Matthew 27:27-45

Matthew 27:27-45

Jesus condemned to die is handed over to the soldiers of the governor. These were not Roman Legionnaires, but rather auxiliary which would have been recruited from surrounding areas. They would have been the hostile neighbors of the Jews with strong animosity. This was the toxic mix of Roman authority and local hostility. The whole cohort, perhaps as many as 600 men, would have had the opportunity to vent their long-standing hatred for the Jews toward the person of their “King”. Their mocking was a paradox of royalty: a robe, a crown, a scepter, their kneeling and the greeting, “Hail, King of the Jews.” This was perhaps a parody of “Hail Caesar”. Typically, prisoners were paraded naked, but the Jewish sensitivities in this matter might have led to a riot, so Jesus was clothed. They did this not as an act of courtesy but for their own convenience.

Matthew introduces Simon of Cyrene here. He was compelled to carry the cross. In parallel passages there is the mention of not only his name but also family relations likely indicated he was or had become a disciple. Rome crucified violent criminals and rebels in a public place. The place of the skull was just such a public place. We are not sure what was the purpose of the gall mixed in the drink. It may have been an anesthetic to numb the pain. It also may have been intentionally an unpleasant drink that was a mockery not a mercy.

There have been a number of detailed studies on the physical and medical experiences of the act of crucifixion. Matthew spends little time writing about the crucifixion, but sums up the whole process with one phrase, “And when they had crucified him”. Matthew is interested in the meaning of the cross more than a description. It is fitting to read Psalm 22 along side this passage. We see the ironic use of the titles for Jesus. Terms or titles that are correct but appear to be completely misapplied; King of the Jews, Son of God, temple builder, king of Israel.

Even at this moment Jesus could have rescued Himself from the agony. Great is the irony that Jesus’s enduring the suffering was not an indication that He wasn’t the Son of God. Rather because he was the Son of God He chose to endure the suffering.

Jesus now abandoned by his disciples, condemned by the religious elite, rejected by the crowds, condemned by the Roman governor, and we know He was also mocked by the soldiers is now insulted by the criminal element. Matthew presents Christ completely rejected by the world He came to save. If there was ever a person who had the right and the authority to say, “To Hell with you," it was Jesus here tormented on the cross. But there He chooses to remain and to endure and accomplish the forgiveness of my sins.

"Lord Jesus, by your cross you have redeemed the world. Have mercy on me. AMEN"