Thirty Silver Coins
So our story continues today with the first light of dawn. Everyone involved had been up all night, they had arrested Jesus last night and put him on trial with the Jewish council, and now they are going to take him to Pilate to get permission to have Jesus put to death. (during this time Israel was under roman occupation and not recognized as a sovereign nation.)
Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea during the time of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. He was responsible for maintaining order in the region and enforcing Roman law. The Bible describes him as being reluctant to sentence Jesus to death, but ultimately giving in to the demands of the Jewish leaders. Pilate was from Samaria, a region in modern-day Israel. He was a Roman appointed governor. He was in charge of maintaining law and order, and had the authority to pass judgment in legal matters. The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate because they could not sentence him to death themselves, only the Roman governor had the authority to do so.
We also get to see what happens to Judas after he betrayed Jesus. Judas enters in a realizes that he had betrayed Jesus and felt a great deal of regret about it, he tells the council what he has done and gives them back their money. The high priests take the silver and decide to use it to buy a plot of land to bury homeless people.
According to the gospels its said that Jeremiah's words were fulfilled, however upon my own investigation it's not found in Jeremiah but Zechariah 11. The best explanation for this that i found was that in Jewish custom it was often referenced to Jeremiah regardless of which of the prophets had actually said the prophecy, Kinda like all the books by the prophets were written down in one scroll and they called the whole collection Jeremiah. I found a good article about it here ->Jeremiah-Zechariah miss quote
Zechariah 11:12-13
English Standard Version
12 Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. 13 Then the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter.
Pilate
We now enter into Jesus trial before Pilot, “Jesus was placed before the governor, who questioned him: “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?” Jesus said, “If you say so.””
Matthew 27:11 MSG
Accusations came reigning down from all over the room, i can picture it in my had as Jesus was up with Pilate and a huge crowd has gathered to watch what was to become of this Jesus. Jesus kept silent.
Perhaps the scene looked like this picture here that I found. It may have also been a much smaller crowd mostly made up of the high priest and their closest followers, it could have been the majority of Jerusalem!
Fun article about where this took place ->where did the trial happen
The story continues -
“It was an old custom during the Feast for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At the time, they had the infamous Jesus Barabbas in prison. With the crowd before him, Pilate said, “Which prisoner do you want me to pardon: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?” He knew it was through sheer spite that they had turned Jesus over to him.”
Matthew 27:15-18 MSG
Isaiah 53:3-6 MSG
2-6 The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed.
We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost.
We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong,
on him, on him.
There is this point when Pilate's wife sends him a message saying that she had troubled dreams about Jesus and warned him not to get mixed up in this mess, He then tries his best to convince the crowd that Jesus is innocent, but because they were so adamant about crucifying Jesus and in order to avoid a riot Pilate washes his hands and says that he is not responsible for this mans death. The crowd responds saying that they will take the blame even down to the next generation (there is stuff in the bible about generational sins and blessings, something about how it takes 3 generations to erase a tragic sin, but a blessed righteous life can affect a thousand generations, For example, coming up in exodus it takes 3 generations to remove Egypt from the people, 40 years in the wilderness)
Matthew does not dive into the details about the whipping. The whipping that Jesus endured before his crucifixion would have been a brutal and painful punishment. According to Roman law, criminals were typically scourged before they were executed. This involved being beaten with a whip that had several strands, each with small pieces of metal or bone tied to the ends. The whip was used to strike the person's back, which would have caused deep lacerations and severe bleeding. The Roman soldiers who carried out the scourging were skilled at their task and would have been able to inflict a great deal of pain. The whipping would have been so severe that it could have caused Jesus to go into shock or even die before he was crucified. It is also possible that the whipping was done in a public place and in front of a crowd, adding to the humiliation and the severity of the punishment.
After this beating -
“The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red robe. They plaited a crown from branches of a thornbush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion.”
Matthew 27:27-31 MSG
I think one of the most amazing things that is happening here is the amount of prophesies being played out all in a single day.
Isaiah 53:3, which describes the Messiah as one who is "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" and who "was wounded for our transgressions" was fulfilled when Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to be crucified.
Psalm 22:16, which describes the Messiah as one who is mocked and ridiculed by his enemies, was fulfilled when Jesus was mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Psalm 22:18, which describes the Messiah as one who is crucified, was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified on the cross.
Isaiah 53:9, which says that the Messiah would be buried with the rich, was fulfilled when Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, asked Pilate for the body of Jesus and buried him in his own tomb.
