowd persisted in calling for His crucifixion. At this Pilate protested and called on the religious leaders to crucify Him themselves. So the religious leaders protested, as discussed previously, that they had been prohibited from administering the death penalty. They dropped the charge of sedition and brought up a new charge, that Jesus, in claiming to be the Son of God had broken a capital law of theirs.

This caused fear to rise in Pilate, he was being backed into a corner. The new charge required that Pilate have another discussion with Jesus in response to the charge. Jesus did not respond to Pilate this time regarding the charges, and instead told him that he could only do what he was doing because the Father was allowing it.

Joh 19:8-11 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, (9) and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. (10) "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" (11) Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

From that time on Pilate tried to set Jesus free. But the sly Jewish leaders tried a new tactic, accusing Pilate of betraying Caesar. The justification for this is that Jesus had claimed to be king, and Pilate was allowing this king to be freed. Anyone who claims to be king opposes Caesar they claimed. Pilate still tried to release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders were extremely set to have their way and cried out for His crucifixion all the more.

Joh 19:12-15 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." (13) When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). (14) It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews. (15) But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.

Matt 27:31-34 - The Procession to Calvary

Mat 27:31-34 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. (32) As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. (33) They came to a place called Golgotha (which means "the place of the skull"). (34) There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

So finally, under pressure, Pilate handed Jesus over to the soldiers to be crucified.

Roman law required the criminal who as going to be executed to carry their own cross. Jesus was eventually physically unable to carry the cross, so a man named Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry the cross for Him.

Cyrene was located near Tripoli, so Simon, who was a Jew, lived in what we know of today as Libya in North Africa. He along with hundreds of thousands of others had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. People were coming in crowds from tent cities outside Jerusalem to participate in the special daytime Passover sacrifice. Simon was apparently one of the crowd making their way to Jerusalem when he was called out and forced to carry Jesus's cross for Him.

There is a possibility that this event changed Simon's family forever. Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Mar 15:21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Paul mentions a "Rufus" in his letter to the Romans. We can't be sure, but it is possible this is the same Rufus Mark mentioned, and if so, it would mean that Simon and his family was saved.

Rom 16:13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

Jesus did not act like the common criminal. Usually those being led to their execution were vile and expressed expletives and curses on their executioners. Sometimes they were so loud and annoying to the Romans that they would cut their tongues out to shut them up.

Jesus walked quietly praying for His executioners. Jesus was so concerned for even those leading Him to and carrying out His execution that He prayed for them. Jesus would know their destiny could be hell, and how bad must hell be for Jesus to pray for their salvation.

Luk 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Jesus would have had a contingent of local "wailers and lamenters" following along behind. This would have been customary when a Jewish person was being taken out for execution, especially that of the Romans.

Luk 23:27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.

Jesus responded to these who were following Him, telling them not to weep for Him, but rather weep for themselves and their children. This would have been a reference to the Jews rejection of Jesus as King, the rejection of the Kingdom, and the people's calls for Him to be crucified. Because of all this they would be suffering the destruction of Israel, in particular Jerusalem and the temple in 40 years time at 70AD.

Luk 23:25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Jesus then made a statement that would have been understandable from a Jewish perspective but not to Gentiles.

Luk 23:31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

The statement was an argument that was based on Eze 20:47.

Eze 20:47 Say to the southern forest: 'Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am about to set fire to you, and it will consume all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and every face from south to north will be scorched by it.

Dr. Fruchtenbaum says:

"It means, "If I suffer this much and I am innocent, how much more are you going to suffer who are guilty?"

Flusser says:

"The green wood is difficult to kindle, while the dry is easy to burn. If the life of the pious Jesus ends with a tragedy, what will happen to a sinful Jerusalem? The disaster becomes inevitable, but there is hope for Jerusalem in a distant future, when the times of the Gentiles will be completed (Luk 21:24)."

