Holy Week // Matthew 27

Matthew 27

There is SO MUCH to unpack in this chapter alone. This chapter is a culmination of betrayal, rejection, mockery, and deep despair. Even in reading this chapter, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of sadness, and it’s hard to understand how all of this is part of a greater plan. We see the depth of his pain and suffering in order to understand that what is to come is more beautiful than we could imagine. It’s more glorious and merciful and gracious than we deserve.  

The main point that I felt convicted of in Matthew 27 is that we are reminded of ourselves. 

We are reminded of our own rejection of Christ just to feel like we are gaining the whole world. We are reminded of how we may have once mocked Jesus and what he can do. We doubted his posture and presence in being the Son of God. We said things that don’t honor him, and we’ve done things that are not His best. Maybe that’s why this chapter hits a little differently compared to others. We can read and point fingers and think, “why didn’t they stop this from happening? I would never reject Jesus like that.” In reality, we are just like them. It certainly looks different than it did 2000 years ago, but sin is still present today. Jesus died on the cross to beat sin and death. His death on the cross was the loudest response to rejection, mockery, and betrayal; death may be unavoidable, but it is not the end. 

Right now, yes, right now, I want you to put your phone down, or put your bible away for a second and pray that God would move in your heart right now to reveal sin in your life. I want you to repent, surrender it all to God, and turn away from your old ways. Believe that God is working all things for good - even when it doesn’t look good. Embrace the grace given to you through the cross. Experience freedom that is found in the resurrection. Meditate on God’s word and hold it near to your heart.