Summary of Matthew Chapter 27:

Matthew 27 describes the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Here’s a summary:

1. Jesus is handed over to Pilate: In the morning, the chief priests and elders decide to have Jesus executed and hand him over to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.

2. Judas’ remorse and death: Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, is filled with remorse and returns the 30 pieces of silver. When the religious leaders refuse to take it back, he throws the money into the temple and hangs himself. The priests use the money to buy a potter’s field for burying foreigners.

3. Jesus before Pilate: Pilate questions Jesus, who mostly remains silent. The crowd chooses to release Barabbas, a criminal, instead of Jesus. Pilate symbolically washes his hands to show he is not responsible for Jesus’ death, and the crowd accepts responsibility.

4. Mocking and crucifixion: Jesus is scourged, mocked by soldiers, and led to Golgotha. Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry his cross. Jesus is crucified between two criminals.

5. Death of Jesus: Jesus dies after several hours. At the moment of His death, the temple curtain tears in two, the earth shakes, and some tombs open. A centurion declares Jesus to be the Son of God.

6. Burial: Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for Jesus’ body, wraps it in linen, and lays it in a new tomb. A large stone is rolled in front, and guards are placed to secure it, as the priests fear Jesus’ disciples might steal the body and claim He rose from the dead.

This chapter highlights the rejection, suffering, death, and burial of Jesus, setting the stage for the resurrection in the next chapter.