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