7 Miracles Surrounding the Resurrection

Matthew 27:45-54

 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was an absolute miracle that continues to transform lives. Here are seven miracles leading up to the resurrection that display God’s power.

 

  1. The Occurrence of Darkness (v.45) When Jesus was born, there was an abundance of light. (Luke 2:9, “the glory of the Lord shone around…” John describes Jesus as light. With His pending death came darkness. From the “sixth hour” noon until the “ninth hour” 3 pm, there was a supernatural darkness. According to Mark 15:25 Jesus’ crucifixion began at 9 am. This occurrence represents the darkness of sin, even God’s judgement. Some believe that God was covering the suffering of His son. The Greek word for “land” here means world. The whole earth was dark for that time. Even extra-biblical Roman writings share this miracle.
  2. The Obstruction to the Divine (vv. 46-49) Jesus was quoting Psalm 22. He is crying out to God the father because of the separation that He is now experiencing. This had to happen. God could not look upon sin; therefore, He turned His back upon His Son. Habakkuk 1:13 states, “Thine eyes are too pure to approve evil, and Thou cannot look on wickedness with favor.” His Son, Jesus, took upon the sin of those who would place faith in Him, those saints from the past, present, and future who have and will trust Jesus for eternal life. (Isaiah 53:10) “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief…”
  3. The Obedient Death (v. 50) Jesus willing gave up His life! After beatings, the crown of thorns, nail wounds, and continual agony, Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus loves us so much that He died, forgiving our sins! There will never be a greater love, a greater sacrifice than this!
  4. The Obstacles Destroyed (v. 51) The veil in the temple was torn into two pieces. This veil separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. A priest went into this area once a year on the Day of Atonement to sprinkle blood on the altar for the sins of the people. The destruction of the veil represents access to God through Jesus Christ. This once for all sacrifice was enough! (Heb. 10:1-18). The obstacles to God have been destroyed! Not by works, not by extra sacrifices or observances, it’s by a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. There is no separation from God because of Jesus. Through Christ there is no need for a priest, sacrifices, or rituals, simply through a relationship with Jesus are we saved.
  5. The Obvious Disturbance (v. 51) The earthquake shook and the rocks were split. The Old Testament is clear of occurrences in which God shook stuff. Ex. 19:18 with Moses on Mt. Sinai, 1 Kings 19:11 with Elijah on the mountain, 2 Sam 22:8 when David felt the trembling of the earth because of the Lord’s anger, and several other passages convey this. God is giving us a glimpse of judgement in this passage. Hebrews 12:25-26 “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”
  6. The Observed Dead Came to Life (vv. 52-53) Many, but not all of those who trusted in the Messiah were resurrected. God is giving us a glimpse of the resurrection for all believers to come. You and I will be resurrected. Matthew is describing a foretaste of the promise in 1 Thess. 4:16 “all the dead in Christ shall rise.” Paul points out in 1 Cor. 15:20 that Jesus was “the first fruits of those who are asleep,” meaning that Jesus rose first. John 5:28-29 is clear of what will happen. “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” Early church leaders Origen and two disciples of John, Polycarp and Ignatius, believed this occurrence in verses 52 and 53 to be true.
  7. The Overarching Decision (v. 54) The centurion realized that Jesus was God! The 7th miracle is the fact that you see the cross as your only hope! Have you made the most important decision? Have you placed faith in Jesus Christ? Do you believe the miracle of the resurrection? Do you believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead for your salvation? This is the most important overarching decision that we will ever face. The 7th miracle would be your resurrection from death!

Matthew 28:1-10 is a detailed description of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe with all my heart that this is true! Because of its truth, I must made a decision to follow the Savior who died for my sins! His resurrection changes everything!