Luk 21:24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Jesus, having arrived at the place of His crucifixion, is offered wine mixed with myrrh. This mixture was offered to the convicts just before nailing them to their crosses. It acted as a numbing agent to reduce some of the pain. Jesus tasted it and then refused it, perhaps because He wanted to be alert for the spiritual warfare that He was about to endure. He would have felt the full effects of the pain of crucifixion.

Mar 15:23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.

Matt 27:35-44 - The Crucifixion - The First Three Hours - Wrath of Men

Mat 27:35-44 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (36) And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. (37) Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (38) Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. (39) Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads (40) and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" (41) In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. (42) "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. (43) He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" (44) In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Insignia

At the head of the cross was the insignia pronouncing "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. The insignia normally contained the charge for which the accused was being punished, but in Jesus's case it simply named Him as the King of the Jews. In the midst of the terrible events, the insignia stood out as a witness to His deity and kingship.

The religious leaders protested the insignia, asking Pilate to rename it to "The man who claimed to be king of the Jews". Pilate refused, and so the insignia remained as it was.

Joh 19:16-22 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. (17) Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). (18) There they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle. (19) Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (20) Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. (21) The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." (22) Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

The Crucifixion

Jesus was crucified at 9AM (the third hour). This is significant because it was at 9AM that the chief priests offered up the Passover sacrifice. The Passover sacrifice and the crucifixion of Jesus occurred at the same time.

Mar 15:25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.

All the accounts in the gospels of Jesus's crucifixion were kept basic and simple. There was no need to detail this since the people of that time knew full well what was involved. What we know about Jesus's flogging and crucifixion to day comes from paintings and movies.

Jesus's Prayer for the Ignorant

As Jesus was in His agony, he prays for His tormentors, for those who were acting in ignorance, and perhaps the Jewish bystanders and perhaps for the Roman soldiers who were blindly following orders. They didn't know what they were doing. The prayer would not have included those who knew, such as Herod, Pilate, Caiaphas, and many Jewish leaders who knew just what they were doing.

Luk 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

The ignorance of the people were mentioned a couple times in the Biblical texts.

Act 3:17-18 "Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. (18) But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.

1Co 2:7-8 No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. (8) None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The Parting of the Garments

The parting of the garments of the convicted was a routine procedure among the Romans. Scholars reveal that convicts were hung naked, adding to the shame. Paintings showing Jesus wearing a loincloth are being gracious and covering up the truth. This activity fulfilled prophecy, as mentioned by John.

Psa 22:18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

Joh 19:23-24 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. (24) "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, "They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment." So this is what the soldiers did.

While Jesus lived in poverty....

Mat 8:20 Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Several wealthy women financed His ministry....

Luk 8:1-3 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, (2) and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; (3) Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

The outer robe that the convicts usually wore were divided between the four soldiers that were assigned the task of crucifixion. In Jesus's case, He was wearing an expensive robe of such quality that the four did not wish to cut in into four pieces and instead gambled for it.

This also fulfilled a part of the prophecy of Psa 22.

Psa 22:18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

The Two Rebels

The crucifixion of Jesus between the two was a fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah that foretold that Jesus would be "numbered with the transgressors".

Mat 27:38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Isa 53:12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Some translations refer to the two as "thieves" or "robbers", but thievery and robbery were not capital crimes. These two were likely accused of sedition and insurgency, perhaps along with Barabbas.

The Mockeries of Jesus

Apparently, at the start both of these rebels were hurling insults at Jesus from their own crosses.

Mat 27:44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Jesus was crucified on the main road to and from Jerusalem. Jesus was repeatedly mocked by passerby's on the road. The gates to Jerusalem were open, and thousands of visitors who were present to celebrate the Passover would have seen Him hanging there with the insignia of "King of the Jews" as the charge. They probably would have been thinking that this was just another in the line of false prophets claiming to be the Messiah.

Mat 24:9-11 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (10) At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, (11) and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

This mockery was based on the false statement made by Jesus's accusers that Jesus claimed to either have the ability or the intent to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. The crowd would have thought this to be disrespect of the temple.

