Matthew's Passion Narrative
Matthew appears to rely fairly heavily on Mark as a source - a point you might bring out if the examiners ask about the value of Source Criticism as applied to the passion narratives. There are, however, some points worth bringing out when considering the Redaction of the source by Matthew.
Fulfilment of prophecy - Matthew uses the tried formula 'that which was spoken through the prophet .. was fulfilled' at 27:9-10. This is a formula that he has used throughout, particularly in the Birth Narratives.
Crucifixion as the eschatological event - Matthew' lead up to the Passion Narratives emphasises the growing disputes between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, which take place mainly in the Temple precincts. Uniquely, Matthew uses three parables of judgement (taken by some critics as 'Judgement on the Household', but I think more likely to be judgement on the nation) I refer to the parables of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, The Talents and the Sheep and the Goats. There are also the parables of the Great Feast and the Wicked husbandmen in Ch 21. In fact, re-read Chs 21-26 and get the picture of a build up in tension, such as only Jerusalem seems to be able to create! The theme throughout, though is judgement. Invitations have been given, land has been let out. Eventually there needs to be a response. If that response is not forthcoming then judgement will occur.
Certain Matthaean redactions in the Passion Narratives signal to the reader that the eschaton is here. Pilate's wife has a nightmare, and warns her husband not to become involved in the plot against Jesus 'that righteous man' 27:19; the Jews call down judgement upon themselves as they take responsibility for the execution of Jesus 27:25; there is an earthquake to complement the unnatural darkness (27:51-54) and even bodily resurrection associated with his own. vs 53-54.
So here, we have the classic features of Jewish eschatology - Death, judgement, resurrection - and these features carry on into the resurrection narrative, as you will see if you look on that page.