Matthew 27: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Jesus is handed over to Pilate. Judas is filled with regret. Pilate gives the crowd a choice, and they ask for Barabbas and for Jesus to be crucified. Soldiers mock Jesus, and He is crucified between two robbers. Darkness covers the land, Jesus cries out to God and dies, the temple curtain tears, and the centurion says, Truly this was the Son of God. Jesus is buried in Joseph's tomb.

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Read Matthew 27

World English Bible · 66 verses

¹ Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² They bound him, led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary and departed. Then he went away and hanged himself.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ Therefore that field has been called “The Field of Blood” to this day.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “So you say.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹³ Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner whom they desired.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ They had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of him.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ When they had mocked him, they took the robe off him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ When they came to a place called “Golgotha”, that is to say, “The place of a skull,”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ they gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁶ and they sat and watched him there.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their headsThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ Likewise the chief priests also mocking with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him a drink.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁹ The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁰ Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵¹ Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵² The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵³ and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁴ Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁵ Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁷ When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁸ This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁹ Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen clothThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁰ and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶¹ Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶² Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶³ saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁴ Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁵ Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶⁶ So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

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Matthew 27 · Preschool

Jesus Loves Us

Name Date

Color the picture. Point to the empty cross and the sun breaking through.

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:54 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Read the verse aloud. Say gently: Jesus died on the cross because He loves us. And the story is not over, because He rose again! Pray and thank Jesus for His love.

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Matthew 27 · Grade 4

The King on the Cross

Name Date

Read and Think

Early in the morning, the leaders handed Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with regret and returned the silver, but he did not turn to God for mercy. Pilate questioned Jesus, who said very little. Pilate's wife warned him that Jesus was righteous. Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas, a well-known prisoner, but the crowd shouted for Barabbas and cried, "Let him be crucified!"

Pilate washed his hands, claiming he was innocent, and handed Jesus over. Soldiers mocked Him as a king with a robe, a crown of thorns and a reed. Simon of Cyrene carried His cross to Golgotha. Above Jesus they wrote: "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Passersby and leaders mocked Him, saying He saved others but could not save Himself.

From noon until three o'clock, darkness covered the land. Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" words from Psalm 22, and then gave up His spirit. The temple curtain tore from top to bottom, and the centurion said, "Truly this was the Son of God." Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus' body in his new tomb, and a stone was rolled across the entrance. The tomb was sealed and guarded. But this was not the end. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! (Matthew 28)

Show What You Know

What did Pilate do to claim he was innocent?
What did the sign above Jesus say?
What Psalm did Jesus quote from the cross?
What did the centurion say when he saw what happened?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

tombPilateGodcross

Early in the morning, the leaders handed Jesus over to , the Roman governor.
When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with regret and returned the silver, but he did not turn to for mercy.
Simon of Cyrene carried His to Golgotha.
The was sealed and guarded.

Think About It

The leaders said Jesus could not save Himself. Why did He choose not to come down from the cross?
Barabbas, a guilty man, went free while Jesus died. How is that a picture of what Jesus did for you?

Memory Verse

They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Matthew 27:37 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What does it mean that Jesus took the punishment we deserved?
The temple veil was torn. How does Jesus open the way for us to come to God?

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Matthew 27 · Grade 5

It Was for Us

Name Date

Read and Think

Matthew 27 records the trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. Matthew stresses Jesus' innocence: Judas confesses he betrayed innocent blood, Pilate's wife calls Him righteous, and Pilate finds no fault yet gives in to the crowd. Barabbas, a guilty prisoner, is released while the innocent Jesus is condemned, a vivid picture of substitution.

The mockery is full of irony. The soldiers dress Jesus as a king to ridicule Him, and the sign on the cross calls Him King of the Jews as a charge; yet He truly is the King. The leaders say He saved others but cannot save Himself. In fact, it is precisely by not saving Himself that He saves others. Many details echo Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53.

At Jesus' death, God Himself answers. Darkness recalls judgment. Jesus' cry of forsakenness shows Him bearing the separation from God that sin deserves. The temple curtain, which separated people from God's presence, is torn from top to bottom, opening the way to God. A Gentile centurion confesses Him as the Son of God. Faithful women watch, and Joseph of Arimathea gives his tomb, which is sealed and guarded. But this was not the end: three days later, Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28).

Show What You Know

Name two people in this chapter who testify to Jesus' innocence.
How is the release of Barabbas a picture of substitution?
Explain the irony of the leaders saying He saved others, but he can't save himself.
What is the meaning of the temple curtain tearing from top to bottom?
Why is it significant that a Gentile centurion confessed Jesus as Son of God?

Crossword

Across

Where Jesus' body was put.
Where Jesus died.
The Roman governor.

Down

The crowd chose him to be freed.
A rich man who put Jesus' body in a tomb.
The temple ____ tore in two.

Think About It

Jesus bore the separation from God that sin deserves. How does knowing this affect the way you think about your own sin and God's forgiveness?
Why is it important that Matthew carefully records the burial and the guarded tomb?

Memory Verse

“Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.”

Matthew 27:51 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What does it mean that Jesus took the punishment we deserved?
Because of Jesus, you can come close to God. How can you pray with confidence this week?
What is one specific way you could live out this chapter this week?

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Matthew 27: Jesus Dies on the Cross

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Jesus Loves Us

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Jesus Loves Me

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Son of God

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Truly the Son of God

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The King on the Cross

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It Was for Us

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