(1) The religious leaders had long decided to get rid of Jesus, now they have made it official, through a “kangaroo” court. What remains is to legitimize it in the eyes of the (Roman) law. Why then would Judas develop a sense of remorse at this time? Did he not expect it when he received the “blood” money?
(2) What did he do with the money? From what he said and did, how would you describe him as a person? Was it “too late” for repentance?
(3) Why did the chief priests and the elders not have the same sense of remorse, especially when being confronted by Judas’ change of heart?
(4) Judas’ ultimate response to his guilt was to hang himself. Was it repentance?
(5) What options did he have?
(6) Can you define, within the context of Judas’ actions, what repentance is and is not?
(7) From how the chief priests dealt with the “blood” money, what can you learn about the sins of such Pharisaic behaviors?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
I was talking to someone who is contemplating entering into full-time gospel ministry, and he shared with me that he was told to consult as many people as possible.
I understand that the need to have the confirmation by the faith community if we are truly called of God. But ultimately, the most important deciding factor is not someone else’s opinion, even if it is Billy Graham’s, but God’s own confirmation in our heart.
In fact, the more we try to seek others’ opinions, the more restless and peaceless we will become. It goes again to Isaiah’s powerful reminder to King Hezekiah that,
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says,
‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength' …” (Isa. 30:15)
God does not play games. He is in the business of recruiting workers for His harvest (Matt. 9:38), perhaps, desperately. If He has called a person to enter into full-time gospel ministry, would He not be more eager than ourselves to make sure that we would unmistakably understand His call? Why would He play hide-and-seek with us? When we are unclear of His will, often it is because of our own preferences, self-will, self-centered motives or agenda that cover the sun like clouds. When we spend much time, using prayer and scriptural meditation as a process of submission to repent of all things that are self-centered, we will be able to see the sun as it is.
(1) In this segment, how did Pilate address Jesus publicly and why?
(2) Did Pilate truly believe that Jesus was the “King of the Jews” and the “Christ”?
(3) How could he tell? Did Jesus behave or look like one? Why not?
(4) Matthew said that the priests accused Jesus out of envy. What did the priests envy? What then can you learn about the destructive power of envy?
(5) The Bible says that even Pilate was amazed at Jesus and as much as he tried to free him, he was held responsible for the death of Jesus by the Apostles (see Acts 4:27). What was the sin of Pilate then (especially given his wife’s advice)?
(6) Although they might not be the same crowd that greeted Jesus as He entered into Jerusalem (chapter 21), the people and the priests would have anticipated the glorious arrival of Jesus as their Messiah or at least regarded Him as a great prophet (21:46). Why did they now change their tune completely and even desire His death? What kind of sin did theirs represent?
(7) A most notorious murderer was freed at the expense of the King of the Jews. What is the significance of this?
(8) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
On the face of it, the religious leaders were determined to have Jesus killed, because they thought that by claiming Himself as the Son of God, Jesus had committed blasphemy. Therefore, in their opinion, even though they were under Roman Law, the Law of Moses trumped human law anytime, especially when it came to the blasphemy of God. This, as we know, is exactly the mentality of extreme Muslims when they consider that their prophet Mohammed is being blasphemed. They have no problem in taking their Sharia Law into their own hands.
However, the Bible repeatedly points out that those who persecuted Jesus and His followers did so out of envy (Matt. 27:18; Acts 5:17; 13:45)
Indeed, they might have begun their attack on Jesus and His followers based on their zeal for the Law and perhaps, even for God. But when confronted with undisputed miraculous healings and signs, the impeccable life and the powerful preaching of Christ, if their hearts were in the right place, they had to take a second look at their own position. And when the temple’s curtain was torn, coupled with earthquake and resurrection of some of the dead, they had to wonder if they had acted correctly, not to mention having received first-hand report from the guards about seeing an angel roll away the stone from the tomb of Jesus. Yet, they continued to be bent on their erring way. Why? They allowed their jealousy to take over not only their reasoning, but their conscience. The power of jealousy is indeed powerfully destructive. And I have seen it play over and over again in church politics.
Whether it is about the appointment of a new pastor, the renovation or relocation of the church, or amendments to the church constitution or bylaws, what begins as sensible disagreements often degenerates into irrational attacks, sadly often disguised in spiritual language or even in Biblical quotations. In many church fights that I have witnessed or have been asked to intervene, jealousy and “face” often are the underlying real problems. If we are guilty of such, may God be gracious and allow us to humble ourselves before we become the true blasphemers, and if we are at the receiving end of the destructive power of jealousy, may we follow Christ’s example of gentleness. Even though He could have asked the Father to send 12 legions of angels to deliver Him, He would rather remain silent and await vindication according to the Father’s way and the Father’s timetable.
