The final chapters of the Gospel of Matthew—23 through 28—capture the climax of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. These chapters cover His intense teachings to the religious leaders, His suffering and crucifixion, and His victorious resurrection. They are pivotal for understanding the fulfillment of prophecy, the nature of Jesus’ sacrifice, and the foundation of Christian hope.
Matthew 23: Warnings Against Hypocrisy
Matthew 23 is a powerful and somber chapter where Jesus delivers a series of woes to the scribes and Pharisees, denouncing their hypocrisy and failures in leading the people. He criticizes their outward piety that hides inner corruption, highlighting their failure to practice what they preach (Matthew 23:1-12 KJV).
Jesus accuses the religious leaders of being blind guides who burden others with rules they do not follow themselves, and of failing to lead others to righteousness (Matthew 23:13-36 KJV). He condemns their superficial observance of religious duties while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The chapter concludes with a lament over Jerusalem for rejecting the prophets and Jesus Himself, foretelling the desolation that will come as a result (Matthew 23:37-39 KJV).
Matthew 24: Signs of the End Times and the Olivet Discourse
In Matthew 24, Jesus discusses the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times. His disciples inquire about the signs of His coming and the end of the world, prompting Jesus to deliver the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-3 KJV).
Jesus describes various signs, including false prophets, wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution, as indicators of the end times. He warns of great tribulation and urges vigilance, advising His followers to stay alert and prepared for His return (Matthew 24:4-51 KJV). He uses parables such as the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the nearness of the coming of the Son of Man and the importance of being ready for His return (Matthew 24:32-44 KJV).
Matthew 25: Parables of Judgment and the Final Judgment
Matthew 25 continues the discourse with parables that illustrate the final judgment and the behavior expected of His followers. The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the necessity of being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, who represents Christ (Matthew 25:1-13 KJV).
The parable of the talents highlights the importance of using one’s gifts and resources wisely, with faithful stewardship being rewarded, while negligence results in judgment (Matthew 25:14-30 KJV).
Jesus then describes the Final Judgment, where the nations will be separated like sheep from goats based on their treatment of the “least of these”—those in need. This parable underscores that service to others is equivalent to service to Christ Himself (Matthew 25:31-46 KJV).
Matthew 26: The Plot to Kill Jesus and the Passion
Matthew 26 begins with the plot by the chief priests and elders to arrest and kill Jesus, seeking a way to do so without causing a public uproar (Matthew 26:1-5 KJV). The chapter continues with the anointing of Jesus at Bethany by a woman who pours expensive ointment on His head, an act Jesus interprets as preparation for His burial (Matthew 26:6-13 KJV).
The narrative shifts to the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a Passover meal with His disciples and institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing His body and blood given for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:17-30 KJV).
Jesus predicts Peter’s denial and goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, experiencing intense anguish and asking His disciples to watch and pray with Him. Despite His request, they fall asleep, and He is soon arrested by a mob led by Judas Iscariot, who betrays Him with a kiss (Matthew 26:31-56 KJV).
The chapter concludes with Jesus being brought before the Sanhedrin, where He faces false accusations and remains largely silent, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant. Peter denies Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction (Matthew 26:57-75 KJV).
Matthew 27: The Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial
Matthew 27 narrates the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate succumbs to the crowd’s demands for crucifixion. Judas Iscariot, filled with remorse, returns the thirty pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus and subsequently hangs himself (Matthew 27:1-10 KJV).
Jesus is scourged, mocked, and crowned with thorns. He is then forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, where He is crucified between two thieves. Jesus’ crucifixion is marked by supernatural events: darkness falls over the land, the veil of the temple is torn, and an earthquake occurs. Jesus dies with a cry of abandonment and gives up His spirit (Matthew 27:11-54 KJV).
Jesus’ body is taken down and buried in a new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. A large stone is rolled in front of the tomb, and guards are stationed to ensure that the body is not stolen (Matthew 27:55-66 KJV).
Matthew 28: The Resurrection and Great Commission
Matthew 28 opens with the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week. An angel rolls away the stone from the tomb and tells the women who come to visit that Jesus is risen. They are instructed to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they will see Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10 KJV).
The chapter also records the bribery of the guards who were stationed at the tomb. The chief priests and elders give them a large sum of money to spread a false story that Jesus’ body was stolen by His disciples while they were asleep (Matthew 28:11-15 KJV).
The Gospel concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus appears to His disciples in Galilee and commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. He promises to be with them always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:16-20 KJV).
Conclusion
Matthew 23 to 28 encapsulates the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His sacrificial death, and His triumphant resurrection. From His stern warnings against hypocrisy to His profound teachings on the end times, the final chapters of Matthew present a comprehensive picture of Jesus’ mission and its significance for humanity. The crucifixion and resurrection mark the foundation of Christian faith, revealing Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and establishes a new covenant. As believers reflect on these chapters, they encounter the depth of Jesus’ love, the gravity of His sacrifice, and the hope of eternal life through His resurrection.
