Matthew 27:51-66 is about the dramatic events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, including the tearing of the temple curtain, the burial of Jesus, and the securing of his tomb with a large stone and guards.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,
53 They came out of the tombs after his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many.
54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,
56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.
58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.
59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud
60 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.
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate
63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’
64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.”
“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you can.”
66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 27:51-66
The scene described in Matthew 27:51-66 takes place at Golgotha, the place of the skull, where Jesus was crucified. The sky darkens as Jesus breathes his last breath, and at that moment, the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. This event signifies the end of the separation between God and humanity, as access to the Holy of Holies is now open to all through Jesus’ sacrifice.
At the foot of the cross stand Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee, along with a few other women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. They are grieving the loss of their beloved teacher and friend, witnessing the culmination of his earthly ministry.
The Roman soldiers, who had crucified Jesus, are also present, along with the religious leaders who had plotted against him. They are now witnessing the supernatural events that are unfolding before them, causing them to fear and acknowledge the power of God. The scene is filled with a sense of awe, sorrow, and divine intervention as the world reacts to the death of the Son of God.
What is Matthew 27:51-66 about?
Jesus, the central figure of the faith, dies on the cross in this verse, marking a pivotal moment in Christian belief. This event represents the ultimate sacrifice and act of love, as Jesus gives his life for the salvation of humanity. Jesus demonstrates his obedience to God’s will and his unwavering commitment to humanity’s redemption by willingly accepting death.
The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the breaking of barriers between humanity and God. It signifies that through Jesus’ sacrifice, all people now have direct access to God’s presence and grace. The act of burying Jesus in a tomb with guards placed around it adds a mysterious and suspenseful element to the story, foreshadowing the miraculous event of Jesus’ resurrection. This verse encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity, emphasizing the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the triumph of life over death.
Have you ever reflected on the immense love and sacrifice portrayed in this verse? How does the tearing of the temple curtain resonate with your understanding of spirituality and connection with a higher power? Take a moment to contemplate the profound implications of Jesus’ death and burial, and consider the hope and promise that lie in the events yet to unfold.
Understanding what Matthew 27:51-66 really means
In Matthew 27:51-66, we witness a profound series of events following Jesus’ crucifixion. The tearing of the temple curtain, the earthquake, and the resurrection of saints all point to the cosmic significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. The tearing of the temple curtain, from top to bottom, symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. This act signifies that through Jesus’ sacrifice, all people now have direct access to God, fostering a personal relationship with Him. It echoes Hebrews 10:19-20, which explains that Jesus’ body is the new and living way opened for us through the curtain.
Moreover, the earthquake, rocks splitting, and tombs breaking open demonstrate the power of Jesus’ death not only in the spiritual realm but also in the physical world. This cosmic event connects to Romans 8:19-22, which speaks of creation itself awaiting redemption through Christ. The resurrection of many holy people who had died serves as a foretaste of the final resurrection at the end of times, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, where Christ is portrayed as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
These events are not merely historical accounts but hold relevance for people today. The tearing of the temple curtain assures us of direct access to God, encouraging us to approach Him without intermediaries. The earthquake and resurrection of saints remind us of the transformative power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, offering hope and renewal in our lives. Additionally, the actions of the chief priests and Pharisees, in trying to secure Jesus’ tomb, highlight the futility of human efforts to thwart God’s plans, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His sovereignty.
Consider a person burdened by past mistakes, feeling unworthy to approach God. This passage reassures them that Jesus’ sacrifice has removed all barriers, inviting them to come to God freely and confidently. Similarly, reflecting on a life-changing event akin to an “earthquake” can illustrate how Jesus’ power brings about profound transformation and hope, even in the most challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, Matthew 27:51-66 serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It offers us direct access to God, hope for renewal, and assurance of His ultimate victory over sin and death. Let us reflect on our lives, recognizing how Jesus’ sacrifice has opened the way for a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
What does the tearing of the temple curtain signify?
The tearing of the temple curtain signifies a significant shift in the relationship between God and humanity. The temple curtain in the Old Testament separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt, from the rest of the temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only on the Day of Atonement to make sacrifices for the people’s sins. When the curtain was torn in two, it symbolized that through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, the barrier between God and humanity was removed. This tearing of the curtain signified that all people now have access to God’s presence and grace through Jesus Christ.
The tearing of the temple curtain also signifies the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. The sacrificial system required the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins, but the sacrifices had to be repeated each year. Jesus, as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice, offered Himself once and for all, making the sacrificial system obsolete. The tearing of the curtain signified that the way to God was now open to all who believe in Jesus, and that salvation and forgiveness of sins are available to all who come to Him in faith.
Furthermore, the tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the unification of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. The curtain separated the Gentiles from the inner courts of the temple, but with its tearing, barriers between different groups of people were broken down. All are one in Him, with no longer a division between Jew and Gentile in Christ. This act of tearing the curtain is a powerful visual representation of the reconciliation and unity that comes through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
Application
Let the torn curtain symbolize the opening of new possibilities and the breaking down of barriers in our lives. Allow the sacrifice of Jesus to inspire a sense of purpose and dedication within you. Embrace this moment of divine grace, and let it propel you towards a life filled with love, compassion, and faith. Will you seize this opportunity to walk a path of light and redemption, embodying the teachings of Christ in all aspects of your being?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.