Matthew 27 : 57 - 61 The Burial of Jesus In a New Tomb.

The Rich Man, Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus in a New Tomb.

Joseph wrapped the Body. fullydevoted.blogspot.com

Mat 27:57  Towards sunset there came a wealthy inhabitant of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself also had become a disciple of Jesus.

Mat 27:58  He went to Pilate and begged to have the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

Mat 27:59  So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean sheet of fine linen.

Mat 27:60  He then laid it in his own new tomb which he had hewn in the solid rock, and after rolling a great stone against the door of the tomb he went home.

Mat 27:61  Mary of Magdala and the other Mary were both present there, sitting opposite to the sepulchre.

Introduction

According to Jewish Law those crucified could not be left on the cross over night.( Deut. 21 :22--23). The romans would have been happy to leave the bodies there overnight or even indefinitely as a warning to others. Josephus says that even the bodies of Criminals were buried before sunset. (War 44:317) But this burial had to be completed by sunset as that marked the beginning of the sabbath day. See Leon Morris P. 728

Comments

Mat 27:57  Towards sunset there came a wealthy inhabitant of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself also had become a disciple of Jesus.

Notes

Towards sunset there came a wealthy inhabitant of Arimathaea..The day was quickly coming to a close when the rich man, Joseph came. This was the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9.

And they made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Joseph, who himself also had become a disciple of Jesus.

He was also a Member of the Jewish Ruling Council or Sanhedrin who came from Arimathea a town on the Coastal plain towards Joppa. He had become a follower of Jesus who like Nicodemus was a secret disciple of Jesus.(for fear of the Jews) see Jn 19:38

When most of Jesus disciples were going into hiding because of Jesus Crucifixion , His death brought Joseph out into the open. L.M. 728 Sometimes it takes dramatic events to cause true believers to really reveal their true Identity and gain boldness.

Mat 27:58  He went to Pilate and begged to have the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

Notes It was not the family who buried Jesus as the Jews saw burial as a very important responsibility. Since Jesus had been crucified then the Romans needed to give their permission for the Burial. Joseph took the initiative went to Pilate, the Governor and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that jesus was so soon dead.

Mat 27:59  So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean sheet of fine linen.

With Nicodemas who had brought 75 lbs of spices, Joseph, took Jesus down from the Cross,, wrapped the Body in a clean cloth, with great respect and dignity.

The Tomb was Jeseph’s own new tomb.

The Garden Tomb Wikimedia.com

Mat 27:60  He then laid it in his own new tomb which he had hewn in the solid rock, and after rolling a great stone against the door of the tomb he went home.

Mat 27:61  Mary of Magdala and the other Mary were both present there, sitting opposite to the sepulchre.

Notes

Mary of Magdala and the other Mary were both present there…

They we watching and planning to return with more spices making sure thast the Bodiy was properly cared for. This shows devotion and commitment.

A Christian Burial in the Jura of France

The Case for Christian Burial by CRI

Admittedly there is no direct command regarding burial or prohibition of cremation.14 While the act of cremation, as such, is not a sin or an intrinsic evil like murder, burial is the general pattern set down in Scripture.15 Its continued practice is a reasonable inference drawn from biblical truths. Thus we believe the evidence supports the conclusion that Christians, if at all possible, should practice burial. It is more symbolically appropriate to do so. There may be circumstances, however, that make burial unwise, against the law, or even impossible; but rare exceptions should not be used to eliminate the general practice of burial.

There are at least six reasons for holding that Christians should practice burial. Each will be briefly stated. Taken together they offer good evidence for preserving the Christian practice of burial.

Christian Burial- Burial Follows the Example of Christ. Jesus’ interment is described in great detail and was clearly a burial (Matt. 27:57–61; John 19:38–42). see below

http://www.equip.org/article/christian-burial-a-case-for-burial/

Christian Burial in Africa

A funeral in Kenya on Friday for Angela Nyokabi Githakwa, one of 142 students killed in an attack last week by young militants. CreditTyler Hicks/The New York TimesBy JEFFREY GETTLEMANAPRIL 10, 2015

Matthew 27: 50 - 56 Strange Happenings after Jesus died on the Cross.

