Matthew Chapter Twenty Seven.

The chapter opens with the leading priests and elders making plans to put Jesus to death. They bound Him and led Him to Pilate, the Roman governor. Judas realized that Jesus was condemned to death and felt remorse. So he returned those 30 pieces of silver to the leading priests and admitted that he had betrayed an innocent man. After that, Judas hang himself. Jesus stood trial before Pilate who knew the religious leaders were envious of Jesus and had no real charges to place against Him. He allowed the crowd to choose between him releasing Barabbas or Jesus, and they chose for Barabbas. They desired for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate allowed them to choose and accept responsibility for Jesus’ death because he knew Jesus was innocent. Everyone mocked Jesus for claiming to be the King of the Jews. They flogged Him, spit on Him, and beat Him before finally crucifying Him. And while He hung on that cross, they continued to mock Him telling Him to save Himself. Jesus gave up His Spirit. The Roman officer and soldiers realized that He was the Son of God after the events surrounding His death. He was placed in a tomb, and a stone was rolled over the entrance. But that wasn’t enough for the leading priests and Pharisees. They had remembered that Jesus had said He would rise from the dead in three days. So they went to Pilate and asked for the tomb to be sealed. Pilate abliged and ordered for guards to be placed at the tomb as well. Jesus placed our sins (that cross) on His shoulders and carried them to His death. He was nailed to our sins and released His Spirit as payment. Friend, Jesus died on that cross as an innocent man on a mission. That mission was for you and I to have eternal life. His death gave us access.