The curtains, the earthquakes and the resurrections

The curtains, the earthquakes and the resurrections

Scripture:

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

⁵⁵ Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Observation:

The moment Jesus died, several powerful events occurred consecutively. Firstly, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Secondly, there was a great earthquake. Thirdly, as a result of the earthquake, tombs were opened and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. When the Roman centurion and all his soldiers saw all that happened they were terrified and exclaimed “Surely he was the Son of God!” Watching from a distance were also many women, among them, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the Lord’s mother, and also the mother of James and John.

What was the significance of these events? The tearing of the curtain symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and man through Jesus Christ, who has enabled all who believe in Him to come into the Holy of Holies and meet God by virtue of the blood of Christ. We have direct access to God the Father, able to pray to Him and have Him hear our prayers. We don’t need any priests or human intermediaries, for Jesus Christ has made clear the way to the Father.

The incidence of the earthquake is often interpreted as a sign of judgment. While the death of Jesus Christ has opened the door to the path of salvation in His name to all who will believe, His death also means that all who do not accept Him will also be eternally condemned.

As for the third sign of the resurrection of many holy people who had died, it is clearly symbolic of the promise of resurrection of all believers who will rise again at the second coming of Jesus to eternal life with the Master.

Matthew’s note on the women who followed Jesus reminds us of the great faithfulness, courage and loyalty of women, who fared far better than the disciples who shied away in fear at the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.

Application:

Thank God that He has made the way clear for us to come to God the Father. The way has been made clear at great cost, paid dearly by the blood of our Lord Jesus. We must never take for granted but greatly value this privilege of coming to the Father and we must do so in humility and gratitude.

In beholding the death of the Lord, we must also in all clarity understand that the gospel is a two edge sword, bringing death to those who do not believe, and life to those who will believe. Likewise, in remembering the resurrection of the saints from the dead, we look forward to our own resurrection in Christ Jesus, be it after our earthly deaths or even while we stand on the earth as the Lord has promised.

Prayer:

We thank You and praise You, Lord Jesus, for what Your great sacrifice on the cross for us has done. We have clear access now to God the Father. We are able to come to Him by Your precious blood. We are now able to commune and have reverent fellowship with our Heavenly Father.

We thank You too, O Lord, for the promise of the Resurrection, that all of us might have hope, even beyond death. Let this hope always remain strong in our hearts, even as we look forward to Your second coming. Keep us strong, and faithful we pray. You hold all things in Your hands. Blessed be Your holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.