Mat 27:50  But Jesus uttered another loud cry and then yielded up His spirit.

Mat 27:51  Immediately the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom: the earth quaked; the rocks split;

Mat 27:52  the tombs opened; and many of God's people who were asleep in death awoke.

Mat 27:53  And coming out of their tombs after Christ's resurrection they entered the holy city and showed themselves to many.

Mat 27:54  As for the Captain and the soldiers who were with Him keeping guard over Jesus, when they witnessed the earthquake and the other occurrences they were filled with terror, and exclaimed, "Assuredly he was God's Son."

Mat 27:55  And there were a number of women there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee ministering to His necessities;

Mat 27:56  among them being Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zabdi.

Comments

Mat 27:50  But Jesus uttered another loud cry and then yielded up His spirit.

Notes.

But Jesus uttered another loud cry

Both Matthew and Mark say that Jesus uttered a LOUD CRY, though neither mention what he said. It  seems most likely that its was the cry that the apostle John reported immediately before His death when He cried, “IT IS FINiSHED.”

Joh 19:30  As soon as Jesus had taken the wine, He said, "It is finished." And then, bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.

This points to the Completion of His Saving work on the Cross. Jesus has paid the full price for the Ransom of our souls. The completed Work

• ALL THAT GOD IN HIS GRACE HAD MADE KNOWN BEFORE WAS FULFILLED.

1. The promises beginning with that at the Fall.

2. The covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Israel.

3. The prophecies.

4. The types.

• THE WORK OF MAN’S REDEMPTION WAS COMPLETED.

1. Every obstacle was removed, symbolized by the rending of the veil.

2. The way of mercy was opened. B.Illustrator

Stop Rehearsing Your Past!  http://www.shamiekadean.com/

One of the biggest, most common problems among Christians is the inability to forgive themselves. It’s called condemnation. If you want to move forward from the pain and bondage, you have to forgive yourself. If you want to heal, you have to forgive yourself. As long as we live, we will make mistakes. Our mistakes do not define us, how we react to them does!  When you know the truth, you will be set free. There are benefits of the cross. The truth about the cross will help you to be free from your past, present and future sins. You are not what you’ve done, you’re what you believe! When you are reminded of your failures, remind yourself of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid for all of your sins (past, present, and future) on the cross.  Forgiveness is not a bonus but a promise! Just as easily as you God forgives you, you must also forgive yourself. Do not spend time rehearsing your past, failures, sins or consequences. Spend your time meditating on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He said “It is finished!”

Mat 27:51  Immediately the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom: the earth quaked; the rocks split;

The First Amazing Happening after Christ died.

Immediately the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom:

Notes

The veil of the temple was rent - That is, the veil which separated the holy place, where the priests ministered, from the holy of holies, into which the high priest only entered, and that once a year, to make a general expiation for the sins of the people. This rending of the veil was emblematical, and pointed out that the separation between Jews and Gentiles was now abolished, and that the privilege of the high priest was now communicated to all mankind: All might henceforth have access to the throne of grace, through the one great atonement and mediator, the Lord Jesus. See this beautifully illustrated in Heb_10:19-22. A.Clark

Heb 10:19  Since then, brethren, we have free access to the Holy place through the blood of Jesus,

Heb 10:20  by the new and ever-living way which He opened up for us through the rending of the veil--that is to say, of His earthly nature--

Heb 10:21  and since we have a great Priest who has authority over the house of God,

Heb 10:22  let us draw near with sincerity and unfaltering faith, having had our hearts sprinkled, once for all, from consciences oppressed with sin, and our bodies bathed in pure water.

The Second Amazing Happening after Christ died.

The Earth qauked.

