Why a Crowd Got Resurrected

[music] [music] >> You're reading through the first book of >> You're reading through the first book of >> You're reading through the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of the New Testament, the Gospel of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew, and you get to the crucifixion Matthew, and you get to the crucifixion Matthew, and you get to the crucifixion account in that book. account in that book. account in that book. Uh, it's a story you probably know well. Uh, it's a story you probably know well. Uh, it's a story you probably know well. But there, right in the middle of it, is But there, right in the middle of it, is But there, right in the middle of it, is one detail, one really weird detail. It one detail, one really weird detail. It one detail, one really weird detail. It comes as the ground shakes and the comes as the ground shakes and the comes as the ground shakes and the temple curtain tears in half. temple curtain tears in half. temple curtain tears in half. Those are amazing things. Those are amazing things. Those are amazing things. But I'm thinking of another thing, the But I'm thinking of another thing, the But I'm thinking of another thing, the moment when the tombs break open and moment when the tombs break open and moment when the tombs break open and formerly dead saints start walking formerly dead saints start walking formerly dead saints start walking around Jerusalem. around Jerusalem. around Jerusalem. Is this something out of a zombie movie? Is this something out of a zombie movie? Is this something out of a zombie movie? Or why is this bizarre miracle even in Or why is this bizarre miracle even in Or why is this bizarre miracle even in the text? And why is Matthew the only the text? And why is Matthew the only the text? And why is Matthew the only person to mention it? person to mention it? person to mention it? Today on Ask Pastor John, why a crowd Today on Ask Pastor John, why a crowd Today on Ask Pastor John, why a crowd got resurrected. got resurrected. got resurrected. We're reading the Gospel of Luke right We're reading the Gospel of Luke right We're reading the Gospel of Luke right now together, and Ed from Northern now together, and Ed from Northern now together, and Ed from Northern Ireland has a question about this event Ireland has a question about this event Ireland has a question about this event that Luke won't mention in his gospel, that Luke won't mention in his gospel, that Luke won't mention in his gospel, nor Mark, nor John. Only Matthew nor Mark, nor John. Only Matthew nor Mark, nor John. Only Matthew describes it. Here's Ed's question. describes it. Here's Ed's question. describes it. Here's Ed's question. Pastor John, in Matthew 27:50-54, we Pastor John, in Matthew 27:50-54, we Pastor John, in Matthew 27:50-54, we read that saints were raised after read that saints were raised after read that saints were raised after Jesus's death and later entered into Jesus's death and later entered into Jesus's death and later entered into Jerusalem.

Jerusalem. Jerusalem. One of the greatest miracles in human One of the greatest miracles in human One of the greatest miracles in human history, history, history, and yet there is no further mention of and yet there is no further mention of and yet there is no further mention of it anywhere else. Not in any other it anywhere else. Not in any other it anywhere else. Not in any other gospel, not in Josephus, nowhere. gospel, not in Josephus, nowhere. gospel, not in Josephus, nowhere. So why might Matthew include it so So why might Matthew include it so So why might Matthew include it so briefly? And why would no other gospel briefly? And why would no other gospel briefly? And why would no other gospel account expand on it? account expand on it? account expand on it? And then verse 53 says, "After his And then verse 53 says, "After his And then verse 53 says, "After his resurrection, they went into the holy resurrection, they went into the holy resurrection, they went into the holy city." Does this mean that they were city." Does this mean that they were city." Does this mean that they were raised and waited until Christ rose raised and waited until Christ rose raised and waited until Christ rose himself? himself? himself? I would love your thoughts on how to I would love your thoughts on how to I would love your thoughts on how to read this really curious and glorious read this really curious and glorious read this really curious and glorious and under-emphasized story and under-emphasized story and under-emphasized story faithfully. faithfully. faithfully. >> Well, we better start with the text >> Well, we better start with the text >> Well, we better start with the text because I don't think most people will because I don't think most people will because I don't think most people will know what we're talking about if we know what we're talking about if we know what we're talking about if we don't. So here's the here's the text. don't. So here's the here's the text. don't. So here's the here's the text. And Jesus cried out again with a loud And Jesus cried out again with a loud And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. Very voice and yielded up his spirit. Very voice and yielded up his spirit. Very last thing he does on the cross. And last thing he does on the cross. And last thing he does on the cross. And behold, this is verse 51. Behold, the behold, this is verse 51. Behold, the behold, this is verse 51. Behold, the curtain curtain curtain >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> of the temple was split in two >> of the temple was split in two >> of the temple was split in two from top to bottom. from top to bottom. from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and rocks were And the earth shook, and rocks were And the earth shook, and rocks were split.