Throughout history, one of the most horrible crimes is committed by those in authority in abusing their power against the innocent. In suffering in the hands of the Roman soldiers who were known bullies, Jesus expressed His solidarity with those who are bullied and He did so as the Creator God.
(1) This passage details the mockery and insult inflicted by the soldiers on our Lord:
(2) Read the prophecy according to Psalm 22:12 and describe how you might feel if you were Jesus Christ, the Creator God in the hands of base sinners like the Roman soldiers.
(3) How much do you know of the process and cruelty of execution by the cross? Try to describe it.
(4) The scripture did not go into the details of the horrific process of crucifixion. Can you think of the reason why?
(5) Do you consider the incident of Simon from Cyrene an accident? What was its purpose (a) to Jesus, (b) to Simon and (c) to us today (i.e. what does it teach us about carrying the cross)?
(6) How might wine mixed with gall taste like? What might be the symbolic significance of this experience of Jesus?
(7) What kind of action was the dividing of the prisoner’s garment? When it happened to Jesus, what might be the added significance?
(8) Pilate’s inscription about who Jesus was might be his way of ridiculing the Jews, but as it turns out, it was a true description of Jesus. What does such an inscription on the cross of Jesus mean to you?
(9) What is the main message to you today and how can you respond to the suffering and love of Christ?
There was no more terrible death than death by crucifixion. Even the Romans themselves regarded it with a shudder of horror. Cicero declared that it was “the most cruel and horrifying death. Tacitus said that it was a despicable death. It was originally a Persian method of execution. It may have been used because, to the Persians, the earth was sacred, and they wished to avoid defiling it with the body of an evil-doer. So they nailed him to a cross and left him to die there, looking to the vultures and the carrion crows to complete the work. The Carthaginians took over crucifixion from the Persians; and the Romans learned it from the Carthaginians.
Crucifixion was never used as a method of execution in the homeland, but only in the provinces, and there only in the case of slaves. It was unthinkable that a Roman citizen should die such a death. Cicero says: “It is a crime for a Roman citizen to be bound; it is a worse crime for him to be beaten; it is well nigh parricide for him to be killed; what am I to say if he be killed on a cross? A nefarious action such as that is incapable of description by any word, for there is none fit to describe it.” It was that death, the most dreaded in the ancient world, the death of slaves and criminals that Jesus died.
The routine of crucifixion was always the same. When the case had been heard and the criminal condemned, the judge uttered the fateful sentence: “Ibis ad crucem,” “You will go to the cross.” The verdict was carried out there and then. The condemned man was placed in the centre of a quaternion, a company of four Roman soldiers. His own cross was placed upon his shoulders. Scourging always preceded crucifixion and it is to be remembered how terrible scourging was. Often the criminal had to be lashed and goaded along the road, to keep him on his feet, as he staggered to the place of crucifixion. Before him walked an officer with a placard on which was written the crime for which he was to die and he was led through as many streets as possible on the way to execution. There was a double reason for that. There was the grim reason that as many as possible should see and take warning from his fate. But there was a merciful reason. The placard was carried before the condemned man and the long route was chosen, so that if anyone could still bear witness in his favor, he might come forward and do so. In such a case, the procession was halted and the case retried.
William Barclay
(1) We know of the two different reactions of the two robbers who were also nailed on the cross. What might account for the different reactions by the two? What kind of sin did the un-repenting robber represent?
(2) Matthew describes the mocking of the passers-by in vv. 39-44:
(3) The chief priests and the leaders had now achieved their goal. Why would they hurl insults at Jesus? How did they challenge Jesus? What kind of sin does theirs represent?
(4) While the gospel writers do not dwell on the physical sufferings of Christ, they do record the Seven Last Words of Jesus. In this passage, Matthew gives us the 4th Word on the Cross (and indirectly the 7th, see Lk. 23:46). How does it speak to you about the suffering of Christ?
(5) From the different groups of sinners that have been reflected upon above, do you see yourself in one of them? Which one and why?
(6) What then is the essential message of today and how may you apply it in your life?
As we have been reflecting on the suffering of our Lord, I invite you today to reflect richly on the lyrics of this marvelous hymn by Charles Wesley:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.Charles Wesley 1707-1788
(1) What was the significance of the tearing of the curtain of the temple (from top to bottom)? (See Heb. 10:19-20)
(2) If you were one of the priests who witnessed this incident, what would you think?
(3) Read the remarkable things that happened in vv. 52-53. Did they have to happen? Why or why not?
(4) Why would the centurion and those guarding with him exclaim, “Surely He was the Son of God!”?
