The Easter story in the Gospel of Matthew unfolds across chapters 26 to 28, offering a vivid and detailed account of the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It begins with the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes Communion, and continues through His betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. These chapters not only depict Jesus’ suffering but also emphasize the prophetic fulfillment of His mission. From the garden of Gethsemane to the dramatic tearing of the temple veil, Matthew highlights the divine orchestration and spiritual weight of each moment.
The story reaches its climax in Matthew 28 with the resurrection—when Jesus rises from the dead and appears to His disciples, commissioning them to spread the gospel to all nations. Matthew’s account is rich in theological meaning, illustrating themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the new covenant between God and humanity. Whether you’re new to the Easter message or seeking a deeper understanding, these chapters serve as a powerful reminder of the hope and transformation at the heart of Christian faith.
Keep reading for a deeper dive into the details of Matthew’s Easter narrative and how its timeless truths can impact your life today.
If you’re looking to delve into the Easter story within the Bible, Matthew’s Gospel is an excellent place to start. Matthew provides a detailed and moving account of the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. This narrative is not only central to Christian faith but also rich in historical and theological significance. Let’s explore where you can find the Easter story in Matthew and what it entails.
The Passion Narrative: Matthew 26-27
The Easter story in Matthew starts with the Passion narrative, which encompasses the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion. This begins in Matthew 26 and continues through Matthew 27.
The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)
The narrative kicks off with the Last Supper. Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples, during which He institutes the practice of Communion. He breaks bread, representing His body, and shares wine, symbolizing His blood.
Verse to Note:
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’” (Matthew 26:26)
Gethsemane and Arrest (Matthew 26:36-56)
Following the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus prays in deep anguish, anticipating His impending suffering. Judas betrays Him, leading to His arrest by the temple guards.
Verse to Note:
“Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’” (Matthew 26:38)
Trial and Denial (Matthew 26:57-27:26)
Jesus is taken before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, and then to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denies knowing Him three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction.
Verse to Note:
“And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75)
The Crucifixion: Matthew 27:27-56
Mocking and Crucifixion (Matthew 27:27-44)
Pilate eventually succumbs to the crowd’s demand for Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. Here, He is nailed to the cross between two criminals.
Verse to Note:
“And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.” (Matthew 27:33-34)
Jesus’ Death (Matthew 27:45-56)
From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covers the land. Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” before yielding His spirit. At the moment of His death, the temple curtain tears in two, symbolizing the new access to God made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice.
Verse to Note:
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” (Matthew 27:50-51)
The Resurrection: Matthew 28
The Easter story culminates with the resurrection of Jesus, which is found in Matthew 28. This chapter is vital as it affirms the core belief of Christianity: Jesus rising from the dead.
The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1-10)
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit Jesus’ tomb. They find it empty and are greeted by an angel who announces Jesus’ resurrection.
Verse to Note:
“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:6)
Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Matthew 28:16-20)
After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, giving them the Great Commission to spread His teachings to all nations. This final appearance solidifies the foundation for the spread of Christianity.
Verse to Note:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Significance of Matthew’s Account
Matthew’s account of the Easter story is meticulously detailed, highlighting both the human and divine aspects of Jesus’ final days. This Gospel underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Messiah.
Fulfillment of Prophecies
Matthew often references Old Testament prophecies, showing how Jesus’ life and death fulfill these ancient predictions. For instance, the betrayal by Judas is seen as a fulfillment of Zechariah 11:12-13.
Verse to Note:
“Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced.’” (Matthew 27:9)
Theological Themes
Matthew’s Gospel also emphasizes themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the establishment of a new covenant. The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the end of the separation between God and humanity, ushering in a new era of direct access to God through Jesus.
Conclusion
The Easter story in Matthew, spanning chapters 26 to 28, provides a comprehensive account of Jesus’ final days, from the Last Supper to His resurrection. This narrative is pivotal for understanding the core of Christian faith and the profound theological implications of Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over death. By exploring these chapters, you gain insight into the fulfillment of prophecy, the depth of Jesus’ suffering, and the triumph of His resurrection, all central to the message of Easter.
FAQs: Where in Matthew is the Easter Story?
1. Where can I find the Easter story in the Gospel of Matthew?
The Easter story is detailed in Matthew chapters 26 to 28. It starts with the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion in chapter 26 and concludes with His resurrection in chapter 28.
2. What events are covered in Matthew 26-27?
Matthew 26-27 covers the Last Supper, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, His arrest, trial, Peter’s denial, and Jesus’ crucifixion and death. These chapters detail the Passion narrative, which includes Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.
3. What is the significance of the Last Supper in Matthew 26?
The Last Supper is significant because Jesus establishes the practice of Communion, symbolizing His body and blood given for humanity. This event marks the beginning of the Passion narrative.
4. What happens in the Garden of Gethsemane according to Matthew 26?
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays in deep anguish, anticipating His suffering. He is then betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guards.
5. How does Matthew describe Jesus’ trial?
Jesus’ trial is described in Matthew 26:57-27:26. He is brought before the Sanhedrin and then Pontius Pilate. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate succumbs to the crowd’s demand and orders Jesus’ crucifixion.
6. What are the key moments of the crucifixion in Matthew 27?
Key moments include Jesus being mocked, carrying His cross to Golgotha, and being nailed to the cross between two criminals. Darkness covers the land from noon until Jesus’ death at three in the afternoon.
7. What is the significance of the temple veil tearing in Matthew 27?
The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the end of the separation between God and humanity, signifying that through Jesus’ sacrifice, people now have direct access to God.
8. How does Matthew describe Jesus’ resurrection?
In Matthew 28, Jesus’ resurrection is described with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discovering the empty tomb. An angel announces that Jesus has risen, and Jesus later appears to His disciples, giving them the Great Commission.
9. What is the Great Commission in Matthew 28?
The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to His disciples to spread His teachings to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mission forms the foundation for Christian evangelism.
10. Why is Matthew’s account of the Easter story important?
Matthew’s account is important because it provides a detailed and fulfilling narrative of Jesus’ final days, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and emphasizing the theological significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
11. How does Matthew’s Gospel emphasize the fulfillment of prophecies?
Matthew often references Old Testament prophecies throughout his Gospel to show how Jesus’ life and death fulfill these ancient predictions, such as the betrayal by Judas fulfilling Zechariah 11:12-13.
12. What theological themes are prominent in Matthew’s Easter narrative?
Prominent themes include sacrifice, redemption, and the establishment of a new covenant. The narrative emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Messiah and the new access to God made possible through His sacrifice.
13. How does Matthew’s Gospel contribute to the understanding of Easter?
Matthew’s Gospel provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the events surrounding Easter, offering insights into the historical and theological aspects of Jesus’ Passion, death, and resurrection. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the significance of Easter in Christian faith.
