1. The King Who Conquers Guilt (27:11-26)

2. The King Who Conquers Shame (27:27-44)

3. The King Who Conquers Death (27:45-53)

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2. What’s the most surprising plot twist you’ve seen in a movie? What’s the most surprising plot twist you’ve experienced in the story of your life?

1. Four times in the passage, Jesus is referred to as “King of the Jews” (vv. 11, 29, 37, 42). Why is it ironic that Jesus is crucified for making this claim? Why – according to the people – does the crucifixion invalidate Jesus’ claim to be Messiah? Why – according to Matthew – does the crucifixion demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah?

2. According to Matthew 27:11-26, who is responsible for the death of Christ (see vv. 20, 24-25)? How are all of us ultimately complicit in his death? How is Barabbas a picture of each of us? How are the Jewish people? How does Jesus remove our guilt at the cross (see Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 2:14-15)?

3. Why would Jesus’ contemporaries have considered the shame of crucifixion as even worse than the pain of crucifixion? What shameful treatment does Jesus endure (see e.g. vv. 28-31, 39-44, 49)? What’s the primary difference between guilt and shame? How does Jesus remove our shame at the cross (Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 1:22; 2:15)?

4. How does Jesus’ own death demonstrate his power over death (see v. 50)? Why does the temple curtain tear when Jesus dies (v. 51)? Why do Old Testament saints rise from the dead (vv. 52-53)? What’s the significance of these two events? What – according to Matthew – has Christ’s death accomplished? How does Jesus free us from the power of death (see v. 46; see also Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 2:9, 14-15)?

Application

1. Jesus is our victor over guilt, shame, and death/alienation. Which of these truths is most precious to you right now? Which do you need to internalize? What can you do to remind yourself of this truth?

2. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this passage