Zechariah 12:10, which foretold that the Messiah would be "pierced" was fulfilled when Roman soldiers thrust a spear into Jesus's side after he had died on the cross
Psalm 69:21, which says that the Messiah would be given vinegar and gall to drink, was fulfilled when Jesus was offered a sponge soaked in vinegar and gall on the cross.
Isaiah 53:5, which describes the Messiah as one who would bear the sins of many, was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Hosea 6:2, which says that God will raise the dead on the third day, was fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, which was prophesied in Psalm 41:9
The betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which was prophesied in Zechariah 11:12
The mocking and beating of Jesus, which was prophesied in Isaiah 50:6
The crucifixion of Jesus, which was prophesied in Psalm 22:16
The piercing of Jesus' hands and feet, which was prophesied in Psalm 22:16
The casting of lots for Jesus' garments, which was prophesied in Psalm 22:18
The fact that Jesus would be buried with the rich, which was prophesied in Isaiah 53:9
(check out this list of over 300 prophesies -> over 300 prophesies)
This crucifixion is taking place next to a road that is heavily traveled, So many people were able to watch what was going on. People came up and mocked Jesus, and told Him to prove that he is God's son by coming off of the cross.
I personally believe that Satan did all that he could to prevent Jesus from ending up on the cross. I think this began when Herod had all the babies in the region killed in an attempt to stop Jesus from growing up. then in the wilderness when satan tempted Jesus, if He failed he would no longer be a blameless sacrifice, also the offer to give over the world to Him if he bowed and worshiped satan sounds like an alternative to the cross. Even the troubled sleep of Pilate's wife could have been from satan to try and convince Pilate against the sentencing.
I think this is important, because satan is not responsible for our sin, and it's easy to get caught in the false narrative that we sin because of satan, we don't. We sin because of our fallen nature and our own proclivity towards sin.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders" (Mark 7:21)
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5)
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)
"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate." (Proverbs 8:13)
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
"And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man." (Mark 7:20)
If we can blame Satan for our sin, then we are saying we are not responsible for the choices that we make. This would indicate that we are innocent and that there was no reason for Jesus to go to the cross. God would simply just have had to eradicate satan and the problem would be solved.
The character of satan is laid out in the bible. Not as the source of sin but as a deceiver and a liar.
Isaiah 14:12-15 - Satan is described as "Lucifer, son of the morning" who was cast down to earth due to his pride and desire to be like God.
Ezekiel 28:12-19 - Satan is described as a "covering cherub" who was corrupted by his own wisdom and beauty, leading to his downfall.
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6 - Satan is described as an "accuser" who seeks to accuse and harm God's people.
Zechariah 3:1-2 - Satan is described as an "adversary" who stands before God to accuse Joshua the High Priest.
1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan is described as a tempter who incites David to take a census of Israel.
1 Peter 5:8 - Satan is described as a "roaring lion" who seeks to devour God's people.
John 8:44 - Jesus refers to Satan as "a murderer from the beginning" and the "father of lies."
Revelation 12:9 - Satan is described as "that ancient serpent" who deceives the whole world.
Continuing on about the crucifixion - we earlier discussed this in Psalms 22. There is this belief that God looked away from Jesus at this point. But it's not actually written in the bible that God had to look away and i am not entirely sure where that came from. Check out this well written article about it ->article about if God looked away - To me, if all my sin laid on Jesus was too much for God to witness and he had to look away. Then God is not able to handle my sin. The thing is is that God loves us because He made us and no matter what we do He does not leave our side. Jesus called out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me (abandoned in the msg translation) not because God abandoned him. But because the Jews present would have automatically started hearing Psalms 22 in their minds as they would have had them all memorized. (think of how you can sing along to 100's of your favorite songs, That article plays that out well) It was an attempt by Jesus to invoke prophesy in the minds of those paying attention.
“From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?””
Matthew 27:45-46 MSG
So lets do some history on this curtain - (we will learn about it when we get to the wilderness after exodus from Egypt)
“At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What’s more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus’ resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.)”
Matthew 27:51-53 MSG
(I am not going to try to address the bodies of believers raised from their graves at this time)
ChatGPT says it well
"The temple curtain, also known as the veil of the temple, was a large curtain that separated the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the Jewish Temple, from the rest of the temple. The Holy of Holies was where the Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments, was kept. The curtain was a physical barrier that separated God's presence from the rest of the temple, and only the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
The temple curtain was first mentioned in the book of Exodus, when God instructed Moses to construct the Tabernacle, a portable temple, as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. The Tabernacle was to be divided into two compartments, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, and a veil was to be hung between them to separate them. When the Israelites settled in Canaan, King Solomon built the first Temple in Jerusalem, which was also divided into two compartments by a curtain.
