Matthew 27:32-56 · Matthew

Crucifixion

Jesus is led to Golgotha where he is crucified alongside two thieves. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross, and Jesus is mocked by onlookers and religious leaders. Darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out before yielding his spirit, leading to an earthquake and the resurrection of saints.

Summary

This passage from Matthew 27:32-56 recounts the crucifixion of Jesus, a pivotal event in the New Testament. As the scene opens, Jesus is led out to be crucified. Simon of Cyrene is compelled by the soldiers to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha, the place of execution (27:32-33). Upon arrival, Jesus is offered vinegar mixed with gall, which he refuses after tasting it (27:34). He is then crucified alongside two thieves, with a sign placed above his head stating, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (27:37-38).

As Jesus hangs on the cross, passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders mock him, challenging him to save himself if he truly is the Son of God (27:39-43). Even the thieves crucified with him join in the mockery (27:44). From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covers the land (27:45). At about three o'clock, Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (27:46). Some bystanders mistakenly think he is calling for Elijah (27:47). One person offers Jesus vinegar on a sponge, while others wait to see if Elijah will come (27:48-49). Jesus then cries out again and dies (27:50).

Following Jesus' death, significant events occur: the temple veil tears in two, an earthquake happens, rocks split, and tombs open, with many saints rising and appearing in Jerusalem (27:51-53). These phenomena lead the centurion and those with him to fear greatly and declare, "Truly this was the Son of God" (27:54). Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joses, witness these events from a distance (27:55-56). The passage concludes with these dramatic signs and the centurion's declaration, underscoring the significance of Jesus' death.

Chiastic structure

ⓘ
A

Matthew 27:39-44

“And they that passed by reviled him... He trusted in God; let him deliver him now...”

B

Matthew 27:46, 50

“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?... yielded up the ghost.”

A'

Matthew 27:54

“Truly this was the Son of God.”

Both A and A' involve the mocking and recognition of Jesus' identity, with A focusing on mockery and A' on recognition.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The passage in Matthew 27:32-56 underscores the significance of Jesus' crucifixion as a transformative event, not just for those who witnessed it, but for humanity as a whole. It presents the crucifixion as a moment of profound spiritual and cosmic disruption, marked by darkness and natural phenomena. These dramatic events culminate in the centurion's declaration, "Truly this was the Son of God" (27:54), which affirms Jesus' divine identity and mission. The tearing of the temple veil and the resurrection of saints symbolize the breaking of old religious barriers and the inauguration of a new covenant between God and humanity. This passage emphasizes the fulfillment of divine prophecy, showcasing Jesus as the pivotal figure in God's redemptive plan.

The Catholic interpretation sees Jesus' cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (27:46), as a reflection of his human experience of abandonment and a fulfillment of prophecy. This perspective highlights Jesus' dual nature as both fully divine and fully human. By referencing Psalm 22, a psalm of lament, this interpretation underscores that Jesus, in his humanity, shares the depths of human suffering and abandonment. His cry is not one of despair but a profound expression of trust in God amid suffering, aligning with the prophetic tradition that foreshadows the Messiah's suffering and vindication. The Catholic view hinges on the idea that Jesus' experience on the cross was integral to his messianic mission.

In contrast, the Reformed Protestant interpretation emphasizes the theological significance of Jesus bearing the weight of human sin, leading to a sense of separation from God. When Jesus cries out, it signifies the moment when he takes upon himself the sins of the world, experiencing the alienation that sin causes between humanity and God. This interpretation sees his cry as an expression of the immense burden he carries to fulfill the requirements of divine justice. The darkness that falls over the land (27:45) is seen as a symbol of this separation and judgment. This view focuses on the atonement, where Jesus' death reconciles humanity to God by satisfying the demands of justice through his sacrifice.

Considering both interpretations, the passage ultimately points to the multifaceted nature of Jesus' crucifixion. It serves as both a fulfillment of prophecy and a profound theological event that addresses human suffering and sin. The passage calls readers to recognize the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and its implications for faith. This dual recognition of Jesus' role as both a prophetic fulfillment and the bearer of humanity's sin invites a deeper understanding of the cross as the intersection of divine justice and mercy. It challenges the faithful to reflect on the mystery of the crucifixion as an act of ultimate love and redemption, transforming both individual lives and the broader spiritual landscape.

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