Jesus’ Death
Consider three facts regarding the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary from Matthew 27:50-66. First, see the power of His death—“The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked,
and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.” (vv. 51-52) Jesus’ death paid in full the debt which all sinners owe to God, and it opened the way to life for every believer. His death satisfied the demands of God’s holy law; it allowed God to remain just, and yet justify the ungodly sinner. The tearing of the veil proclaimed the opening of the way of salvation to all mankind. When Jesus died, He offered up a perfect sacrifice, and obtained eternal redemption for sinners. All are now invited to draw near to God by faith in Jesus. Second, the simplicity of His burial—“When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.” (vv. 59-60) Joseph of Arimathaea came forward and asked for permission to bury Jesus. We never heard of this man at any previous time in the Lord’s earthly ministry. We never hear of him again. We know nothing of him, except that he was a disciple who loved Christ. There are those who work to build the Church in a public way, and there are some who only come forward, like Joseph, in times of special need. But all are led by one Spirit in their different ways. Third, the diligence of Jesus’ enemies—“The next day … [the religious leaders went] to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He has risen from the dead.”’” (vv. 62-64)
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.