split. split. The tombs also were opened. The tombs also were opened. The tombs also were opened. Many bodies of the saints who had fallen Many bodies of the saints who had fallen Many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. asleep were raised. asleep were raised. And coming out of the tombs after his And coming out of the tombs after his And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they went into the holy resurrection, they went into the holy resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. city and appeared to many. city and appeared to many. When centurion and those who were with When centurion and those who were with When centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake earthquake earthquake and what took place. That's It's and what took place. That's It's and what took place. That's It's important phrase. What took place. important phrase. What took place. important phrase. What took place. They were filled with awe They were filled with awe They were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of and said, "Truly this was the Son of and said, "Truly this was the Son of God." God." God." Now, I believe all scripture is inspired Now, I believe all scripture is inspired Now, I believe all scripture is inspired by God and is without error by God and is without error by God and is without error as it was written by those who were as it was written by those who were as it was written by those who were carried along by the Holy Spirit. carried along by the Holy Spirit. carried along by the Holy Spirit. And that it is profitable, all of it is And that it is profitable, all of it is And that it is profitable, all of it is profitable profitable profitable as the apostle says in 2 as the apostle says in 2 as the apostle says in 2 Timothy 3:16. Timothy 3:16. Timothy 3:16. But that doesn't mean every sentence or But that doesn't mean every sentence or But that doesn't mean every sentence or every part of it is equally profitable.

every part of it is equally profitable. every part of it is equally profitable. It doesn't diminish the glory of God or It doesn't diminish the glory of God or It doesn't diminish the glory of God or the truth of his word to say that some the truth of his word to say that some the truth of his word to say that some things he says things he says things he says are enormously important and other are enormously important and other are enormously important and other things are true and helpful, but not of things are true and helpful, but not of things are true and helpful, but not of the same level of importance and the same level of importance and the same level of importance and helpfulness. You could think of helpfulness. You could think of helpfulness. You could think of stories stories stories and teachings in the Bible as and teachings in the Bible as and teachings in the Bible as different actors in a drama. different actors in a drama. different actors in a drama. Some actors are much more central and Some actors are much more central and Some actors are much more central and prominent than others. prominent than others. prominent than others. And others are supporting actors. All of And others are supporting actors. All of And others are supporting actors. All of them fitting together in their greater them fitting together in their greater them fitting together in their greater or lesser roles in order to get across or lesser roles in order to get across or lesser roles in order to get across God's infallible truth. God's infallible truth. God's infallible truth. Well, this story in Matthew 27, Well, this story in Matthew 27, Well, this story in Matthew 27, I think is one of the minor actors in I think is one of the minor actors in I think is one of the minor actors in the drama. the drama. the drama. Uh you could think of this story as a Uh you could think of this story as a Uh you could think of this story as a cameo appearance of an actor that lasts cameo appearance of an actor that lasts cameo appearance of an actor that lasts for a moment for a moment for a moment and he never shows up again in the New and he never shows up again in the New and he never shows up again in the New Testament. But that's not at all Testament. But that's not at all Testament. But that's not at all unusual. I mean, and our friend who unusual. I mean, and our friend who unusual. I mean, and our friend who asked this question makes it sound a asked this question makes it sound a asked this question makes it sound a little bit unusual. Lots of events in little bit unusual. Lots of events in little bit unusual. Lots of events in the Gospels are reported only once in the Gospels are reported only once in the Gospels are reported only once in the whole New Testament. The raising of the whole New Testament. The raising of the whole New Testament. The raising of the widow's son at Nain, the coin in the the widow's son at Nain, the coin in the the widow's son at Nain, the coin in the fish's mouth, the healing of the fish's mouth, the healing of the fish's mouth, the healing of the bent-over woman, the healing of the 10 bent-over woman, the healing of the 10 bent-over woman, the healing of the 10 lepers, the replacing of Malchus' ear in lepers, the replacing of Malchus' ear in lepers, the replacing of Malchus' ear in the garden, the raising of Lazarus, and

