Editor’s note: After careful and prayerful consideration, the Presbyterian Outlook editorial team has made the difficult decision to discontinue Outlook Standard Lessons. Our final lesson will be material for Sunday, May 18.
For many years, the Outlook has offered these lessons — rooted in outlines from the ecumenical Uniform Lesson Series — as a resource for churches and individuals across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We are deeply grateful for the ways these lessons have supported your study and teaching of Scripture.
This change comes as we discern how best to serve the evolving needs of the modern church. In an effort to make Presbyterian theology more digitally discoverable, our small team is launching a new initiative to strengthen our search engine optimization efforts and support long-term digital growth. This work will require substantial time and focus. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause lower-traffic projects — including the Outlook Standard Lessons — to direct our energy where it can have the greatest impact.
We understand this transition may cause inconvenience, for which we apologize.
For those interested in continuing the Uniform Lesson program, we recommend The Present Word, published by Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Like Outlook Standard Lessons, The Present Word follows the same foundational outlines — and includes additional resources such as teacher’s guides and worship leaflets. To continue seamlessly, look for The Present Word’s Summer 2025 Quarter.
Finally, subscribers may wish to explore our archive of past Outlook Standard Lessons, which may help fill curriculum needs in the months ahead.
Thank you for your understanding — and your continued support of the Presbyterian Outlook.
Matthew 27:24–28:10
Matthew 27:24–28:10 captures the pivotal moments of Jesus’s trial, crucifixion and resurrection. This passage paints a vivid picture of the complex interplay between Roman authority and Jewish leadership, revealing the deep-rooted tensions and conflicts of the time. It explores significant themes such as the struggle for power, the sting of betrayal and, ultimately, the transformative strength of hope that arises in the face of despair. This dramatic sequence is not only a historical account but also a profound reminder of resilience and renewal that resonates through the ages.
Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified (Matthew 27:24-26)
Pilate faces intense pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd to condemn Jesus. His symbolic act of washing his hands signifies both political maneuvering and moral ambiguity as he tries to absolve himself of responsibility for the impending crucifixion. This act reflects themes of guilt and complicity, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics. Pilate’s struggle emphasizes the conflict between personal integrity and societal obligation; he acknowledges Jesus’ innocence but ultimately succumbs to the mob’s demands. This moment captures the tragic irony of the situation: the representative of Roman authority fails to uphold justice while an innocent man faces execution. Thus, the passage invites reflection on the difficulties of moral choices in the face of societal pressure.
The soldiers mock Jesus (Matthew 27:27-31)
The mockery of Jesus by the soldiers highlights the theme of humiliation and rejection in the passion narrative. The soldiers, representing Roman authority, dress Jesus in a purple robe and place a crown of thorns on His head, mockingly hailing Him as “King of the Jews.” This act of derision emphasizes the stark contrast between the expectations of a triumphant Messiah and the suffering servant depicted in Isaiah. The soldiers’ actions not only fulfill prophetic Scripture but also underscore the profound irony of Jesus’ kingship, as he does not wield power through violence but rather submits to humiliation. This passage encourages readers to contemplate the nature of true authority and the sacrificial love exemplified by Christ.
The crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:32-44)
The account of Jesus’ crucifixion highlights themes of sacrificial suffering and the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross, emphasizing the burden of sin that Jesus bears. As Jesus is crucified, the ridicule from bystanders, priests and robbers fulfills Psalm 22:7-8, underscoring the contempt he endures. The inscription above his head, “Jesus, King of the Jews,” presents a paradox; the one mocked as a king is the true sovereign. This passage reflects the profound injustice of the moment, contrasting human mockery with divine purpose. Ultimately, Matthew portrays the crucifixion as a transformative event, central to the narrative of salvation and the revelation of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
The death of Jesus (Matthew 27:45-56)
The account of Jesus’s death reveals profound theological themes and fulfills prophecy. The darkness that covered the land for three hours symbolizes divine judgment and the gravity of sin borne by Christ. Jesus’ anguished cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v. 46), resonates with Psalm 22, illustrating his connection to human suffering and abandonment. The tearing of the temple curtain (v. 51) signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting direct access to the divine. The reaction of the Roman centurion (v. 54) highlights the recognition of Jesus’ identity, suggesting that His death transcends mere martyrdom and affirms His role as the Son of God. Thus, this passage encapsulates the essence of Christian redemption.
The burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-66)
The account of Jesus’ burial is a poignant conclusion to the crucifixion narrative. Joseph of Arimathea, portrayed as a wealthy disciple, boldly requests Jesus’ body from Pilate, demonstrating his courage during a time of fear and despair among Jesus’s followers. Burial in a new tomb emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Scripture, particularly Isaiah 53:9, which prophesies his burial with the rich. Furthermore, the sealing of the tomb and the posting of guards underscore the authorities’ concern about the resurrection, suggesting that even in death, Jesus remains a figure of great significance. This passage highlights Jesus’s humanity and vulnerability and sets the stage for the transformative event of the resurrection.
The resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10)
Mary Magdalene’s and the other Mary’s encounter with the angel resonates with hope for the fulfillment of Christ’s promises, inviting believers to move from despair to joy. Furthermore, the directive to “go and tell” symbolizes the commissioning of discipleship and the spread of the Gospel. In this passage, the resurrection confirms Jesus’s divinity. It assures believers of eternal life, marking a definitive victory over death and making a profound declaration of God’s sovereign action in the world while redefining hope and faith amid despair.
Questions for reflection on Matthew 27:24–28:10:
- In Matthew 27:24–28:10, how does the account of Pilate’s decision to hand Jesus over to be crucified challenge our understanding of moral responsibility and the pressures we face from societal expectations in our own lives?
- In what ways do the themes of humiliation and rejection, as depicted in the soldiers’ mockery of Jesus, encourage us to reflect on how we respond to those who are marginalized or ridiculed in our communities today?
- Considering the significance of the resurrection as a transformative event, how can we actively embody the hope it represents in our daily lives, especially in times of despair or difficulty?
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