What is the meaning of Matthew 27:35? When they had crucified Him • “When they had crucified Him” (Matthew 27:35) sets the scene at Calvary, where Jesus is physically nailed to the cross, exactly as foretold. • Isaiah 53:5 pictures the suffering Messiah: “He was pierced for our transgressions.” Luke 23:33 records, “When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there.” • Acts 2:23 reminds us that this brutal act was no accident but “by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” • Galatians 3:13 explains the purpose: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” • The first phrase underscores Christ’s willing submission and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. they divided up His garments • Roman executioners claimed the victim’s clothing as customary spoil. John 19:23-24 amplifies Matthew’s note, showing the soldiers separating Jesus’ outer garments and deciding not to tear the seamless tunic. • Psalm 22:18 had predicted a millennium earlier: “They divide My garments among them.” The detail verifies the accuracy of Scripture and God’s sovereignty over even minor events. • The stripping of Jesus adds to His humiliation (Philippians 2:8) and highlights that He gave up everything—even His last earthly possessions—for sinners (2 Corinthians 8:9). • Hebrews 12:2 urges us to fix our eyes on Him “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame.” by casting lots • Soldiers “cast lots” (Matthew 27:35) rather than bargaining, showing casual indifference to the Savior’s agony. • Casting lots was a common way to make decisions (Proverbs 16:33; Jonah 1:7; Acts 1:24-26). Even here, God guided the outcome to match Psalm 22:18 precisely, demonstrating His complete control. • The contrast is stark: while men roll dice for clothes, the Son of God bears sin. John 19:24 confirms, “This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” • What appears random to humans is under divine direction, reinforcing trust that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. summary Matthew 27:35 captures prophecy fulfilled, the utter humiliation Christ endured, and God’s sovereign orchestration. The soldiers’ actions—crucifying Him, stripping Him, gambling for His clothes—display humanity’s callousness, yet every detail fulfills Scripture, showcasing a Savior who surrendered all to secure redemption for His people. |
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