the garden, the raising of Lazarus, and the garden, the raising of Lazarus, and oh my goodness, so many more oh my goodness, so many more oh my goodness, so many more occur one time and never again in any of occur one time and never again in any of occur one time and never again in any of the New Testament. And I think that Ed the New Testament. And I think that Ed the New Testament. And I think that Ed overstates the situation a bit when he overstates the situation a bit when he overstates the situation a bit when he says, says, says, "There's no further mention of it "There's no further mention of it "There's no further mention of it anywhere else. Not in the Gospels, not anywhere else. Not in the Gospels, not anywhere else. Not in the Gospels, not in Josephus. in Josephus. in Josephus. Nowhere." Well, actually, Nowhere." Well, actually, Nowhere." Well, actually, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> it is mentioned in most of the earliest >> it is mentioned in most of the earliest >> it is mentioned in most of the earliest church fathers, starting from the early church fathers, starting from the early church fathers, starting from the early church, Ignatius, Irenaeus, Clement, church, Ignatius, Irenaeus, Clement, church, Ignatius, Irenaeus, Clement, etc. So, the fact that it doesn't get etc. So, the fact that it doesn't get etc. So, the fact that it doesn't get reported anywhere else in the New reported anywhere else in the New reported anywhere else in the New Testament is not unusual. Testament is not unusual. Testament is not unusual. And outside the New Testament, it was And outside the New Testament, it was And outside the New Testament, it was well known among Christians from the well known among Christians from the well known among Christians from the beginning. The The main question is not beginning. The The main question is not beginning. The The main question is not the frequency of the report, but what the frequency of the report, but what the frequency of the report, but what does it mean? Why is it here? does it mean? Why is it here? does it mean? Why is it here? So, let me mention six possible things So, let me mention six possible things So, let me mention six possible things that Matthew that Matthew that Matthew may be trying to communicate in telling may be trying to communicate in telling may be trying to communicate in telling us this story. Some of these I feel us this story. Some of these I feel us this story. Some of these I feel strongly about this is what he's doing, strongly about this is what he's doing, strongly about this is what he's doing, others maybe less so, but I commend them others maybe less so, but I commend them others maybe less so, but I commend them for your consideration.

for your consideration. for your consideration. First, First, First, at the moment of Jesus' death, at the moment of Jesus' death, at the moment of Jesus' death, the curtain in the temple was split the curtain in the temple was split the curtain in the temple was split and and and the rocks the rocks the rocks were split. were split. were split. Now, that leaps off the page in Greek Now, that leaps off the page in Greek Now, that leaps off the page in Greek because the same word is used, schizo, because the same word is used, schizo, because the same word is used, schizo, in both cases. Unfortunately, in English in both cases. Unfortunately, in English in both cases. Unfortunately, in English translations, it almost always says the translations, it almost always says the translations, it almost always says the curtain was torn curtain was torn curtain was torn and the rocks were split, so you can't and the rocks were split, so you can't and the rocks were split, so you can't see it's the same word. And and the see it's the same word. And and the see it's the same word. And and the splitting of the rocks is connected with splitting of the rocks is connected with splitting of the rocks is connected with the tombs being opened. the tombs being opened. the tombs being opened. So, in verses 51, second half of the So, in verses 51, second half of the So, in verses 51, second half of the verse and the beginning of verse 52, the verse and the beginning of verse 52, the verse and the beginning of verse 52, the rocks were split and the tombs were rocks were split and the tombs were rocks were split and the tombs were opened. opened. opened. So, two splittings So, two splittings So, two splittings and two openings. and two openings. and two openings. The curtain separating the holiest place The curtain separating the holiest place The curtain separating the holiest place in the temple where God met his people in the temple where God met his people in the temple where God met his people in person, person of the high priest in person, person of the high priest in person, person of the high priest once a year, and where redemption was once a year, and where redemption was once a year, and where redemption was transacted on the day of atonement, transacted on the day of atonement, transacted on the day of atonement, that was now open.

