November 12, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Matthew 27 - This chapter shows Judas' remorse, verses 3,4, and the Jews taking that money to buy a field for burying strangers, verse 7.  Pilate would examine Jesus and ultimately give Him over for crucifixion but stated in his own defense, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person" verse 24, declaring his own view that Jesus had done no wrong.  Many prophecies were fulfilled as Jesus would die on that cross.  It is noteworthy that after His death "...the veil of the temple was torn in two...and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints...were raised" verses 51,52.  There could be little doubt among the people of Jerusalem that Jesus' death caused Heaven to respond in such dramatic ways!

Mark 15 - Jesus was delivered over to Pilate for judgment.  Though Pilate knew the Jews handed Jesus over to him because of their envy, verse 10, he still delivered Jesus to be crucified, verse 15.  While Jesus struggled to carry His cross, a man "...Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus" was forced to carry His cross, verse 21.  Jesus died among thieves, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 53, that "...He was numbered with the transgressors..." verses 27,28.  After Jesus crucifixion, the centurion who witnessed it cried out, "...truly this Man was the Son of God!" verse 39.