The Story of the Magi “worshipping” Jesus provides a great epilogue to the kingship motif of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew does not spend time on the narrative of Jesus as a baby but skips ahead two years to show the contrast between how the gentiles responded to His birth and how the people of Israel responded. Jesus is shown to be prophetically born in Bethlehem and contrasted with the current “king” who is there at that time: Herod.

The Gospel according to Matthew is written for Jews by a Jew about a Jew who would be King. It describes who this king is and what His kingdom would be like. The last paragraph of the book appropriately tells the final words of King Jesus and gives His marching orders to His kingdom representatives in the world. The Great commission gives 4 reasons why we should live on mission for King Jesus.

The last chapter of Matthew records the climax of the gospel story with the resurrection of King Jesus in power. Whereas the cross gives us a message, the resurrection gives us a message and the power to deliver it. The Kingdom of Kind Jesus is a kingdom of resurrection power.

During the crucifixion of King Jesus, darkness falls over the land as if all of creation is sympathizing with the creator. In the last three hours of Jesus life, this dramatic pause of darkness creates a spotlight on the true king’s work. Three miracles occur after His death as the true king dies for His subjects accenting that King Jesus has just conquered sin, law, and death itself for them.

This text deals with Jesus being crucified. Jesus’ death on the cross is both the greatest event in human history and the worst at the same time. Human sin is on full display as well as God’s grace, judgment, and love.

As the false trials of Jesus end and the crucifixion begins, there is a clear presentation of the meaning of Jesus death by way of a switching of criminals. The true criminal Barabbas is substituted for the innocent savior Jesus. To make the meaning of Christ’s death on the cross crystal clear, God provides a perfect and timely picture of substitutionary atonement through the exchange of Barabbas.

Jesus is tried six times in three religious trials and three civil trials. He is found innocent six times. The three civil trials move more legally from Pilate, to Herod, and back to Pilate. As we study this second half of the trials of Jesus, we get the strange feeling that the tables are being turned on us. Jesus is not so much on trial here, Pilate is… we are. When we come face to face with Jesus, we have a choice to make.

In the next step of the passion of the Christ, our innocent substitute takes our place in judgment without witnesses and without a word of defense. Jesus is tried six times (3 religious trials, 3 civil trials) and is found innocent six times. He is only found guilty of claiming to be the Son of God.

As the corrupt and evil religious leaders of Jerusalem plot, Jesus continues to

demonstrate His righteousness, power, and authority as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. While

facing a mindless mob, the betrayal of Judas, and the abandonment of His disciples, Jesus

remains focused on His work to seek and save the lost.

Jesus has the stage for His death, burial, and resurrection. He is not caught off guard by His impending death. Leaving the upper room, He travels with his 11 followers to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and await His arrest. The scene unfolds with a number of contrasts between His submission and the resistance of people.