Ep. 247. Matthew 27 | The Crucifixion

EPISODE 247

THE CRUCIFIXION: MATTHEW 27, John 19

Growing up, I was led to believe that the crucifixion of Jesus was the most significant event in human history. That isn't the case. As we will see when we get to 1 Corinthians 15, the crucifixion without the resurrection has no value. Without the resurrection, the cross can not remove sins. Without the resurrection, all our preaching and believing is worthless. So, as we read through these chapters today and as their weight strikes us, let us remember that the crucifixion is beautiful and powerful because the tomb is empty.

I have been excited about walking you through these two chapters for quite some time. By now, you know how much I enjoy the Old Testament, so it should be no surprise that I deeply love Matthew chapter 27. Consider how many Old Testament references and prophecies are fulfilled in this chapter.

Judas was the one appointed at the right hand of Christ to be his betrayer, just as the Scripture declared.

They took the thirty pieces of silver and bought the potter's field, as the Scripture said would happen.

Jesus was crucified at "the place of the skull," and that draws our attention back to the first thing ever said in the Bible about the coming redeemer. (all the way back to Genesis 3)\

They offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh/gall and later sour wine.

They cast lots for his clothing.

He was numbered with transgressors.

They wagged their heads at him and mocked him, declaring, "Let God deliver him now if he desires him."

Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me," effectively preaching the twenty-second Psalm.

Jesus said, "Into your hands, I commit my spirit." Also found in the OT.

Blood and water flowed from his side when his heart was pierced.

A rich man buried Jesus.

His legs were NOT broken.

His hands and feet were pierced.

The crowds looked on the one they had pierced.

All of these things were prophesied hundreds of years before Jesus came to die. In some cases nearly 700 years earlier. Jesus, in his death, fulfilled dozens of Old Testament texts. If we have a shallow understanding of the OT we will likely miss the beauty of Matthew 27, but when we see these things rightly it should cause us to fall more deeply in love with the Bible as a whole.

I love how interconnected the Bible is. I wasn't taught those things as a kid. I was taught that each section had its own little purpose. I remember being told as we moved from the Old Testament to the New, "Now we get to talk about Jesus." But if my teachers had understood the Scripture, we would have been talking about Jesus all along. I hope to change that for my kids and anyone I would have the opportunity to teach. I want people to know the Bible as the revelation of our Savior. That is why Colin and I have created this resource.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 69; Psalm 109; John 13:2; Zechariah 11:12-13; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Genesis 3:15; Psalm 69:21; Isaiah 53:12; Psalm 22:18; Psalm 109:25; Psalm 22:8; Psalm 69:21; Psalm 31:5; Hebrews 10:19-20; Isaiah 53:9; Daniel 4:17; Psalm 22:18; Psalm 69:21; Exodus 12:46; Psalm 22:14; Psalm 34:20; Psalm 22:16-17; Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7