As many, including each of us gather to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, perhaps at a cemetery. Many churches have a Sunrise service.
Cemeteries often perceived as a place of sorrow, becomes a source of inspiration. It may seem odd to reflect on life and hope amid tombstones and memorials, yet it is precisely here, among the stones, that we encounter the profound truth of the Gospel: Jesus Christ, our resurrected King, has conquered death. We don't just honor memories; we celebrate the living hope that promises not only the resurrection of Christ but that the dead in Christ will rise again.
As we delve into the depths of Matthew 27:50-54, we will discover three pivotal points illuminating our hope in the resurrection, not just for the future but for the here and now.
Firstly, we must consider the stones that grace the cemetery. Each of these stones is a testimony to a life once lived, a “dash” that represents a journey filled with joy, pain, love, and loss. In our scripture, the passage begins with the moment of Christ’s death. Who is this that dies? It is Jesus! With His final breath, He chose to give up His spirit voluntarily, a sacrifice made out of love for humanity. This act was not a sign of defeat but rather the ultimate victory over sin and death. As we reflect on this, we find hope in the assurance that though death is a reality, it is not the end. For every believer, Jesus' death paves the way for life, reinforcing that even in the graves, there lies the promise of resurrection.
Secondly, let us examine the names etched upon these stones. They represent the relationships and reputations of those who have passed, serving as memorials of our loved ones. The events surrounding Jesus' death were marked by extraordinary occurrences — an earthquake, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the opening of graves. Each of these elements carries profound significance. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are reminded that our loved ones, who have died in faith, are not lost but rather transformed, poised for resurrection. This assurance cuts through the grief associated with death, reminding us that in Christ, there is always hope, even when we face the hardest part of letting go.
Finally, we look again with renewed vision; these graves, filled with what seems to be death, are, in truth, awaiting life. Matthew chronicles an astonishing moment when the dead were raised after Jesus’ death, marking the emergence of godly men and women from their graves. (After Jesus’ resurrection we find that they were messengers that went throughout the region.) These resurrected souls became messengers, speaking from beyond the grave to testify of God’s power over death. It reflects a powerful truth: for believers, death is not the end but rather a passage into a new life. We too are offered this resurrection; our spirits can rise from the dead when we encounter Jesus. Just as those who were once dead can proclaim God’s grace and love, we, too, must ask ourselves if we have been spiritually raised and how we are sharing this profound testimony with the world.
In conclusion, who is this Jesus who died but rose again? He is our hope, the one who transforms the dash of our lives into a testimony of eternal significance. Encountering Him means that powerful things can happen, not only for us but for those around us. As we celebrate this resurrection season, let us embrace the truth that those who were once dead are now alive in Christ, ready to share their testimony of God’s grace and hope. We serve a risen Savior, and in Him, we find the promise of life — today, tomorrow, and forever.
I love playing games with my grandchildren. One game includes them holding their breath as we pass a cemetery. It’s a fun contest to see if they can do it. But, in the imaginary grandparent handbook of rules, it states that grandparents should slow the vehicle down to make it more difficult for them to hold their breath long enough to pass.
How about you? Upon holding your breath as you consider this message and every cemetery that you pass and again breathing air into your lungs, you will proclaim the truth of the gospel that Jesus saves!
