Remembering we are reading a book of theology is very important in understanding today’s passage. In addition to interpreting events in the light of his faith and experience of God, Matthew also writes in the form of apocalyptic literature where symbols are used to express a deeper theological meaning of Jesus’ death.
If you are reading a translation of the Bible with footnotes, cross references and notes, you will see that there are dozens of references to the Old Testament in our passage. Matthew is going to great lengths to establish by scripture that the death of Jesus was a fulfillment of God’s plan of salivation. This is hugely important because our faith needs to rest on something more substantial than just experience or emotion. As the Apostle Paul says, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Several events at the end of Jesus’ life are interpreted by Matthew to symbolize that the Kingdom of God is being established through the death of the Messiah. Jesus’ crying out in a loud voice represents the commanding authority of God as spoken by His Son, which is similar to God’s commanding voice when He spoke to Moses from the mountain. (Ex19: 9, 19). The tearing of the temple curtain represents the end of the temple system and that now all people have access to God because of the death of Jesus. The earthquake represents the judgment of God upon the ruling powers and the establishment of God’s new order. Finally, the saints rising from the tomb represent Ezekiel’s dry bones coming to life through the life giving Spirit of God. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
Matthew’s inspiration to write this account of Jesus, in this particular way, is to comfort the church in the very difficult times they were living in, as well as prepare the church to hear the coming command of Jesus. (Matthew 28:18)
Let’s meditate on this passage of scripture and seek comfort and meaning in these very difficult times in our world. We’ll need comfort and meaning because on Monday we too will receive Jesus’ Great Command.
What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
24-Sep-11 Matthew 27:55-66
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