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Matthew 27:51-53
This is an interesting passage of Scripture as many debatable things take place. Immediately after Jesus gave up His physical life on the cross, it is believed that an earthquake took place and was so violent that the veil in the temple was torn in two, longways, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This is significant to the crucifixion of Jesus as the temple veil separated the holy place from the people, providing a barrier between God and the people. Jesus was to redeem all people to God and reconnect the broken relationship; the temple veil was torn, opening the barrier between God and His people. The way had been restored.
In Matthew 27:52 (NKJV) is a statement that seems to be out of place as the Bible states, “52and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;” But we must not get ahead of ourselves as we go on to learn in Matthew 27:53, “53and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” If we are not careful as we read the text, we will want to believe that the bodies of the saints (who had previously died) were risen from their graves, but this in not so, as the Bible teaches us that this did not happen until after Jesus had been resurrected. So we ask, “Why then does Matthew include this statement at this point?” The answer is unclear. I can only believe that Matthew wanted to give a prelude to the excitement to come which overshadowed the death of Jesus – the resurrection of Jesus, and of the inclusion of those who had put their faith in God before this time and had since died. Romans 6:10 teaches us that Jesus died once for all which would have to include those who had believed in God and yet died before Jesus was crucified.
This is the effect of the death of Jesus opening doors that had once been shut by sin.
This is the redemption of sin through Christ Jesus.
This is the relationship of God to man being restored in the righteousness of Christ Jesus.
There are many happenings in the Bible that are a mystery to us as we strive to put the pieces together. I think this is the type of thing that the Apostle Paul was referring to when he stated in 1 Corinthians 13:9-10; 12 (NIV), “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I do believe that the veil being torn signified an opening of the way back to a right relationship with God, which is through Christ Jesus as He paid the debt to sin for everyone who will believe in Him. The Bible teaches us in John 14:1-7 (ESV), “‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’”
If you do not know Jesus, you can now know Him by believing in Him – that He died for your sins – He paid the price for your sins for you. Believe this and you will be forgiven. You can now begin living in Christ Jesus as a child of God and be assured of eternity in heaven.
Dear LORD,
Your Word the Bible teaches us of the purity in which You created humanity. It also teaches us of the infiltration of sin that entered through the disobedience of man. But the Bible also teaches us of Your great plan of redemption through our Savior Jesus – the gift You offer to all who will put their faith in Him for forgiveness and life eternal. Please let it be so LORD in the lives of everyone who reads or hears these words. In Jesus name I pray, amen.