The King Who Came to Die: Matthew 26–28

Matthew presents Jesus as the rightful King, establishes His credentials, and reveals the character of His kingdom. But if the Gospel ended with chapter 25, we would have a perfect standard of righteousness without a rescue from our sin.

The final three chapters reveal why the King came. His teaching gives way to His sacrificial work, and His mission reaches its climax at the cross and the empty tomb.

Matthew’s final chapters reveal the heart of the Gospel: the rightful King willingly gives His life, conquers death and sends His people into the world with the promise of His presence.

The King Who Willingly Surrenders

Matthew 26 begins with betrayal and the approaching Passover. At the Last Supper, Jesus says His blood is poured out “for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). His death is not an unexpected interruption. It is central to His mission.

In Gethsemane, Jesus prays, “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). When the armed crowd arrives, He makes clear that He could call upon His Father for more than twelve legions of angels. Yet He willingly submits so that the Scriptures may be fulfilled.

The King is not powerless. He chooses obedience.

The Crown and the Cross

In Matthew 27, Roman soldiers mock Jesus with a scarlet robe and a crown of thorns. They call Him King while treating Him as anything but one.

Yet the One they mock is giving His life for His people. Jesus does not save Himself because He has come to save others.

When He dies, the temple veil is torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). Christ’s sacrifice opens the way into God’s presence. Even the centurion declares, “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).

The King Who Conquered Death

Matthew 28 brings the announcement that changes everything: “He is not here, for He has risen” (Matthew 28:6).

The grave is empty. The crucified King is alive.

Jesus then declares, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). His authority is no longer merely demonstrated through miracles and teaching. The risen King now sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations.

The King Who Is Still With Us

Matthew ends where it began. In chapter 1, Jesus is introduced as Emmanuel—God with us. In chapter 28, He promises, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The King has not abandoned His people. His ransom has been paid, His victory secured and His mission launched.

The King came to die. He rose to reign. And He is with us still.

Written by Brahm van Wyk

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