Earthquake in Nepal: Pray for them

Or shook. Earthquakes are violent convulsions of the ground, This was probably, however, a miraculous convulsion of the earth, in attestation of the truth that the sufferer was the Messiah, the Son of God, and as an exhibition of wrath at the crimes of those who put him to death. It was not confined to Judea, but was felt in other countries. It is mentioned by Roman writers.Barnes

The Rocks Split That is, were torn asunder. Rocks are still seen at Mount Calvary thus rent asunder, which are said to be the ones that were convulsed when the Saviour died. Barnes

The Third Amazing Happening

Mat 27:52  the tombs opened; and many of God's people who were asleep in death awoke.

Notes

And the graves were opened - “Graves” or sepulchres were most commonly made, among the Jews, in solid rocks or in caves of rocks. The rending of the rocks, therefore, would lay them open. The graves were opened by this earthquake, but the dead in them did not rise until after his resurrection.

And many bodies of the saints arose - Of course, it is not known who these were, nor what became of them. It is probable that they were persons who had recently died, and they appear to have been known in Jerusalem; at least, had the ancient saints risen, they would not have been known, and would not so soon have been credited as those who had recently died.

Which slept - Which had died. The death of saints is often called “sleep,” Dan_12:2; 1Co_15:18; 1Th_4:15.

Mat 27:53  And coming out of their tombs after Christ's resurrection they entered the holy city and showed themselves to many.

Notes

“The Breaking of the Tombs happened when Christ died, … “On the one hand, Jesus’

sacrificial death blots out sin, defeats the powers of evil and death, and opens up access to God . On the other, Jesus Victorious Resurrection and Vindication promise the final resurrection of those who die in Him.” Here Matthew has the Great Death and Resurrection in mind and links the raising of the saints of old to this whole happening. L.M. p. 725

And came out of the graves after his resurrection - The narrative of Matthew does not determine whether they came to life before Jesus rose, and remained in the tombs, or came to life after he died. The latter is probably the correct opinion. There is nothing said of the reason why they were raised. It is not improbable to suppose that it was, amid the other wonders attending the death of Jesus, to convince the Jews that he was the Messiah. Perhaps some who had been his open friends were raised up now as an attestation that he in whom they had believed was the Christ. What became of them after they had entered into the city whether they again died or ascended to heaven, is not revealed, and conjecture is vain.

The holy city - Jerusalem, called holy because the temple was there, because it was devoted to God, and because it was the place of religious solemnities.Barnes

The Fourth Amazing Happening The Captain and Guard are convinced.

Mat 27:54  As for the Captain and the soldiers who were with Him keeping guard over Jesus, when they witnessed the earthquake and the other occurrences they were filled with terror, and exclaimed, "Assuredly he was God's Son."

Notes

The Evidence of the earthquake, the darkness, the rocks splitting etc., caused the guards to be filled with terror and cry out. They were convinced that Jesus was God’s Son.

Now when the centurion — the military superintendent of the execution.

and they that were with him watching Jesus, saw the earthquake — or felt it and witnessed its effects.

and those things that were done — reflecting upon the entire transaction.

they feared greatly — convinced of the presence of a Divine Hand.

saying, Truly this was the Son of God — There cannot be a reasonable doubt that this expression was used in the Jewish sense, and that it points to the claim which Jesus made to be the Son of God, and on which His condemnation expressly turned. The meaning, then, clearly is that He must have been what He professed to be; in other words, that He was no impostor. There was no medium between those two. See, on the similar testimony of the penitent thief - “This man hath done nothing amiss” - Luk_23:41.JFB.

Mat 27:55  And there were a number of women there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee ministering to His necessities;

Notes

Beholding afar off - These women were probably not suffered to come near the cross because it was surrounded by soldiers. They witnessed with intense feelings his sufferings from some convenient place as near as they could approach.

Ministering unto him - Attending him and providing for his wants. While multitudes of people joined in the cry, “Crucify him!” and forsook him in his trying moments, it does not appear that any of his female followers were thus unfaithful. In the midst of all his trials, and all the Contempt poured upon him, they adhered to their Redeemer. Never did female constancy shine more brightly, and never was a happier example set for all who should afterward believe on him! Barnes

Mat 27:56  among them being Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zabdi.