Mar 14:57-59 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: (58) "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.'" (59) Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

Mar 15:29-30 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, (30) come down from the cross and save yourself!"

This mockery is simple taunting on the part of the religious Jews.

Mar 15:31-32 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! (32) Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

This mockery came from the Roman soldiers. They appeared to be repeating what the religious Jews were saying. The vinegar was a sour or dry wine, usually consumed by the poor.

Luk 23:36-37 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar (37) and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

These mockeries characterize the attitude of those passing by. All of those mocking Jesus challenged Him that if He were who He said He was, then He should save Himself and come down off the cross. If He had done so, He would have been proven a false messiah, and no atonement would have been made. The challenge to come down off the cross and cut the atonement short was Satan's last ditch attempt to cut off salvation.

I think the temptation would have been to meet the mockery with anger and prove His great power by coming down and vindicating His claims to be the Messiah. But Jesus was steadfast in enduring the abuse to the end thus gaining salvation for the whole world.

The Conversion of One of the Rebels

During the course of the crucifixion, one of the rebels apparently began to reflect on what was happening with Jesus. Although, as previously mentioned, both rebels were heaping insults on Him, one of them began to come to His defense.

Mat 27:44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Luk 23:39-41 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" (40) But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? (41) We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

The rebel was able to see that while the two were being justly punished for their crimes, Jesus was an innocent man. He them makes an incredible confession of faith.

Luk 23:42-43 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (43) Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

This man first recognized that he was a sinner who needed a savior to do what he could not, take away his sin. He also saw that Jesus was sinless, and had done nothing wrong. The man believed that Jesus was the Messiah. What we see unfolding here is a perfect example of God's grace.

This man must of spent time with Jesus listening to what He had to say. He knew that even though Jesus was dying, He would return again to set up His kingdom, and asked that He would be a part of it. He by faith was anticipating the resurrection.

Jesus responded to the man by promising that because he threw himself at the Lord's mercy and saving power, he was saved and would be with Jesus forever afterwards, starting that day in Paradise. He would not have to wait until the kingdom was established to be with Jesus.

Paradise is the same place as Abraham's Bosom. The statement that the man would be with Jesus in paradise negates the idea that Jesus went to hell for three days. He did not, He went to paradise. More about this can be found here:

https://www.tojesusbeallglory.com/2023/06/abode-of-sheol-hades.html

Jesus Addresses His Mother

Joh 19:25-27 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (26) When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," (27) and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

At the foot of the cross, three hours into the crucifixion, John and four women were standing. We can determine the identity of those that were there.

• Mary, Jesus's Mother - (Joh 19:25).
  

• Mary, Jesus's mother's sister, wife of Clopas, mother of James and Judas. Clopas was the brother of Joseph, Jesus's step father, making James and Judas Jesus's step cousins - (Joh 19:25, Mar 15:40).
  

• Salome, mother of James and John Zebedee, and sister to Mary Jesus's mother, making her Jesus's aunt, and James and John Jesus's first cousins, (Mar 15:40).
  

• Mary Magdalene - (Joh 19:25, Mat 27:56).

Mar 15:40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.

Mat 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Jesus at this point is fulfilling a Jewish expectation for the care of His mother. The language being used was familiar in adoption proceedings. In the absence of a husband, it was the first born sons duty to care for His mother. We can gather from this that Joseph had already passed away at this time. Jesus tells John who was standing there to behold his mother, indicating that He was assigning care for His mother to John. He tells His mother to behold John as her son. From this time forward John, brought Mary into his home and cared for her.

Matt 27:45-49 - The Crucifixion - The Second Three Hours - Wrath of God

Mat 27:45-49 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. (46) About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"). (47) When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." (48) Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. (49) The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

Darkness Covers the Land

After the first three hours, the next three hours from 12PM to 3PM are filled with darkness, spiritually and physically. Historical records from multiple historians from both north and south of Israel report an extended period of darkness lasting three hours. One of them, a scientist reports it as the result of an eclipse. It was dark enough that the stars became visible.