The purpose of the temple curtain was to symbolize the separation between God and humanity, as well as the need for a mediator to approach God on behalf of the people. It was a reminder of the holiness and majesty of God, and the need for atonement for sin in order to have access to God.
In the New Testament, there is an account of the temple curtain being torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, as a sign that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed by Jesus' sacrifice and the way to God was now open for all. Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38 and Luke 23:45
The dimensions of the temple curtain in the Jewish temple, also known as the veil, are not specified in the Bible in imperial measurements. However, it is described as being very thick and made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim embroidered on it (Exodus 26:31-33). The curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, from the rest of the temple and was only entered by the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. The purpose of the curtain was to symbolize the separation between God and humanity, and to indicate that only the High Priest, who represented the people, was able to enter the presence of God."
There was a moment after all of this happened, If you can take your mind to it. . .
Maybe something like this picture. From noon to three the whole earth was dark. (now we don't know if the entire earth was dark or just the region and from their perspective the whole earth was dark, however, it appears that it went from perfectly fine weather, enough to hold trials outdoors early in the morning and for a nice stroll in the olive garden the night before, Into very thick clouds and darkness, I picture it as a sudden onset, then as Jesus gave his last breath an earthquake happened that was said to split rocks, and supposedly dead people started popping out of graves. I can't even imagine seeing this happen. But it's no wonder that the Captain of the guard would make this comment. -
“The captain of the guard and those with him, when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening, were scared to death. They said, “This has to be the Son of God!””
Matthew 27:54 MSG
Then it seems as though everything cleared up, and Jesus body was removed from the cross and placed into a fresh tomb that had never been used. Isaiah 53:9 NASB -
9 And His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
This verse in Isaiah is said to prophesy this, as he was condemned to be with wicked men, like the two criminals he was crucified with, yet he was with a rich man in His death, This would be the wealthy man from Arimathea who asked for his body and placed it in his own tomb.
“Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.”
Matthew 27:57-61 MSG
The high priests were so concerned that the disciples were going to steal Jesus body and try and pretend that Jesus had risen from the grave that they went to pilate to get a guard placed at the tomb as well as have it sealed. I found an interesting article on how tombs were sealed ->biblical archaeology
“Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.”
Matthew 27:65-66 MSG
Job 36
Job 36 is a continuation of Elihu's speech, in which he defends God's justice and righteousness. Elihu argues that God is just and fair, and that those who suffer are not necessarily being punished, but are being disciplined and tested by God. He also states that God is merciful and compassionate, and that those who fear Him will be blessed. Elihu also emphasizes that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and that the wicked will be punished. The chapter concludes with Elihu encouraging Job to humble himself before God and seek His wisdom.
We are also given some amazing imagery of Gods power -
““He pulls water up out of the sea, distills it, and fills up his rain-cloud cisterns. Then the skies open up and pour out soaking showers on everyone. Does anyone have the slightest idea how this happens? How he arranges the clouds, how he speaks in thunder? Just look at that lightning, his sky-filling light show illuminating the dark depths of the sea! These are the symbols of his sovereignty, his generosity, his loving care. He hurls arrows of light, taking sure and accurate aim. The High God roars in the thunder, angry against evil.””
Job 36:27-33 MSG
Job 37
In Job 37, Elihu continues to speak to Job and his friends. He talks about the majesty and power of God, describing Him as the one who controls the weather and causes the thunder to roll. He emphasizes that God's ways are beyond human understanding and that people should not question Him or His actions. Elihu also expresses the idea that God is just and righteous and that people should trust in Him and be patient in suffering. He concludes by urging Job to repent and turn to God for help and guidance.
““Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly. So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him.””
Job 37:23-24 MSG
Psalms 27
“I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.”
Psalms 27:4 MSG
Psalm 27 is a psalm of David, in which he expresses his faith in God's protection and guidance, even in difficult times. He begins by declaring his confidence in God, saying that the Lord is his light and salvation, and that he will not be afraid even when evil surrounds him. He also expresses his desire to dwell in the Lord's house and behold His beauty. David also acknowledges that sometimes he feels forsaken, but he reminds himself that God will hear him when he calls out to Him. He concludes the psalm by expressing his hope that one day he will see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. Overall, the psalm is an expression of David's faith in God's protection and guidance, even in difficult times.
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