Notes

Mary Magdalene - Mary of Magdala. She had a special cause of attachment to the Saviour, having been relieved by him of a most dreadful calamity and restored to her right mind, after being possessed by seven devils.

Luk 8:1  Shortly after this He visited town after town, and village after village, proclaiming His Message and telling the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him,

Luk 8:2  and certain women whom He had delivered from evil spirits and various diseases--Mary of Magdala, out of whom seven demons had come, Barnes

And the mother of Zebedee’s children - That is, of James and John, Mat_10:2. Her name was Salome, Mar_15:40. Barnes

Mary Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils: by the order of Christ, for he cast them out, Mar_16:9 and which shows, that this is to be understood, in a literal sense, of devils, and the dispossession of them by Christ; and not in a figurative sense, of vices, and the expulsion of them by the power of divine grace; for this same phrase is used where real dispossessions are intended. J.Gill

Matthew 27 : 45 50 The Crucifixion of our Lord (Cont.)

Mat 27:45  Now from noon until three o'clock in the afternoon there was darkness over the whole land;

Mat 27:46  but about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is to say, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?"

Mat 27:47  "The man is calling for Elijah," said some of the bystanders.

Mat 27:48  One of them ran forthwith, and filling a sponge with sour wine put it on the end of a cane and offered it Him to drink;

Mat 27:49  while the rest said, "Let us see whether Elijah is coming to deliver him."

Mat 27:50  But Jesus uttered another loud cry and then yielded up His spirit.

Introduction

Jesus had been crucified soon after 9 am, now as He hang there in agony on that cruel Roman gibbet suddenly there was darkness over the whole land. The crowd, the Religious and the Thieves had insulted and taunted Him. Now God expresses his sentiments concerning the whole sordid affair. There was darkness, an earthquake and tombs breaking open. In the Midst of all this Jesus cried out His deep distress. It was about 3 pm the time of the evening sacrifice when He finally died

Mat 27:45  Now from noon until three o'clock in the afternoon there was darkness over the whole land;

Notes

Was this an eclipse? This seems unlikely as Passover was a full moon. Also a normal eclipse was usually much shorter than three hours. This was a supernatural event which originated in heaven.

Mat 27:46  but about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is to say, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?"

Notes

Why hast thou forsaken me? These words can only express the idea that he was treading the wine-press alone. As he hung on the cross, "made sin for us," he was left to struggle without a sense of his Father's presence. Still, the cry, My God, my God! shows that he still clung to the Father as his own.PNT

Mat 27:47  "The man is calling for Elijah," said some of the bystanders.

Notes

This man is calling for Elias - This was done purposely to deride him and his pretensions to be the Messiah. The words “Eli, Eli,” they might easily pretend that they understood to mean Elias, or so pervert them. The taunt would be more cutting, because it was the universal belief of the Jews, as well as the doctrine of Christ, that “Elias” would come before the Messiah. They derided him now, as calling upon “Elias” when God would not help him; still keeping up the pretensions to being the Messiah, and invoking “Elijah” to come from the dead to aid him. Or it is possible that this might have been said by some bystanders who did not understand the language in which he spoke, or who might not have been near enough to hear him distinctly.

Barnes

Mat 27:48  One of them ran forthwith, and filling a sponge with sour wine put it on the end of a cane and offered it Him to drink;

Notes

One of them ran forthwith, and filling a sponge with sour wine

Took a sponge - This being the most convenient way to reach a liquid to his mouth; tied it on a reed, that they might be able to reach his lips with it. This reed, as we learn from St. John, was a stalk of hyssop, which, in that country, must have grown to a considerable magnitude. This appears also to have been done in mercy, to alleviate his sufferings. See Mat_27:34. A.C.

Mat 27:49  while the rest said, "Let us see whether Elijah is coming to deliver him."

Mat 27:50  But Jesus uttered another loud cry and then yielded up His spirit.

Jesus Yielded up His Spirit and died.

Notes

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(50) When he had cried again with a loud voice.—It is well that we should remember what the words were which immediately preceded the last death cry; the “It is finished” of John 19:30, the “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit” ofLuke 23:46, expressing as they did, the fulness of peace and trust, the sense of a completed work.

