Bible Chapter: Matthew 27

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This chapter covers the horrors of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus.  It was made possible, in part, due to the traitor, Judas.  Sin always looks so attractive and beneficial during the temptation stage.  Judas was excited about receiving money for giving Jesus to the accusers, until he finally realized what he had done.  When he tried to return the money the religious folks, they all of the sudden got righteous and said they couldn’t take “blood money”.  They paid the blood money in the first place.  Judas went out and killed himself, the remorse was so overwhelming.  This is where sin leads.  It can never fulfill the promises made.  It always extracts a high price.
    Another issue to consider in this chapter is the envy that consumed those who called for Jesus’ crucifixion.  There are sinful and human characteristics that cause people to do horrible things.  This is why developing a Christ-like character is so important.  When issues like envy control, people will do evil and destructive actions that end up hurting both the victim and the perpetrator.
    The main focus of chapter 27 is the sufferings of Jesus in the process that led to the crucifixion, and the crucifixion itself.   It is important for readers to focus on what He went through.  The cause of all this suffering was the sin committed by humans.  The overwhelming love of God for His highest creation caused Jesus to complete the mission, in spite of the horror of it all.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    It is important for me to not just read this chapter as history, history that I have already read many times before.  I need to see what really happened.  Matthew gives many details and I must not just skim over them.  Seeing the suffering Jesus experienced must influence my life.  It must influence my decisions and priorities.  Seeing the outcome for Judas must cause me to have a hatred for active participation in sin.  No person starts out one day committing horrible sin.  It is a progression that starts small.  As the progression continues, often people don’t see the impact until it is too late.  Judas was one of the inner circle of men who spend three years with Jesus and he ended up in shame.  Thoughts and actions do have consequences.
    Jesus endured the mockery.  No one likes to be mocked.  Because there was a purpose for going through the process of the crucifixion, Jesus endured the mocking.  If we are being faithful in service to Jesus, there is a purpose and eternal result that is worth any scoffing.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I think of young people who give up on Jesus because of the mocking and scoffing they receive because of a stand taken for Jesus.  I want to help them understand that any pain that is felt in not worth giving up on a strong and growing relationship with Jesus.  The suffering endured here is short compared to the glory of eternity.  The issue of peer pressure is not worth losing out with Jesus.  Adults face this as well.  It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.