(a) Trace Matthew's account of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.

Answer Details

Matthew's account of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:32-66)

The crucifixion.

• As they went out, they compelled a man of Cyrene named Simon to carry the cross of Jesus.
• They came to Golgotha, the place of a skull, and offered Jesus wine mingled with gall, but when He tasted it He would not drink.
• They crucified Him and divided His garments by casting lots, then sat down and kept watch over Him.
• Over His head they placed the charge against Him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.
• Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.
• Passers-by mocked Him, wagging their heads; the chief priests, scribes and elders taunted, He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let Him come down from the cross. The robbers also reviled Him.
• From the sixth to the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.
• About the ninth hour Jesus cried out, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Some thought He was calling Elijah, and one ran to give Him sour wine on a sponge.
• Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit.
• At once the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, rocks split, tombs were opened and bodies of saints were raised.
• The centurion and those with him, seeing these things, were filled with awe and said, Truly this was the Son of God. Many women who had followed Jesus watched from a distance.

The burial.

• In the evening a rich man of Arimathea named Joseph, a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for the body. Pilate ordered it given to him.
• Joseph wrapped the body in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb cut in the rock, then rolled a great stone to the door and departed.
• Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the tomb.
• The next day the chief priests and Pharisees asked Pilate to secure the tomb. Pilate gave them a guard, and they sealed the stone and set a watch to prevent the disciples from stealing the body.