It was seldom that crucifixion, as a punishment, ended so rapidly as it did here, and those who have discussed, what is hardly perhaps a fit subject for discussion, the physical causes of our Lord’s death, have ascribed it accordingly, especially in connection with the fact recorded in John 19:34, and with the “loud cry,” indicating the pangs of an intolerable anguish, to a rupture of the vessels of the heart. Simple exhaustion as the consequence of the long vigil, the agony in the garden, the mocking and the scourging, would be, perhaps, almost as natural an explanation.

Yielded up the ghost.—Better, yielded up His spirit. All four Evangelists agree in using this or some like expression, instead of the simpler form, “He died.” It is as though they dwelt on the act as, in some sense, voluntary, and connected it with the words in which He had commended His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46).

Matthew 27 : 37 - 44 The Crucifixion of Jesus (Cont))

Jesus Taunted and Insulted on the Cross by three groups of people.

Mat 27:38  At the same time two robbers were crucified with Him, one at His right hand and the other at His left.

Mat 27:39  And the passers-by reviled Him. They shook their heads at Him

Mat 27:40  and said, "You who would pull down the Sanctuary and build a new one within three days, save yourself. If you are God's Son, come down from the cross."

Mat 27:41  In like manner the High Priests also, together with the Scribes and the Elders, taunted Him.

Mat 27:42  "He saved others," they said, "himself he cannot save! He is the King of Israel! Let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him.

Mat 27:43  His trust is in God: let God deliver him now, if He will have him; for he said, 'I am God's Son.'"

Mat 27:44  Insults of the same kind were heaped on Him even by the robbers who were being crucified with Him.

Introduction

Yesterday we looked at Simon from Cyrene, now Libya, who was forced to carry Jesus’ Cross. Jesus was taken to the place of the skull and there He was crucified on a cruel Roman Cross. He is not alone there but between two thieves.

Everyone who could, railed at Him and reviled Him especially the High Priests and their gang.

Comments

Mat 27:38  At the same time two robbers were crucified with Him, one at His right hand and the other at His left.

Notes

These two men were bandits.(robbers and brigands, who may have been members of the Zealots or resistance movement). Here is Jesus between two convicted criminals when He was executed. Isaiah 53 :12  Therefore I will divide to Him with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He has poured out His soul to death; and He was counted among the transgressors; and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for transgressors.

The Three Groups Revile and Insult our Lord Jesus Christ

Mat 27:39  And the passers-by reviled Him. They shook their heads at Him

Notes.

And they that passed by,.... In the road to or from Jerusalem; for, it seems, the crosses were placed by the wayside; or they who passed by the cross, the populace that came from Jerusalem, on purpose to see the sight,

reviled him, or "blasphemed him": they spoke all manner of evil of him, they could think of, to which he answered not a word; and which may teach us patience under the revilings of men: this was foretold of him, Psa_89:51, "they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed", or "Messiah";

Mat 27:40  and said, "You who would pull down the Sanctuary and build a new one within three days, save yourself. If you are God's Son, come down from the cross."

Notes

He saved others; Himself lie cannot save.

redeemercolumbusga.org

I. The incontestable fact-“He saved others.” Let us bring forth witnesses: Angels, healed men and women.

II. Himself He cannot save. He is Divine. The world was made by Him; yet Himself He cannot save. The acts of unlimited providence are ascribed to Him” He sustaineth all things by the word of His power.” “Himself He cannot save.” The resurrection of the dead, administration of judgment are ascribed to Him. “Himself He cannot save.” The power to save Himself is demonstrated in those very acts by which He “saved others.” The devils were subject to Him. “No man taketh my life from Me, I lay it down of Myself.”