that was now open. that was now open. Jesus' death made a way Jesus' death made a way Jesus' death made a way of access to God of access to God of access to God by becoming the final sacrifice by becoming the final sacrifice by becoming the final sacrifice and the final redemption for sinners. and the final redemption for sinners. and the final redemption for sinners. Then the splitting of the rocks Then the splitting of the rocks Then the splitting of the rocks and the opening of the tombs is a and the opening of the tombs is a and the opening of the tombs is a parallel opening into the way of the parallel opening into the way of the parallel opening into the way of the life of God. life of God. life of God. So, the splitting of the curtain So, the splitting of the curtain So, the splitting of the curtain represents the represents the represents the overcoming of the separation of sin overcoming of the separation of sin overcoming of the separation of sin and the splitting of the rocks and the splitting of the rocks and the splitting of the rocks represents the overcoming of the represents the overcoming of the represents the overcoming of the separation of death. separation of death. separation of death. That's the first thing I think Matthew That's the first thing I think Matthew That's the first thing I think Matthew wants us to see. wants us to see. wants us to see. Second, Matthew wants us to make the Second, Matthew wants us to make the Second, Matthew wants us to make the connection between the death of Jesus connection between the death of Jesus connection between the death of Jesus and the resurrection of the body. and the resurrection of the body. and the resurrection of the body. It isn't just Jesus resurrection It isn't just Jesus resurrection It isn't just Jesus resurrection that secures our that secures our that secures our resurrection. His death resurrection. His death resurrection. His death defeated our death defeated our death defeated our death and secured the resurrection. It says in and secured the resurrection. It says in and secured the resurrection. It says in Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 2:14, "He died to destroy the one who has the "He died to destroy the one who has the "He died to destroy the one who has the power of death."

power of death." power of death." Death defeated death. Wasn't just Death defeated death. Wasn't just Death defeated death. Wasn't just resurrection that defeated death. Jesus resurrection that defeated death. Jesus resurrection that defeated death. Jesus death defeated our death. And in Hebrews death defeated our death. And in Hebrews death defeated our death. And in Hebrews 13:20, amazingly, 13:20, amazingly, 13:20, amazingly, it says that Jesus himself it says that Jesus himself it says that Jesus himself was raised by the blood of Jesus. was raised by the blood of Jesus. was raised by the blood of Jesus. So, the death of Jesus for sin is So, the death of Jesus for sin is So, the death of Jesus for sin is decisive in opening his grave decisive in opening his grave decisive in opening his grave and our graves. and our graves. and our graves. That's the connection that I think That's the connection that I think That's the connection that I think Matthew wants us to see. Matthew wants us to see. Matthew wants us to see. Connect the resurrection of the body Connect the resurrection of the body Connect the resurrection of the body with the death of the body of Jesus. with the death of the body of Jesus. with the death of the body of Jesus. Third, Third, Third, the fact that the bodies the fact that the bodies the fact that the bodies which came out which came out which came out were saints were saints were saints who had died under the Old Covenant who had died under the Old Covenant who had died under the Old Covenant makes clear makes clear makes clear that the life-giving power of Jesus that the life-giving power of Jesus that the life-giving power of Jesus death works backward as well as forward.

