Matthew's Passion

So we have reached another Passion narrative. Now in the Matthian version of the story, one unique aspect is clear: the narrative follows Matthew's established pattern of comparing Christ unto Moses. When Christ is taken before Pilate and brought before the crowd in Matthew chapter 27, verse 25, they say "His blood be on us and on our children." While the Jews did not understand it, they partook in an interesting gospel reversal. For remember that on the Day of Atonement that the blood of the atoning lamb is sprinkled upon the temple alter all the gathered Israel, to redeem them from their sins. It is thus we see the true fulfillment of what was trying to be conveyed at the Temple ceremony on the Day of Atonement.

The second of the Moses parallels is found in what happened in the Temple at the time of crucifixion. Jesus was on the cross at the time when prayer would have been being given in the temple in the Holy place. Now according to Exodus when the prayers were given if God found the prayers worthy then He would part the veil to receive the prayer at the Mercy Seat. This was done symbolically on the Day of Atonement once a year by the high priest. It is interesting that at the time of Christ's last utterances on the Cross then there veil at the temple literally tore in half, receiving the work of God's own Son, and there by leaving the way clear for all to approach the Mercy Seat through Christ.

I find the types and shadows portrayed here to be very fascinating. We really see how the Matthian narrative focuses in and around the temple. The temple was the center and focus of the Jewish religion and played an important role in their lives. So even in his death Jesus still was making significant contributions to the understanding of the Temple and the deeper levels of significance that He brought to his followers. He brought the true meaning that God had wanted the people of Israel to have. This is especially significant to the Latter-Day Saint reader, as we too understand the focus our modern-day temples place on our Savior, Jesus Christ. Matthew’s passion narrative can help add a deeper and fuller understanding in our own temple attendance.