So I've decided to read through the gospels in my personal quiet time with God. I've never really read through them on my own, so I figured why not?
So while reading in Matthew 27 I came across this passage (51-53) that immediately after Christ's death:
"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."
OK, so I've never EVER have seen the part highlighted in green before today. Seriously, it's like we feel uncomfortable, or don't know how to explain it, so we skip that detail. This is not a minor detail. People are raised from the dead and did not just go away. They stayed around for a while.
So, here is where I would love some interaction. Why is this part of the passage in here? Why did it happen? Why has no one ever spoken of this in any sermon?
And if there are any other questions you want to ask (and answer if you wish) feel free.
Begin Discussion.... NOW!
Grace and Peace
1 comment:
I've always been intrigued by that passage as well. Here are a few of my thoughts:
Jesus' body was physically resurrected. It think this short blurb points to a doctrine of the resurrection that includes a literal bodily resurrection and not just "our spirit" put in a new body.
The death of God on the cross was so powerful that the very act was heralded by the resurrections of holy people.
The people appeared to many people - this was a sort of confirmation of the power of Jesus' sacrifice. Before the disciples went out witnessing for Christ, THE DEAD DID!
Just some thoughts :)
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