Diogenes, a pagan wrote concerning this darkness that "Either the Deity himself suffers at this moment, or sympathizes with one that does?" He could not have known that both were true, as the Son of God suffered and the Father God sympathized with Him.

These three hours represented the cup that Jesus asked to have taken away. During this time He was separated from God as He took the penalty for our sins. Jesus cried out during this time "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?". This referred to His human spirit. God was carrying out the judgment of the death sentence that our sin required.

At the end of this time there was also a great earthquake.

Mat 27:54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

The Utterance at the 9th Hour

Jesus, at about the 9th hour, quoted Psa 22.

Psa 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?

Mat 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").

This could have been perceived as a cry of desperation and defeat. The Complete Jewish Study Bible explains:

"In Judaism, when a Bible verse is cited, its entire context is implied if appropriate. Often the opening words, "My God! My God! Why have you deserted me?" serve as the title for the passages. Thus Yeshua refers all of Psalm 22 to Himself."

(Read Psalm 22:1-21 and Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12).

Jesus's cry for help was answered.

The Bystanders and Elijah

Interestingly, when the bystanders heard Jesus cry out "Eli, Eli...." they seemed to think that Jesus was calling on Elijah for help. Eli is a shortened form of the name Elijah. It is probably that they thought they heard Jesus calling on Elijah and not "My God", and so they brought Jesus a sponge and offered it to Him and then stood aside to see if Elijah would show up.

Mat 27:47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Mat 27:49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

Matt 27:50 - The Death of Jesus (Part 1)

Mat 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

John adds detail not found in Matthew.

Joh 19:28-30 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." (29) A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. (30) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

At the end of the second three hours on the cross, Jesus said that He was thirsty. Someone in the crowd ran off to to find a jar of wine vinegar, the type of wine the poor would drink, and offered it to Jesus. Jesus partook of this, as it was not the same sort of drink as previously offered, as it would not have made Him numb.

After drinking and wetting His lips, He clearly stated "It is finished". The Greek here has the meaning of "Paid in full", an accounting term. What Jesus was saying is that our sin was paid in full. Following this statement, Jesus bowed His head and dismissed His spirit from His body.

Luk 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

This statement on Jesus's part comes from another Psa_31:5. It shows that Jesus voluntarily gave His life, and had complete trust that the Father would raise Him up again.

Psa 31:5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

Theological Implications Of Jesus's Death

Jesus accomplished a number of things through His death.

Satisfaction

The death of Jesus brought about a "full legal equivalent for wrong done" (Fruchtenbaum). In heaven's court of law, Jesus satisfied the demands of justice according to the Law of Moses. Jews and proselytes are no longer required to suffer the penalty for breaking the law. The penalty for breaking the law is now satisfied by Jesus's death for our transgressions. (Sin is falling short, transgressions are breaking the laws.)

Rom 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (2) because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Isa 53:10-12 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. (11) After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. (12) Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Gal 1:3-5 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (5) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Eph 5:1-2 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children (2) and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Redemption

To Purchase - "Redemption" includes the idea of purchasing something, for a price, such as at the market place. Jesus paid the price and purchased us.

Jesus bought us:

2Pe 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Jesus paid the price in blood:

Rev 5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. (10) You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Because Jesus paid for us, we are to serve Him:

1Co 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1Co 7:22-23 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave. (23) You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

Substitution - It also includes the idea of the substitutionary nature of the death of Jesus. He died to redeem us from the penalty of the law. His death bought up and removed all from the curse of the law.

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole."

Gal 4:4-5 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Preservation - The death of Jesus moved ownership of ourselves to Jesus. He is the owner, and preserver of life. Depending with faith on His wisdom for our life will preserve it.

Luk 17:33 Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.

