Judas Iscariot is filled with regret as he sees his innocent teacher bound and handed over to the Roman governor. Judas tries to return the money he received for betraying Jesus, but the religious leaders dismiss him. Judas throws the money into the temple and hangs himself. In the midst of these tragic circumstances, the thirty pieces of silver become a part of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. - P26
This passage is one of many in Matthew’s Gospel that highlight the fulfillment of Scripture as evidence that Jesus is truly the Messiah His people have been waiting for. Two thousand years later, billions of Christians continue to acknowledge Jesus with the assurance that Scripture across many centuries affirm that He is indeed our Savior.- P26
Pilate sees that Jesus‘ case is different from the others he has tried. He isamazed that the accused does not defend Himself. Pilate recognizes thatJesus has been falsely accused, but he allows injustice to prevail becausehe feels the pressure of his job as a Roman official to prevent a riot. Whenthe crowd demands Jesus‘ crucifixion, Pilate washes his hands to denyresponsibility for an innocent man‘s blood, and the crowdon the consequences of crucifying Jesus. - P26
Pilate is driven by fear and theagrees to takecrowd by anger. Although God is sovereign over this situation, it shows thatinjustice persists when people allow fear or anger to rule them. In addition,
when fear or anger motivate us, we easily fail to recognize God.- P26
The Gospel of Matthew makes a concerted effort to convey that Jesus isthe Messiah, the Son of David that the Jewish people have been waitingfor. Several times, the word "fulfill" in Greek is used to highlight that Jesusis the true Savior that the prophets throughout Scripture have anticipated.
Among the many Scriptures cited throughout the Gospel, Matthew usesIsaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Micah, Zechariah, and the Psalms to show thatJesus is the long-awaited Savior. - P27
For example, Matthew 1:22-23 showsthat Jesus fulfills words from Isaiah 7:14 that the Messiah will come from avirgin birth, and Matthew 2:15 shows that Jesus fulfills words from Hosea11:1 that the Messiah will at one point be in Egypt. This emphasis on thefulfillment of Scripture assures both readers from a Jewish background andthose who are less familiar with Jewish Scripture that there is somethingdifferent and special about this Jesus: His life and ministry align with somuch of what the prophets foretold
- P27
Although some of us in the modern age may not fully appreciate theimportance of referring to ancient prophets of Israel, we should recognizeand marvel at the fact that Jesus fulfills all of these words. - P27
Centuries beforeJesus‘ arrival on earth, the prophets of God spoke about a Son of David whowill one day deliver His people, and only one person, Jesus, has matchedall these prophecies. We see the detailed nature of God‘s faithfulness andsovereignty in sending His Son and ensuring that He meets every word everforetold about Him.- P27
Dear Lord, I praise You for silently accepting the injustices committed against You so that I might receive righteousness through You. When my emotions try to rule over me, incline my heart to reflect Your character instead. In Your name I pray, amen.- P27
