Matthew 27:27-44

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Matthew’s Account of Our Lord’s Crucifixion

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The crucifixion fulfilled the prophecies of Scripture.

  2. The crucifixion revealed the hearts of people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember Simon of Cyrene.

QUESTIONS

  1. What was the Praetorium (Matthew 27:27)?

  2. What does “Calvary” mean?

  3. List the different groups that witnessed our Lord’s crucifixion.

  4. What do we know about Simon of Cyrene?

ANSWERS

  1. It was where Pilate stayed when He was in Jerusalem. Our Lord’s trial before Pilate was here.

  2. Calvary is the Latin word for “skull.” Golgotha means “skull” in Aramaic. See Matthew 27:33.

  3. The Roman soldiers; passersby; the two thieves; the chief priest, scribes, and elders; and John and the women

  4. Cyrene was a city in northern Africa with a Jewish community. Simon was probably in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The Messiah’s death was prophesied in Old Testament Scripture. These prophecies were fulfilled in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Recall some of the fulfilled prophecies. Begin with those in Psalm 22, a great Messianic Psalm.

  2. Review the groups that witnessed our Lord’s crucifixion. How did each of these groups react? Their reactions revealed the condition of their heart. People respond in similar ways to the things of God today. Have you had experience with hard-hearted people, scornful unbelievers, or unbelieving skeptics? What is your response to the Lord’s crucifixion?

CHALLENGE

  1. When the Roman soldiers compelled Simon of Cyrene to carry the Lord’s cross, he probably thought he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But actually Simon was in the right place at the right time to help the Lord. That day changed the whole course of Simon’s life, and the life of his sons, Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21). What does the Lord have in store for you today? Are you willing to find out?

KEY VERSES

  • “They found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.” Matthew 27:32

  • “Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots.” Matthew 27:35

  • “And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads.” Matthew 27:39



Matthew, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMatthew 27:27-44