III. However paradoxical all this may seem, I must proceed to establish the momentous truth ignorantly expressed in those words. In its literal sense it was false; Jesus was not destitute of physical power to save Himself; in its theological sense it was true. There was no original necessity that the Son of God must die; He might have left the race to perish. The necessity of the death of Jesus was founded-

1. In the purpose and foreordination of God.

2. On the fulfilment which that event gives to the predictions of sacred Scripture.

3. To fulfil the typical representations by which, under the Mosaic law, it had been prefigured.

4. In order to verify His own declarations.

5. As a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the world. Bible Illustrator

Mat 27:41  In like manner the High Priests also, together with the Scribes and the Elders, taunted Him.

Notes

In like manner also (Likewise also). All classes that composed the Sanhedrin were present at the execution, and took part in the reviling; but, unlike the soldiers (

Luk_23:36) and the mob, they did not address him personally, either from supreme contempt, or because they stood aloof from the herd, and spake among themselves. Some few authorities of no great weight, after "elders" add "and Pharisees;" but the words are an interpolation, though they are without doubt true in fact. That these leaders should presume thus to revile One whom they knew to be innocent is unspeakably iniquitous.

Mat 27:42  "He saved others," they said, "himself he cannot save! He is the King of Israel! Let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him.

Notes.

The Complete Rejection of Jesus by Official JUDAISM

Leon Morris Comments, “It is surprising that people of this eminence should be present at the Crucifixion, and the fact that they were is an indication of the depth of their hostility and vindictiveness towards Jesus.

The Taunts of the general public were directed straight at Jesus, but  it is in the character that these aristocratic folk did not address the sufferer, though they no doubt made sure their words were loud enough to be heard by Him. L.M. p.718

"He saved others," they said, "himself he cannot save! He is the King of Israel!

Matthew recorded Jesus saving acts:

Mat 9:20  But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak;

Mat 9:21  for she said to herself, "If I but touch His cloak, I shall be cured."

Mat 9:22  And Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Take courage, daughter; your faith has cured you." And the woman was restored to health from that moment.

Mat 14:30  But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me."

Mat 14:31  Instantly Jesus stretched out His hand and caught hold of him, saying to him, "O little faith, why did you doubt?"

Though they did not realise it they were witnesses to the Greatest SAVING ACT of in the History of the World and they had taken a leading part in the events. L.M. p.718

He is the King of Israel! Let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him.

The High priests and Co., are sarcastic saying, “A King on a Cross!!!!”

Jesus is King even if the Jews had put Him on the Cross. They said they would believe in Him if He came down from the Cross. Why did they not believe when He rose from the dead?

If he be the King of Israel ... - It may seem strange to some that Jesus did not vindicate by a miracle his claims to be the Messiah, and come down from the cross. But the time had come for him to make an atonement. He had given full and sufficient proof that he was the Christ. Those who had rejected him, and who mocked and taunted him, would have been little likely to admit his claims if he had come down from the cross, since they had set at naught all his other miracles. They said this for the purpose of insult; and Jesus chose rather to suffer, though his character was assailed, than to work a new miracle for their gratification. He had foretold his death, and the time had come; and now, amid revilings, and gibes, and curses, and the severe sarcasms of an angry and apparently triumphant priesthood, he chose to die for the sins of the world. Barnes

Mat 27:43  His trust is in God: let God deliver him now, if He will have him; for he said, 'I am God's Son.'"

Notes

If he will have him - Or, if he delight in him - ει θελει αυτον. The verbs θελω and εθελω, are used by the Septuagint in more than forty places for the Hebrew חפץ  chaphets, which signifies, earnestly to desire, or delight in. Now as this is a quotation from Psa_22:8, He trusted in the Lord, that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, (כי חפץ בו  ki chaphets bo), for he Hath Delighted In Him: - ὁτι θελει αυτον, Sept. This will sufficiently vindicate the above translation; as the evangelist quotes the words from that version, with the simple change of ει, if, for ὁτι, because. A.Clark

Mat 27:44  Insults of the same kind were heaped on Him even by the robbers who were being crucified with Him.

thesestonewalls.com

Notes

Here  is the third group who heaped insults on Him. Matthew does not mention the thief who wanted to be with Him in His Kingdom.

On all sides there is Opposition and Antagonism. One thief found forgiveness in the midst of the railing Insults.