Thinking Spiritually

[HKHaugan]

The Crucifixion Experience and Its Events

“At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What's more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus' resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.)” Matthew 27:52-53 The Message

It’s important to grasp the depth of this passage, the significance of its message and the spiritual dimension it mirrors. Seven events take place here.

First, the curtain of the Temple was ripped from top to bottom.

Second, there was an earthquake.

Third, rocks were split to pieces.

Fourth, tombs were opened.

Fifth, many bodies of believers were raised.

Sixth, after Jesus rose they left the tombs

Seventh, they went into the holy city appearing to many.

The Significance of the Seven Events.

First, the curtain of the Temple, a thick curtain of enormous height, was ripped in two, torn from top to bottom showing that it was God tearing the curtain from above, the man-made curtain that separated man from God. “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (2Cor.3:16 NIV).” Here also can be seen the sinful nature in man overcome by his born again nature from above. Thus man, through the Cross can receive the Spirit to know, discern and choose good over evil.

Second, the earthquake shows that there was a tectonic shift in the spiritual dimension showing the spiritual dimension was shaken causing an eruption in the physical dimension. Is.29:6, “suddenly in an instant the Lord almighty will come with thunder and earthquake…” Ezekiel also records the Lord’s words, “In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel (38:19).”

Third, rocks were split to pieces. There is the story of Achan in Joshua 7. He disobeyed God’s rule not to take any personal booty from the city of Ai after its defeat. When he had been discovered he was stoned to death and a pile of rocks was placed above his body to remain as a memorial to warn against disobedience. Jesus paid the price for Achan’s sin. The rocks of our rebellious disobedience are split to pieces by the sacrifice of the Cross. The power of the Spirit split the rocks of sin, hearts hardened by sin, sin’s defeat on the Cross, the devil’s hold on the world.


Fourth, tombs were opened, that is the individuals trapped in the bondage of sin, the tombs of self-centeredness and lonely fear, were opened. Believers were raised from the dead. “I give you all the credit, GOD— you got me out of that mess, you didn't let my foes gloat. GOD, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together. GOD, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out (Ps.30:1-3 The Message).” It is the faith of the believer that saves him and faith is the first fruit of Jesus’ Resurrection to show what is in store for all who believe in every succeeding generation. Remember, the stone at Jesus’ tomb was not rolled away to let Jesus out. It was rolled away to let the disciples in. He had already risen right through the stone-sealed tomb.

Fifth, they leave the tombs, the tombs of their past, their sins and the broken world. God called Abraham out of Haran, “The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you (Gen.12:1).” They leave their aloneness, its fear and the grave clothes that held them. They leave that in which the devil had clothed them; their reliance on world identities in which they and we seek significance---our blood lineage, our ethnic, political, social identities and accomplishments.

Sixth, they enter the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, the Body of Christ. They become a new spiritual family of gifted believers to be discipled and grow spiritually, “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted (1 Peter 2:9-10 The Message).”

Seventh, they appear to many, they re-enter the real world of people who have yet to believe in Jesus. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Mt.28:18-20 NIV).”