(5) With these amazing developments, how did the chief priests and the Pharisees respond? Why?
(6) Matthew mentions the women who had been following Jesus from Galilee all the way to the foot of the cross. How would you describe their relationship with Jesus and their role in the passion of Christ?
(7) Contrast the burial of Jesus by Joseph and Nicodemus with what Mary of Bethany did back in 26:6-13? Both actions were commendable. Don’t you think so? Which was more meaningful, and why? How can you apply these to your life?
(8) What then is the essential message of today and how may you apply it in your life?
In reading some of the more reliable historical materials on the Roman soldiers who happened to be stationed in the Jerusalem vicinity, I have come to understand that these soldiers were of German descent.
I am just curious about the world-wide impact of the crucifixion, even in Jesus’ time. It would have been viewed as an entirely Jewish internal affair, religious squabbles that highlighted the fanaticism of the prevailing leaders of Judaism (no different from what we have seen in today’s Islamic world). This much is what would have been noted by the Roman world, if not for the presence and the conversion of these Roman soldiers, presumably not of the centurion alone, according to Matthew.
One does not need to read up on what traditions might have to say (or speculate) on these Germans. Since they had become believers, and when they were relocated back home or to other colonies of the Roman Empire, they would lend credence to the gospel which eventually spread to the whole empire. After all, they were first-hand witnesses.
Hard-core, ruthless bullies could even be used by the Lord. But isn’t this always the way of the Lord? Some years later, a ruthless Saul with blood-stained hands would become the most important apostle who was responsible for bringing the gospel all the way to citadels of the Roman Empire.
(1) At this point, try to describe the emotions of these women who believed in Jesus and followed Him all the way from Galilee.
(2) Why did the women venture into the graveyard so early in the morning? What did they want to do? Did they know if what they wanted to do was possible? How would you describe their action? Foolish or…?
(3) While the timing of the earthquake was not specifically mentioned, it appears that it happened right before or upon the arrival of the women.
(4) The messages from the angel to the women included:
(5) Since the angel has done his part, why did Jesus choose to appear to them again, saying basically the same thing?
(6) How differently did the women respond this time?
(7) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
Perhaps, it is helpful to set out the order of events on Easter morning, combining the accounts of the four Gospels:
It is quite obvious that while the disciples had to continue to fret and wonder for a bit more time, all the women saw Jesus that resurrection morning. I believe the Lord delights in rewarding the simple of faith, and especially those who love Him.
(1) Wasn’t what was witnessed by the guards sufficient to wake the chief priests up? What else did they think they needed in order to believe?
(2) What grave lesson can we learn from them about disbelief?
(3) From an objective point of view, how can one pick apart the story which they devised to accuse the disciples of stealing Jesus’ body?
(4) We know that the disciples did not go to Galilee right away (see Jn. 20:19-28). What do you think the reason might be?
(5) Why did Jesus choose to meet with them in Galilee after His resurrection?
(6) Now that they saw the risen Christ, what did they do when they met Him? What does it tell you about their new relationship with Christ?
(7) Now they could see, touch and talk to the risen Christ. Why did some of them still doubt? What was their doubt about?
(8) The answer to the preceding question may be found in Jesus’ reply, especially the first and last part of this reply.
(9) What is the significance of the connecting word, therefore?
(10) The main verb of the Great Commission is to “make disciples” accompanied by the participles of
How then should you understand the main crux of the Great Commission?
If we are to carry out the Great Commission faithfully, what does it entail?
How might such an understanding affect how you and your church do “evangelism”?
(11) In commanding us to baptize, Jesus uses one singular “name” to include the Father’s, Son’s and the Holy Spirit’s. What kind of theological significance does it carry?
(12) What is Matthew’s purpose in wrapping up his account of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of David and the son of Abraham (Matt. 1:1) like this?
(13) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?
It is most puzzling to read that after His resurrection and showing Himself to the disciples, there still could be doubters among them. These facts, at least, are beyond doubt:
In order words, Jesus has proved who He claims He is ― the Son of God and the Messiah.
As some of the disciples still had doubts, Jesus gave them the Great Commission, beginning with the words that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”, ending with “And surely as I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
With these reassuring words, it appears that those who doubted worried about
These were basically very practical questions and I will not blame their doubts for a moment. Even for those who did not doubt at the time, it would take quite some time, as they obeyed and returned to Jerusalem, to find out and experience the truth that all authority in heaven and on earth has indeed been given to the Lord. The invoking of His name in driving out demons and baptizing people with the Holy Spirit were powerful experiences that would permit them to come to greater confidence in Christ. And the continuous communion with the Lord through prayers and waiting, especially in times of suffering, would further enable them to experience the reality of Christ’s ever presence in their lives.