The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

THE PASSION

Death and Burial of Jesus: Mt 27,45-66

We can note that indications of time divide are the main markers on this page: verse 45 (the sixth hour) and verse 57 (evening). As we noted, Matthew omitted the earlier reference to the third hour given by Mark (Mk 15,25).

However, after Jesus has died in verse 54, Matthew introduces some new characters, a group of women. It will be best to look at their appearance in verses 55-56 separately.

The Death of Jesus: 27,45-54

The sixth hour in verse 45 would be about midday and the ninth hour is mid-afternoon.
Darkness recalls Amos 8,9 and also Exodus 10,22.

In verse 46, Jesus crys out. When did he last speak?
For his cry, see Psalm 22,2.5.24 and contrast Mk 15,34.

The mis-hearing in verse 46 leads to another offer of drink in verse 48. See verse 34 and again Ps 69,21.

How has Matthew in verse 49 altered Mk 15,36? See verse 42.

For verse 50, compare Mk 15,37. Note the word added by Matthew to to the first half of the verse. Consider the role of Ps 22 at this time, especially verses 5,8 and 21..
How has Matthew changed the manner of Jesus' death in the second half of the verse?

The consequences of Jesus' death are now underlined in verses 51 to 53. Verse 51 is also in Mark and Luke. What might be the significance of tearing the Temple veil (Exodus 26,31-33)?

Verse 52 and 53 recall a variety of references to the Old Testament. See Ps 68,8 and Ps 77,16-20 and also Ex 19,18. Then for verse 53, Ezk 37,12-13; Dan 12,2. Note the time in verse 53.

Then in verse 54, Matthew has significantly changed Mk 15,39. In Mark, the centurion's proclamation is the climax of the Gospel. What is Matthew saying here? See verse 36 and also 16,16.

The Women: 27,55-56

Where are the women in verse 55? See John 19,25.

Where have the women come from? What do they see now? What will they see? Look at 27,61 and 28,1. What therefore is their importance?

Note who is not mentioned in verse 56.

Now look at my response.

The Burial of Jesus: 27,57-61

We have noted the second mention of the time in verse 57, it's evening. Note what Matthew has omitted from both Mark (Mk 15,42) and Luke (Lk 23,54).

Joseph from Arimathaea is said in all four Gospels to have been responsible for the burial of Jesus. Yet each Gospel describes him differently. Matthew and John (Jn 19,38) agree on one important matter. See 26,56. Look also at 19,24 and Is 53,9.

Note how has Matthew in verse 58 simplified Mark (Mk 15,44-45).

In verses 59 and 60, Matthew has added some words to Mark (Mk 15,46). What is the significance of these adjectives?

The women who were named in verse 56 now reappear in verse 61.

The Guards: 27,62-66

In verse 62, what day is this? Who now make their appearance (see 21,45)

We have seen Jesus' predictions of his fate, but to whom are they made? See 20,17.

Note the concerns expressed in verses 63-64.

Whose men are the guard? What are they not called? See 27,27 and 28,12.

In verse 66, the sealed stone recalls Dn 6,19.

Look again at my response.

We continue to the final stage of our story, what happens at the tomb and then in Galilee as told in chapter 28.