The Gospel according to Matthew:
The Matthean Passion & Resurrection Narratives by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
I) Highlights of the Passion Narrative in Matthew’s Gospel (26:1–27:66)
Jesus enters Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-11) and teaches in Jerusalem (Matt 21–25)
Authorities plot to kill Jesus (26:1-5) – two days before Passover; “passion prediction”; Caiaphas introduced
Jesus is anointed at Bethany (26:6-13) – anon. woman (not a “sinner”) anoints Jesus head; burial preparation
Judas Iscariot plans to betray Jesus (26:14-16) – in all Gospels, but only Matthew has 30 pieces of silver
Disciples prepare the Passover meal (26:17-20) – the time is at hand; the Teacher will eat with his disciples
At Last Supper: Jesus foretells Judas’ betrayal (26:21-25) – Judas:“Is it I, Lord?”; Jesus:“You have said so!”
At Last Supper: Jesus blesses bread & wine (26:26-29) – “Drink of it,… for the forgiveness of sins”
Jesus foretells Peter’s denial (26:30-35) – after supper; Peter:“I will never fall away… I will not deny you.”
Jesus prays at Gethsemane (26:36-46) – “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done”
Judas arrives, and Jesus is arrested (26:47-56) – Judas: “Greetings, Rabbi”; Jesus:“Friend, why are you here?”
“All who take the sword will perish by the sword”; “twelve legions of angels”; “scripture must be fulfilled”
Jesus is interrogated in Caiaphas’ house (26:57-68) – “Christ, the Son of God”; “Son of Man”; blasphemy
Peter denies knowing Jesus (26:69-75) – “Jesus the Galilean? from Nazareth?”; “I don’t know the man!”
Jesus is condemned & taken to Pilate (27:1-2) – at dawn, priests & elders decide to have Jesus killed
Judas repents & hangs himself (27:3-10) – returns 30 pieces of silver; money used to buy “Field of Blood”
Jesus is tried before Pilate (27:11-23) – King of the Jews? release Jesus or Barabbas? Pilate’s wife’s dream
Jesus is convicted, scourged, mocked (27:24-31) – Pilate washes his hands: “I am innocent of his blood”
Jesus is led to Golgotha, where he is crucified (27:32-37) – charge: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”
On the Cross: Various groups taunt Jesus (27:38-44) – “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross”
On the Cross: Jesus’ last words before he dies (27:45-50)
Matthew 27:46 –“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (also Mark 15:34)
Luke 23 – “Father, forgive them”; “You’ll be with me in paradise”; “Into your hands I commit my spirit”
John 19 – “Woman, behold, your son / Behold, your mother”; “I am thirsty”; “It is finished”
Effects of Jesus’ Death; Witnesses (27:51-56) – temple curtain torn; earthquake; tombs open; dead raised
Jesus is buried & his tomb guarded (27:57-61, 62-66) – chief priests tell Pilate: “disciples might steal his body”
Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin at dawn (Luke 22:66-71)
Jesus is taken and questioned before Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
Jesus speaks with women on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:26-33a)
Jesus forgives those who are crucifying him (Luke 23:34a)
Jesus speaks with the “repentant thief” (Luke 23:39-43)
Only in John:
Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20)
Jesus’ long prayer to the Father (John 17:1-26)
Jesus has a much longer trial before Pilate (John 18:29–19:16)
Jesus’ last words on the cross (see above; John 19:26-27, 28, 30)
After Jesus’ death, his side is pierced, but his bones not broken (John 19:31-37)
III) The Resurrection Accounts in Matthew’s Gospel (28:1-20)
Two Marys find the tomb empty (28:1-8) – earthquake; angel descends, rolls back stone; dazzling appearance
“Don’t be afraid… you seek Jesus… He is not here; for he has risen… Come, see; then go, tell his disciples…”
Jesus appears to the women on the way (28:9-10) – “Don’t be afraid… go tell my brothers…”
Guards report to the authorities (28:11-15) – “Tell people, his disciples came by night and stole his body”
Jesus appears in Galilee (28:16-20; The “Great Commission”) – “Go, make disciples, baptize, teach…”
Jesus’ Final Words in Matthew (28:20): “Lo, I am with you always, until the end of the ages”
IV) For Discussion: What Can We Learn from Matthew’s Account?
How can I apply this in my own life as a Christian, as a disciple of Jesus?
How can this help me in my ministry as a Religious Educator. Catechist, Pastor, or Teacher?
