Read Matthew 27:1-56

Matthew 27 takes us through the events of the cross… the crucifixion of the Son of God, Jesus. In our time together, we’re going to focus specifically on the last breath of Jesus. Let’s read Matthew 27:50–51 (NIV):

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”

Have you ever watched a movie or TV show with a massive chasm or divide that must be crossed? In those moments, our heroes have two choices: try to find a way around or somehow jump the chasm. Think of Captain America: The First Avenger where Captain America jumped a huge distance as the HYDRA facility was burning down. In contrast, you may be thinking of the invisible bridge in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

So, what does this have to do with Jesus’ death? We’ll get to that in a minute, but first it must be stated that there is not one single detail that is insignificant in the account of Jesus’ crucifixion or the events surrounding it. It’s quite the opposite! Every detail that ripples outward from the crucifixion of Jesus has spiritual importance. For instance, immediately after Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. What’s the significance here?

Historians tell us this veil was about 40 feet high and was as thick as a man’s hand! It served as a barrier that sectioned off the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space within the temple, the area that represented God’s presence. It was a continual reminder that God’s holiness was incompatible with man’s sinfulness—and only the High Priest was allowed to pass beyond the veil once a year to offer sacrifice for the people’s sins. Quite simply, access to God was denied because of sin.

Sin was the endless chasm that could not be jumped or bridged. We may try to jump the chasm and earn our way to God through our own power, goodness, or deeds, but unlike Captain America, we can’t make that jump and instead, we’ll be burned up in the flames of our fallenness. The 40 feet of curtain was a clear representation of this. There was no way we could come into God’s presence or gain access to Him in our sinful state. We needed blood to be poured out by a mediator.

But here’s the thing . . . Hebrews 10:1–4 (NIV, emphasis added) says, “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? The worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, [because] it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

You see, both the mediator and the sacrifice were insufficient. The blood was not enough and the mediator, a sinner himself, was not enough. But Jesus was enough in both ways! He was the “one mediator between God and mankind” (1 Timothy 2:5 NIV) and “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29 NIV). And so, through the Son’s perfect sacrifice, God’s demand for justice against sin was satisfied. The divine wrath was satisfied and the way into God’s presence was now open to all who would accept this in faith.

And did you notice how this barrier between man and God was torn “from top to bottom”? Remember, no detail is insignificant… The curtain tearing from top to bottom was a clear indication that God Himself initiated, that He made a way for us to come to Him!

Discussion Question 1: What are you doing with the freedom Jesus gave you on the cross?

Discussion Question 2: In Matthew 27, we see a variety of reactions to Jesus and His crucifixion. We see Pilate’s, the chief priests, Simon of Cyrene, the two thieves, and the guards who pierced His side. What do these different reactions to Jesus teach us about humanity, and about Jesus?

Discussion Question 3: How does knowing all that Jesus experienced on the cross and throughout this dark day impact your perspective?

Discussion Question 4: What significance do you see in all the different events surrounding the cross, particularly the veil being torn in two?

Discussion Question 5: Why do you think the death of Jesus had such a profound impact on nature and the world?

Discussion Question 6: What are you going to do with what you learned in these 56 verses?

This Week

Spend time searching the Gospels for the different descriptions of the various reactions to Jesus on the cross and His interactions with people while He was on the cross.

Memory Verse

“When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”—Matthew 27:54 (NIV)

Prayer Guide

Father, I pray for everyone today in my life and around the world who react to Your Son like the general population did while He was on the cross. They didn’t know much about Him, only having a cursory understanding, being swayed by the culture around them. I also pray for those who have “studied,” who consider themselves “enlightened,” who reject Jesus and have up until now refused to acknowledge Him as Lord. And I pray for evildoers who mock Jesus’ sacrifice through their wickedness. I pray Your Spirit would reveal the truth to them. I pray You would use those of us who have seen the truth, repented, and asked to be remembered by the Lord Jesus. May we have the boldness, courage, and wisdom to proclaim that salvation is available to them through Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at CalvaryFTL.org/Questions.