Act 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

1Ti 3:13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Ransom - Jesus "gave His life" as a ransom payment to bring us freedom.

Mat 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Liberation - Jesus's death liberated us because of the payment of a ransom.

Tit 2:13-14 while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, (14) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

1Pe 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Rom 3:21-24 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. (22) This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

1Co 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Eph 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (14) who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Col 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Heb 9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Summary

To summarize, Jesus's death accomplished for all mankind wide ranging redemptive benefits.

1. The Jewish people are redeemed from the penalty of the law. Jesus's death paid in full the cost of the ransom, the penalty on our behalf.
   
   Col 2:13-15 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, (14) having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. (15) And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
   
   Eph 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
   
   Heb 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (15) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin. (16) Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
   

2. The Jewish people are redeemed from the law itself. The Law of Moses is no longer obligatory.
   
   The setting aside of the ordinances and commands of the Law of Moses canceled the obligation of the Jewish people to keep the 613 commands. They were to come under grace and the power of the Holy Spirit by faith.
   
   Gal 3:24-25 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. (25) Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
   
   The setting aside of the ordinances and commands of the Law of Moses allowed the Gentiles to come into relationship with Jesus because His death set it aside.
   
   Eph 2:11-16 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)-- (12) remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, (15) by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, (16) and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
   

3. All believers, Jew and Gentile have been redeemed and are no longer slaves to the power of sin. Jesus's death provided justification and life for all people.
   
   Rom 5:18-19 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. (19) For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
   
   Our identification with Jesus and His death destroys the power that sin has over us. When we say that we identify with Jesus in His death, and we set aside our wants and desires as He did, then we become freemen, free to place ourselves under the power of Christ.
   
   Rom 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--
   
   Sin shall have no power any longer because if there is no law there is no penalty for breaking the law. If sin has no executive branch authority, then the law cannot be broken, and if the law is not broken then there is no penalty for breaking it.
   
   Rom 6:14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
   
   Rom 7:8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead.
   

4. The Jew and Gentile are now redeemed from the power of Satan. Satan no longer has unrestricted power and authority to tempt and harass us. Knowing who we are in Christ and what the power of Jesus is will lead to an understanding that we now can choose to live free from his controlling influence.
   
   Col 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
   
   Heb 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- (15) and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

5. Our future is guaranteed to be free from all evil. This will happen when we receive our resurrected bodies.
   
   Luk 21:28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
   
   Rom 8:23-25 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (24) For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (25) But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
   
   Eph 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (14) who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
   
   Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Other Accomplishments of the Gospel

Propitiation

Propitiation means to "appease", in this case God the Father. He was appeased with the satisfaction of justice thus setting aside His wrath

1Jn 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Reconciliation

When Adam sinned, he cut off the relationship between man and God, and it had the effect of turning his back on God. This resulted in God's back turned to man. Jesus bought restored relationship through reconciliation, and God once again turned back to man, realized most vividly in the Holy Spirit.

Rom 5:10 For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Ransom

A ransom comes with a price for freedom. Jesus paid the price for this ransom with His blood, thus freeing the ransomed.

Mat 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Proof of God's Love

Scripture is clear. God loves the whole world, even in their sinful state.

Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Judgment of the Sin Nature

Jesus's death brought the sin nature of mankind into judgment. That judgment determined the sin nature condemned. As such, we have no obligation to do anything it tempts us with.

The truth is that if we do what our sin nature calls us to do, it is because we choose to do so.

Rom 6:1-10 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? (2) By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (3) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (4) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (5) For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (6) For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- (7) because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (8) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (9) For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. (10) The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

The Basis for the Removal of Pre-Cross Sin

The OT sacrificial system only provided for a temporary covering for sins committed. As soon as the sacrifice was made, sins began to accumulate again, thus requiring the covering for sin to be made again. When Jesus died to take away sin, the OT saints also needed their sins removed as were those of the NT.