death works backward as well as forward. death works backward as well as forward. It secures the resurrection of Old It secures the resurrection of Old It secures the resurrection of Old Testament saints, not just Christians. Testament saints, not just Christians. Testament saints, not just Christians. I think he wants us to see that. I think he wants us to see that. I think he wants us to see that. Fourth, Fourth, Fourth, the fact that the word bodies is used the fact that the word bodies is used the fact that the word bodies is used stands out. stands out. stands out. It might have said, It might have said, It might have said, "The saints who had fallen asleep were "The saints who had fallen asleep were "The saints who had fallen asleep were raised." That would be perfectly raised." That would be perfectly raised." That would be perfectly natural. natural. natural. That's not what it says. That's not what it says. That's not what it says. It says many bodies of the saints It says many bodies of the saints It says many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. who had fallen asleep were raised. who had fallen asleep were raised. So, it seems that Matthew wants to So, it seems that Matthew wants to So, it seems that Matthew wants to underscore underscore underscore Jesus' bodily death Jesus' bodily death Jesus' bodily death and resurrection and resurrection and resurrection guarantees guarantees guarantees a bodily resurrection for all God's a bodily resurrection for all God's a bodily resurrection for all God's people. people. people. Fifth, Fifth, Fifth, why did Matthew refer to why did Matthew refer to why did Matthew refer to the appearances the appearances the appearances in the holy city?

in the holy city? in the holy city? Coming out of the tombs after his Coming out of the tombs after his Coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they went into the holy resurrection, they went into the holy resurrection, they went into the holy city city city and appeared to many, verse 53. and appeared to many, verse 53. and appeared to many, verse 53. This was God's most privileged city in This was God's most privileged city in This was God's most privileged city in the world. the world. the world. Yet, Jesus had said, "It cannot be Yet, Jesus had said, "It cannot be Yet, Jesus had said, "It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from that a prophet should perish away from that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem." Jerusalem." Jerusalem." It was a deadly city, It was a deadly city, It was a deadly city, an unbelieving city. an unbelieving city. an unbelieving city. Yet, there were so many warnings to Yet, there were so many warnings to Yet, there were so many warnings to Jerusalem to repent. Jerusalem to repent. Jerusalem to repent. Perhaps this is another. Perhaps this is another. Perhaps this is another. You have crucified Jesus, but here's You have crucified Jesus, but here's You have crucified Jesus, but here's what it means. what it means. what it means. You didn't succeed. It means life from You didn't succeed. It means life from You didn't succeed. It means life from the dead. It's not too late, Jerusalem. the dead. It's not too late, Jerusalem. the dead. It's not too late, Jerusalem. Here's another witness to the reality of Here's another witness to the reality of Here's another witness to the reality of Jesus. Jerusalem, repent while there's Jesus. Jerusalem, repent while there's Jesus. Jerusalem, repent while there's still time. Finally, number six.

Finally, number six. Here's what it says about the Centurion Here's what it says about the Centurion Here's what it says about the Centurion at the cross. When the Centurion at the cross. When the Centurion at the cross. When the Centurion and those who were with him saw the and those who were with him saw the and those who were with him saw the earthquake earthquake earthquake and what took place, and what took place, and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, they were filled with awe, and said, they were filled with awe, and said, "Truly, this was the Son of God." "Truly, this was the Son of God." "Truly, this was the Son of God." What was Matthew referring to What was Matthew referring to What was Matthew referring to by the words what took place? by the words what took place? by the words what took place? They saw the They saw the earthquake. They saw the They saw the earthquake. They saw the They saw the earthquake. And what took place? And what took place? And what took place? Well, in the immediate context, Well, in the immediate context, Well, in the immediate context, what took place was the curtain split what took place was the curtain split what took place was the curtain split and the tombs opened. and the tombs opened. and the tombs opened. The curtain's too far away. They They're The curtain's too far away. They They're The curtain's too far away. They They're not going to see that. He's not there. not going to see that. He's not there. not going to see that. He's not there. Maybe Maybe Maybe the tombs I mean, I don't know how close the tombs I mean, I don't know how close the tombs I mean, I don't know how close they were, and I don't know what they they were, and I don't know what they they were, and I don't know what they could see. could see. could see. But at least in the in the context of But at least in the in the context of But at least in the in the context of the the the text, as it flows, text, as it flows, text, as it flows, the most clear the most clear the most clear antecedent to what took place was antecedent to what took place was antecedent to what took place was the rocks were split, the curtain was the rocks were split, the curtain was the rocks were split, the curtain was split, the bodies were raised, they came split, the bodies were raised, they came split, the bodies were raised, they came out, they bore witness to the out, they bore witness to the out, they bore witness to the resurrection.

