Catherine Sider Hamilton 2 November 2011 Exploring the Kerygma:
Part 2 Four elements of the core kerygma can be clearly seen
through a cursory reading of Matthew 27:45-60. Most obviously,
Jesus’ death is at the forefront as it is the account of his
crucifixion. In addition, there is a statement establishing that
Jesus is the Messiah as the centurion utters in amazement:
“Truly this was the Son of God!” (27:54, ESV). Also, it is also
explicitly stated that several witnesses were “looking from a
distance, [witnesses] who had followed Jesus from Galilee”
(27:55, ESV). Finally, Jesus’ burial was narrated at the end of
the pericope. Of these four elements, Jesus’ death and burial
really stand as the main emphases, as this pericope is, after
all, an account in which Jesus’ death is central. However, it
does seem that the author did take care to mention that certain
people were watching from a distance, emphasizing the fact that
there are witnesses to this event. While these four elements can
easily be seen, a fifth