Rom 3:25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood--to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--

Heb 9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

The Power Switch

The Gospel, of Jesus, His death, burial and resurrection is the power of God. Coming to believe completely changes the spiritual forces that act on us. Prior to the Gospel, we were under the power of the law, sin, death, Satan. After the Gospel, we are under the power of God, the Holy Spirit and grace.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Because of the gospel, we become people with eyes to see. The illuminating agents are the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Because of Jesus's death, we can perceive reality as the truth is illuminated and enlightened as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes.

Act 26:15-18 "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. (16) 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. (17) I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them (18) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

The prophetic utterances of Isaiah 700 years before Christ foretold of a great light coming on the earth. Isaiah was speaking of the illumination that the Holy Spirit would bring to people enabled by the death of Christ.

Isa 9:1-2 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan-- (2) The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Matthew recorded the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus.

Mat 4:13-17 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- (14) to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: (15) "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- (16) the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (17) From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

Paul records the benefits of the indwelling Holy Spirit as the agent by which we can understand God and His freedom and become wise. Without the death of Christ this would not have been a reality today.

1Co 2:11-14 For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (12) What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (13) This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (14) The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Matt 27:51-56 - The Death of Jesus (Part 2)

Mat 27:51-56 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split (52) and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. (53) They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (54) When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" (55) Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. (56) Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Upon the death of Jesus, several things happened.

The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

The curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. It measured 30' by 60', and was four inches thick. there is no way a man could have torn it in two.

Exo 26:31 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.

Hebrews teaches the symbolism of this event. Prior to Jesus's death, only one person, once a year was allowed to come into the Holy of Holies to present the atonement sacrifice. This is represented by the thickness and size of the curtain. Now the curtain being torn represents our freedom to come directly into the Lord's presence, a new way. The old way was through the Mosaic system of the old covenant.

Heb 10:19-20 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (20) by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,

2Co 3:2-3 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. (3) You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

The earth shook, the rocks split.

At the moment of Jesus's death, there was an earthquake that caused the rocks to break.

Tombs broke open, and those who died were raised to life.

The resurrection from the dead occurred as an earthquake took place. The earthquake broke open tombs. While the resurrection took place upon the death of Jesus, they must have stayed in the tombs for 3 days as they only came out after the resurrection of Jesus.

The tombs were above ground. If they had been buried, they would have run out of air and died again in their graves waiting the three days for Jesus's resurrection.

After they came out from the tombs, they were seen by many in Jerusalem. We really don't have much information about this event. After this event they disappear from the records. These saints would have died again.

This event is distinguished from the Post-Tribulation resurrection of the OT saints. 1Co 15:23 indicates that all will eventually be made alive, but that Jesus is the first. Since Jesus's resurrection occurred 3 days after this event, it could not be the end time resurrection ot the OT saints.

1Co 15:20-23 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21) For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. (22) For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (23) But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

The event shows that out from Jesus's death life came forth. Sort of like a shock wave that went out and blasted these dead with life.

Matt 27:57-60 - The Burial of Jesus

Mat 27:57-60 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. (58) Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. (59) Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, (60) and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

John adds detail:

Joh 19:31-37 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. (32) The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. (33) But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. (34) Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. (35) The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. (36) These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," (37) and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Jesus's Legs Not Broken

The Jewish leaders were up against a time constraint. According to their law, no work was to be done on the Sabbath. Because Jesus was crucified on the day before the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders wanted to hasten Jesus's death so that the burial could be completed before the Sabbath day arrived.

They asked Pilate to break the legs of the Jews that were hanging on the crosses. This wold cause them to die quickly. The two rebels had their legs broken first, and when the soldiers came to Jesus, they found that He was already dead, so they did not break His legs. This was in accordance with prophetic scripture, several of which were fulfilled.

Exo 12:43-46 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover meal: "No foreigner may eat it. (44) Any slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him, (45) but a temporary resident or a hired worker may not eat it. (46) "It must be eaten inside the house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.

