Matthew 27:50-54: Breaking Open the Grave
Saturday, December 16, 2023
This week we explore how to put our love on the line just as the Creator does by abiding with us, just as Jesus does as he shows us The Way, and just as the Spirit does as she comforts and remains in us.
Jesus brings us the ultimate example of laying one’s love on the line, and yet Jesus understands how difficult it is to follow him. Still, he continues to call.
But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last. (MSG)
Matthew recounts for us the moment the world understands that the Son of God has brought us to something completely new.
At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What’s more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus’ resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.) (MSG)
Matthew records the words of the Roman guard who opened his heart to the miracle of new life.
The captain of the guard and those with him, when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening, were scared to death. They said, “This has to be the Son of God!” (MSG)
Matthew brings us a story that will save us, if only we might be as open to conversion as this captain of the guard. If Only we might lay our love on the line.
When we explore various translations of these verses, we discover that when we put our love on the line, we allow Christ to open our own graves.
For an interesting read on the torn temple curtain, click on the image above or visit: http://thecripplegate.com/matthew-2751-54-understanding-a-difficult-text/
The Noontimes 