Tag: Matthew 27
Make it secure as you can!
Scripture reading for February 6: Matthew 27
“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. . . .The next day, the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while He was still alive “After three days I will arise.” Therefore order the tomb to be made secure. . . .,Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.” Matthew 27:57-66
Jesus had willingly given His life and blood on the cross according to plan and gave up His spirit after proclaiming His work done. A disciple named Joseph from Arimathea came to claim the body for burial in his own newly made tomb. He was obviously a friend of the family and the other disciples as well. His actions fulfilled prophesy (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus was only to be there temporarily as He had said. It would be a three-day lease!
But those who had Jesus crucified were also aware of Jesus’ claim to rise again after three days. They came to Pilate asking for help. In their world view, the only way Jesus’ body would arise is if someone would steal it from the grave. Pilate agreed with their view and assigned soldiers to guard the grave. His instructions to the armed Roman soldiers: “Make it as secure as you can.” These soldiers would be no match for the fishermen and tax collectors that followed the ‘Impostor’ Jesus. They sealed the stone and surrounded the grave site thinking all was secure! After all, it was foolish to believe in resurrection.
How does the announcement of Jesus, “After three days I will arise,” square with your understanding of our world? Why do you think those who crucified Jesus were worried about Jesus’ body disappearing? Do you think Pilate was at all concerned that Jesus might actually rise from the dead after three days?
Prayer: Father God, I am amazed by the prophetic preparation and fulfilment of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that is laid out in Scripture. Thank You for expanding my world view to include resurrection from the dead through Your Son’s resurrection. Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen!
Resurrection power in the Gospel!
Scripture reading for February 8th: Matthew 27
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 27:50-53 “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”
Jesus was not murdered by Roman soldiers, He willingly gave up His spirit to the Father after suffering for the sins of all mankind. When His own obedience to the Father was complete, Jesus was released from His suffering and shame. This event was so powerful that the first event recorded by Matthew was the tearing of the thick veil on the temple. This was significant to Jews, because that veil had covered the Holy of Holies so that only the High Priest could enter, once a year for the sins of the people. Now the final sacrifice was completed, a better sacrifice that would satisfy God’s justice forever!
An earthquake also occurred which split rocks and opened some tombs of holy men and women of the past. This earthquake shook the realm of the dead to the core! Death could no longer hold those who by faith had looked to God for His salvation!
Observations for over-comers: Never forget the power of the Gospel message and the story of Jesus’ suffering and death for our sins! It has power to raise the dead and cause spiritual earthquakes that open the way to intimacy with God! “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; . .” (Job 19:25-26)
Jesus, King of the Jews!
Scripture reading for February 6th: Matthew 27
“When they had crucified Him, they divided up His clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. Above His head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, KING OF THE JEWS.” (Matthew 27:35-37) The Roman soldiers did their job with efficiency and part of their pay was the clothes of their crucified victims. They gambled over these to see which one would receive the bounty! In doing this, they fulfilled an ancient prophesy from a thousand years earlier! (Psalm 22:18) The sign they had placed at Pilate’s orders over the Jewish religious authorities objections proclaimed the eternal truth of who Jesus really was: KING OF THE JEWS!
“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked Him. “He saved other,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.'” (Matthew 27:41-43) The religious leaders mocked Jesus’ faith in God and His relationship as “Son of God” and His claim as “King of Israel”. Their unbelief lead to pride and the murder of the Son of God.
After Jesus gave up His Spirit to God, a great earthquake shook the land, splitting the curtain on the temple from top to bottom. Tombs were opened and holy people were raised to life, appearing to many in Jerusalem. This event shook the earth and the people in Jerusalem! The centurion and soldiers guarding Jesus were terrified and proclaimed, “Surely He was the Son of God.” Will you worship Him when He comes again, or be found mocking?