Following up a suggestion from my colleague, Toby Sumpter: It seems that there’s a chiasm stretching from the beginning of the crucifixion scene to the end of Matthew:
A. Jesus mocked as king of the Jews, 27:27-31
B. Soldiers and Jewish leaders at the cross, 27:33-44
C. Jesus cries for His Father, 27:45-49
D. Earthquake, resurrection, and frightened soldiers, 27:50-54
E. Women from Galilee, 27:55-56
F. Joseph of Arimathea approaches Pilate, 27:57-60
G. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, 27:61
F’. Jewish leaders approach Pilate, 27:62-66
E’. Mary and the other Mary at the tomb, 28:1
D’. Earthquake, resurrection, and frightened soldiers, 28:2-8
C’. Jesus speaks to the women, 28:9-10
B’. Soldiers and Jewish leaders respond to resurrection, 28:11-15
A’. Jesus has authority over all; worshiped sincerely, 28:16-20
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