In chapter 27, Matthew tells us of at least three interesting events that occur at the moment Jesus is crucified.
First, we find that the curtain in the Temple is torn in two, from top to bottom. Matthew doesn't explain this any further, but the general consensus is that this symbolizes the way that Jesus has opened up the worship of the Lord to everyone - that there are no more barriers. In his day, only the priests could visit the Holy of Holies - and only once per year. But through Christ - and the Holy Spirit - we can access the presence of the Lord whenever we want - since he is now living within us.
Second, we see that there was an earthquake - that broke rocks in two. This earthquake was certainly felt on Golgotha (as it led the Centurion to pronounce that Jesus was the Son of God) - but it obviously occurred in other places as well - as we see from the next event.
Third, and probably the most intriguing, Matthew tells us that the earthquake opened many tombs - and that many of the saints were resurrected and went into the city, where they were seen by many people. Again, Matthew gives no explanation of how or why this happened, he just reports it as fact.
So my question is: Why? Why did the dead come to life? And why isn't this talked about more?
I have a feeling that this isn't talked about because it's a little strange - along with the fact that there is no explanation given - nor confirmation in any other gospel. Yet Matthew, led by the Holy Spirit to write, presents it as truth.
Could this be a precursor to the Resurrection at the End of Time? Could this be symbolic of the way Jesus brings life to dead places - like the River of Life from Revelation and Ezekiel? Does this give us just a taste of the power of Jesus' death - his sacrifice - upon the cross? And finally - can we expect similar things today?
I don't know the answers to my questions - but I trust that through Christ, the dead will come to life - both physically and spiritually.
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2 comments:
As you have indicated, it may well be that the resurrection of these individuals are a type event for the resurrections to follow: the just and then the unjust. However, it may also be the fulfillment of what is written in Ezekiel 37:11-14, which reads in part, "Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves."
Rob - you may be right.
However, I take that Ezekiel passage on a more symbolic level - that God is basically saying that Israel is "dead" in Babylon - but that he will bring them back to life and let them go home.
Or maybe it can be read both ways.
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