MPV Commentary

Jesus—He Is Taken Down from the Cross, and Buried—The Sepulchre Is Guarded.

The Veil Rent (Mt 27:51).

51. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This thick and beautifully crafted veil separated the holy place from the most holy place, shutting out all access to God's presence as revealed "from above the mercy seat and from between the cherubim" (Heb 9:8). It signified that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the day of atonement, with the blood of atonement in his hands, which he sprinkled "upon and before the mercy seat seven times" (Lev 16:14). This access for sinners to a holy God was only through atoning blood. But since they had only the blood of bulls and goats, which could not take away sins (Heb 10:4), the thick veil remained. However, now that the one atoning Sacrifice has been provided in Christ's precious blood, access to this holy God can no longer be denied. So, when Jesus expired on the cross, the moment the Victim died, that thick veil was mysteriously torn in two from top to bottom, signifying that the way into the holiest of all is now made manifest.

An Earthquake—The Rocks Rent—The Graves Opened (Mt 27:51-53).

51. And the earth shook violently. This earthquake seems to have been local, aimed at rending the rocks and opening the graves.

52. The graves were opened, and many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep arose. These sleeping saints were Old Testament believers who, according to Scripture (1 Thess 4:14), were quickened into resurrection life at Jesus' death but lay in their graves until His resurrection, when they came forth. However, it is more natural to understand that only the graves were opened by the earthquake at Jesus' death, preparing them for the subsequent exit of those who slept in them when the Spirit of life would enter from their risen Lord.

53. They went into the holy city and appeared to many, providing undeniable evidence of their own resurrection first and through it of their Lord's. This was not like temporary resurrections, such as that of the widow of Nain's son or Jairus' daughter, which were followed by a final departure (2 Kings 13:21). These saints rose once for all to life everlasting.

The Centurion's Testimony (Mt 27:54).

54. When the centurion and those with him saw the earthquake and the events that transpired, they feared greatly, convinced of the presence of a Divine Hand. They said, "Truly this was the Son of God." This expression points to Jesus' claim to be the Son of God, on which His condemnation turned.

The Galilean Women (Mt 27:55-56).

55. Many women from Galilee followed Jesus and ministered to Him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome, the mother of Zebedee's children.

56. These women are mentioned for their role in purchasing spices to anoint Jesus' body after His burial.

The Taking Down from the Cross and the Burial (Mt 27:57-60).

For the exposition of this portion, see on John 19:38-42.

The Women Mark the Sacred Spot that They Might Recognize It on Coming Thither to Anoint the Body (Mt 27:61).

61. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the sepulchre.

The Sepulchre Guarded (Mt 27:62-66).

62. The next day, after the preparation day, they hastened to take their measures. They said, "Sir, we remember that deceiver while he was still alive said, 'After three days I will rise again.'" This testimony from His bitterest enemies confirms the reality of Christ's death.

63. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made secure by a Roman guard until the third day, and say to the people, "He is risen from the dead." They feared this event might occur.

64. Pilate said to them, "You have a watch; go your way, make it as sure as you can." He seemed to imply that if the event were contrary to their wish, it would not be for want of sufficient human precautions.

65. So they went and made the sepulchre secure by sealing the stone and setting a watch. While they tried to prevent Jesus' resurrection, God used their precautions for His own purposes. The stone-covered, seal-secured sepulchre preserved Jesus' body in undisturbed repose, and their watch became His guard of honor until the angels took their place.