Matthew 27:1-26

The Chief Priest and Elders Bring about the Crucifixion of Jesus By Manipulation: The Remorse of Judas and The Trial of Jesus Before Pilate (27:1-26).

In this new subsection Matthew lays great stress on the part played by the Chief Priests and Elders in bringing about a verdict against Jesus, and emphasises their evil motive, their blood guilt and the blood guilt of the people of Jerusalem, in contrast with the total innocence of Jesus, using the account of Judas' blood guilt and remorse, and Pilate's washing of his hands to remove blood guilt, in order to bring both messages home. The result is that Jesus is delivered up to be crucified in spite of the acknowledgement by Pilate and his wife of His innocence. The emphases of the passage are on the behaviour and blood guilt of the Chief Priests and Elders in obtaining their political ends, something constantly emphasised throughout, and the continuing fact of the declaration of Jesus' innocence. Note in the analysis the alternation of the guilt of the Chief Priests and Elders and the innocence of Jesus.

A further thing to note is the typical Matthaean ‘sandwich'. Judas' declaration of Jesus' innocence, and Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence, encompass the description of the trial of Jesus by Pilate (inasmuch as it can be said to be described, for the emphasis is mainly on the charge and Jesus' reply to it), and his vain attempt to have Him released.

Analysis of Matthew 27:1.

a The Chief Priests and Elders of the people consult in order to have Jesus put to death (Matthew 27:1)

b Judas has shed innocent blood and has to ‘see to it'. He takes it on himself by suicide (Matthew 27:3).

c The Chief Priests and Elders seek to persuade Pilate to condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:11).

d Pilate seeks to have Jesus released by pairing Him with the notorious Barabbas in the choice for someone to receive an amnesty (Matthew 27:15).

e He knew that they (the Chief Priests and Elders) had delivered Jesus up out of envy (Matthew 27:18).

d Pilate's wife seeks to have Jesus released because of a dream (Matthew 27:19).

c The Chief Priests and Elders persuade the people to demand the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:20).

b Pilate claims to be free from innocent blood and tells the people to ‘see to it'. They take it on themselves (Matthew 27:24).

a Jesus is delivered to be crucified by Pilate as a result of the instigation of the people in response to the Chief Priests and Elders (Matthew 27:26).

Note that in ‘a' the Chief Priests and Elders consult in order to have Jesus put to death, and in the parallel they succeed. In ‘b' Judas has shed innocent blood and the Chief Priests tell him to ‘see to it', trying thereby to disclaim responsibility, while in the parallel Pilate claims to be free from innocent blood and tells the people to ‘see to it', and the people take it on themselves, (and on the Chief Priests and Elders). In ‘c' the Chief Priests and Elders seek to persuade Pilate to condemn Jesus, and in the parallel they seek to persuade the people to have Jesus condemned. In ‘d' Pilate seeks to have Jesus released and in the parallel his wife seeks to have Jesus released. Centrally in ‘e' Pilate knows that the Chief Priests and Elders have delivered Him up for envy. Note the emphasis all the way through, firstly on the influence of the Chief Priests and Elders in bringing about Jesus' death, and secondly on Jesus' innocence.