Jesus, Lord Over Death and the Grave

Scripture: Matthew 27:52 – NKJ …And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the Saints who had fallen asleep were raised; …

The day of Jesus’ crucifixion was by no means an ordinary day from sun up until sundown. Many events transpired as Jesus’ crucifixion took place on the side of a road, in an area called the skull. This place was near a gravesite,  as well as near the holy city, Jerusalem. People passing were blasphemous, along with the Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders who mocked Jesus (Matt. 27:39-41). From the sixth hour until the ninth hour (3 hours) was miraculous darkness, heaven-sent; over all the land (v. 45). The veil in the Temple was torn in two, indicating Jesus conquered sin; the earth quaked, and rocks split (v. 51), and the graves open, proving Jesus defeated death. Death has no sting and the grave no victory (I Cor. 15:55).
   
Families across this United States and worldwide experience death, both the saved and the unsaved; yet, only believing saints shall experience resurrecting to life, eternal.   I’m encouraged through scripture, when the Lord returns for the true church, only the graves of believers will be disturbed. Supernatural power is needed (v. 52). The opening of graves proves that Jesus Christ did not suffer defeat in His death.  Our hearts today might experience an opening to the truth. Christ wants us (believers) to be at peace, “have no fear.”  He bides us to rejoice and hold on until the end. Jesus will accomplish His purpose and plan for us as we keep looking up.
     
Heaven sent miraculous power-caused graves to open at the moment of Jesus’ yielding up His spirit at the crucifixion. The same God also opens Adam, for a rib to form Eve;  who opens heaven to rain forty days and forty nights; amazingly, allows the  Hebrew children to cross the Red Sea on the dry ground; and caused the earth to swallow rebellious Korah. Those are a few times where supernatural powers were evident in scripture.
     
The significance of Christ’s resurrection:

1. Proves that Jesus is God’s Son (John 10:17-18)

2. Verifies the truth of the scripture (Matt. 27: 50-54)

3. Assures our future resurrection (I Thess. 4:13-18) and guarantees our future inheritance,  
    because Christ is alive, we have a glorious future (I Pet. 1:3-5)

4. It is proof of future judgments-He will judge the world in righteousness (reward for the
    believer Rom. 14:10 and punishment for the unbeliever Rev. 20:13-15)

5. It gives power for Christian living -our strength can’t do it (Eph. 4:1-6; 5:2; and Rom. 12:2)

Prayer: Lord,  I desire to look to Jesus, the author, and finisher of my faith.  He endured the cross at His public crucifixion.  Every event at His death was for my future benefits and his glory. I am confident in trusting Him in His faithfulness to the righteous. In Him, Amen.

(by Novella D Carpenter)