Num 9:10-12 "Tell the Israelites: 'When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they are still to celebrate the LORD's Passover, (11) but they are to do it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. (12) They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations.

Psa 34:19-20 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; (20) he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Joh 19:33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

Joh 19:36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"

Jesus Pierced

Scripture was also fulfilled when one of the soldiers, seeking to ensure that Jesus had died, pierced Jesus's side with his sword, bringing a flow of blood and water. This fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be pierced.

Zec 12:10 "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Joh 19:37 and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Significance of Flow of Blood and Water

John saw a theological significance to the flow of blood and water. I witnessed the event, and later on reflected on it's spiritual significance.

Joh 19:35 The man who saw it [blood and water] has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.

He saw the blood and water as the sign of eternal life. The blood and water were evidence and a sign that Jesus had died and by His death provided eternal life. That is reflected in 1Jn 5:6-12.

1Jn 5:6-12 This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. (7) For there are three that testify: (8) the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (9) We accept human testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. (10) Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. (11) And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Paul speaks allegorically to this as well. He said that the Israelites all drank spiritual water, and allegorically what they were drinking was Christ.

1Co 10:3-4 They all ate the same spiritual food (4) and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

This passage hearkens back to an event where the Israelites were without water and God instructed Moses to speak to a rock to bring a flow of water. The drinking implies that we are nourished and sustained spiritually by Christ. The water is a reference to the water from Jesus's side in death, poured out for all mankind.

The Israelites were once again complaining to Moses and Aaron.

Num 20:2-9 Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. (3) They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! (4) Why did you bring the LORD's community into this wilderness, that we and our livestock should die here? (5) Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!"

Moses and Aaron pray for the Israelites, and receive instruction from the Lord to take his staff and Aaron and speak to that rock to pour out its water.

(6) Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. (7) The LORD said to Moses, (8) "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink." (9) So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him.

When Moses arrived at the rock, instead of speaking to it, he struck it twice. Water came out and the community drank.

Num 20:10-11 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" (11) Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

There are parallels between the water that gushed from Jesus's side and that which gushed from the rock. Both were life saving.

Jesus stated that He is the water of life.

Joh 4:14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Jesus's Burial

There was a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was a believer. He had for himself a tomb, in a private garden. This would have been a vault or a chamber in which to place the body. Joseph wished to have Jesus buried in this brand new, unused tomb.

He went to Pilate to request that he be allowed to take the body of Jesus and provide for burial. Pilate agreed, and so another prophecy of Jesus's was fulfilled. Although He was given a sentence deserving of a wicked man, He was buried with the rich.

Isa 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Jesus's death would bring about the end to His humble personage as the God Man, which started at His incarnation, and ended at His burial. Astonishingly, the only two people involved in Jesus's burial at Joseph's place were two Pharisees who secretly believed in Him.

Joh 19:38-42 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. (39) He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. (40) Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. (41) At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. (42) Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Matt 27:61-66 - The Sealing of the Tomb

Mat 27:61-66 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. (62) The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. (63) "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' (64) So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." (65) "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." (66) So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

The two Marys knew where the tomb was. They were sitting opposite it. They had followed Joseph. Having ascertained where the tomb was, they left to get the spices needed to wash and anoint Jesus's body. They were not anticipating Jesus's resurrection.

Luk 23:55-56 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. (56) Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

The chief priests and Pharisees, having heard Jesus talk about being buried for three days and then rising again set out to prevent the theft of the body. They anticipated that the disciples would steal Jesus's body and falsely claim that He had risen and left. To prevent them from then preaching the resurrection, Pilate agreed to seal the tomb and to place guards at the tomb for the three days to ensure it was not tampered with.

The Pharisees called Jesus "the deceiver". When they had an issue with someone, they did not use their name, but called them some derogatory term. Even today, Jesus is still called "Yeshu", which forms an acronym that means "May his name be blotted out."