resurrection. resurrection. So, this last suggestion is So, this last suggestion is So, this last suggestion is the raising of the dead was another the raising of the dead was another the raising of the dead was another witness to the confession, "Surely, witness to the confession, "Surely, witness to the confession, "Surely, this this this is the Son of God." is the Son of God." is the Son of God." His death raises the dead. His death raises the dead. His death raises the dead. There are many I I mean, just let's There are many I I mean, just let's There are many I I mean, just let's admit it, there are many unanswered admit it, there are many unanswered admit it, there are many unanswered questions about this text and this questions about this text and this questions about this text and this event. event. event. But there's enough here to keep us But there's enough here to keep us But there's enough here to keep us amazed and thankful amazed and thankful amazed and thankful for a long time. for a long time. for a long time. >> Yes, amazed and thankful for a long >> Yes, amazed and thankful for a long >> Yes, amazed and thankful for a long time, and still in awe over all the time, and still in awe over all the time, and still in awe over all the unanswered questions about this text and unanswered questions about this text and unanswered questions about this text and this event. All of it there at least to this event. All of it there at least to this event. All of it there at least to show us that this life-giving power of show us that this life-giving power of show us that this life-giving power of Jesus' death works backwards Jesus' death works backwards Jesus' death works backwards as well as forwards to prove that the as well as forwards to prove that the as well as forwards to prove that the cross didn't just forgive sins, it cross didn't just forgive sins, it cross didn't just forgive sins, it literally literally literally broke the power of death itself, broke the power of death itself, broke the power of death itself, securing the resurrection of Old securing the resurrection of Old securing the resurrection of Old Testament saints, not just Christians of Testament saints, not just Christians of Testament saints, not just Christians of the New Testament era. I've never the New Testament era. I've never the New Testament era. I've never thought about that in this account as a thought about that in this account as a thought about that in this account as a bridge of Christ back to the Old bridge of Christ back to the Old bridge of Christ back to the Old Testament believers. I don't know. I Testament believers. I don't know. I Testament believers. I don't know. I guess I always thought they were just guess I always thought they were just guess I always thought they were just people who died recently, like in during people who died recently, like in during people who died recently, like in during Christ's life. Fascinating.

Christ's life. Fascinating. Christ's life. Fascinating. This type of question reminds me of one This type of question reminds me of one This type of question reminds me of one of our most famous episodes of all time, of our most famous episodes of all time, of our most famous episodes of all time, shockingly famous. Another gospel shockingly famous. Another gospel shockingly famous. Another gospel account that makes you scratch your account that makes you scratch your account that makes you scratch your head. head. head. Why did the demons ask Jesus for pigs? Why did the demons ask Jesus for pigs? Why did the demons ask Jesus for pigs? If you ever wondered about that story, If you ever wondered about that story, If you ever wondered about that story, see the Ask Pastor John book uh if you see the Ask Pastor John book uh if you see the Ask Pastor John book uh if you have it handy. have it handy. have it handy. And my digest of it on page 352, how And my digest of it on page 352, how And my digest of it on page 352, how Pastor John handles that text too is Pastor John handles that text too is Pastor John handles that text too is remarkable. Don't miss it. Just this remarkable. Don't miss it. Just this remarkable. Don't miss it. Just this episode reminds me of that one. So, episode reminds me of that one. So, episode reminds me of that one. So, yes, the cross of Christ works backward yes, the cross of Christ works backward yes, the cross of Christ works backward to save Old Testament saints, and the to save Old Testament saints, and the to save Old Testament saints, and the cross works backward to obliterate the cross works backward to obliterate the cross works backward to obliterate the past sins that have haunted us past sins that have haunted us past sins that have haunted us in our lives. Next time, why your in our lives. Next time, why your in our lives. Next time, why your regrets cannot ruin your life. regrets cannot ruin your life. regrets cannot ruin your life. I'm Tony Reinke. We'll see you back here I'm Tony Reinke. We'll see you back here I'm Tony Reinke. We'll see you back here on Monday.