Matthew 27:32-56 · Matthew · Updated April 25, 2026

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

The passage from Matthew 27:32-56 recounts the crucifixion of Jesus, an event in the New Testament. Jesus is led out to be crucified. Soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene 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 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, 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 dramatic signs and the centurion's declaration. The passage in Matthew 27:32-56 highlights Jesus' crucifixion as an event, not just for those who witnessed it, but for humanity as a whole. It presents the crucifixion as a moment of 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 central figure in God's redemptive plan.

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 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 shows that Jesus, in his humanity, shares the depths of human suffering and abandonment. His cry is not one of despair but an 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) symbolizes 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 points to the nature of Jesus' Crucifixion. It serves as both a fulfillment of prophecy and a 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 love and redemption, transforming both individual lives and the broader spiritual landscape. The passage in Matthew 27:32-56 opens with mockery and closes with recognition. Initially, those passing by Jesus as he hangs on the cross mock him, challenging his divinity and taunting him to save himself (Matthew 27:39-44). The narrative concludes with a Roman centurion and those with him recognizing Jesus' divine nature, declaring, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54). Between these moments, the central event is Jesus' cry of abandonment and his subsequent death, which is marked by natural disturbances and the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:46, 50). This cry signifies the theological climax of the crucifixion, highlighting the depth of Jesus' suffering and the cosmic significance of his sacrifice.

Continue reading with a Scholar plan

Upgrade to Scholar