“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”– Matthew 27:60 (KJV)
“He rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away.”– Matthew 27:60 (NLT)
“He placed it in his own tomb, which he had cut out of rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance and went away.”– Matthew 27:60 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 27:60 Mean?
This verse is set in a profound context, as it describes the burial of Jesus after His crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the council, took a bold step by asking Pilate for Jesus’ body. This was a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Gospel, illustrating both the end of Jesus’ mortal life and the beginning of the hope He would bring. Jesus had been the subject of immense scorn and ridicule, and here, He was given a dignified burial. The rock-hewn tomb signifies permanence and the finality of death, while the great stone represents a barrier to all, symbolizing the end of a chapter in the life of those who followed Him.
When we read this verse, we are called to reflect on the finality of death and what it means in the Christian faith. We can explore the deeper implications where death was seen as the ultimate defeat, but through Jesus, it is transformed into the very means for salvation and resurrection. In the face of despair, we begin to recognize God’s power that overcomes even death itself.
Matthew 27:60 Explanation and Commentary
Focusing on Joseph of Arimathea’s boldness, we see an individual who had been a secret disciple of Jesus. This highlights the theme of courage; in a time when the disciples fled, Joseph stood up. His actions were not just about burial; they represented a statement of faith and love. By stepping forth, he embraced his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. His willingness to give up a beautiful tomb, one that cost him much and was meant for himself, shows selflessness.
As we reflect on this, we notice how relationships with Jesus require steps of faith. We may face situations that could draw us away due to fear or doubt, but Joseph models the courage our faith demands. His choice to come boldly forward and seek Jesus’ body is a challenge to us. Are we ready to stand up for what we believe, even in the face of opposition or ridicule?
Additionally, the rolling of the stone is full of significance. It signifies the sealing of the tomb and the sadness that follows. The act confirms that Jesus was truly dead, and as followers, we are called to acknowledge this truth. Yet, in this darkest moment, we find hope; the stone, while it seems to seal the fate, will also be rolled away. This duality serves as a powerful reminder that what seemed permanent was, in fact, a temporary stage in God’s plan for redemption. We must believe in the updates in our lives; what may look like an ending can become a new beginning.
The great stone is also representative of sin and death. In Romans 6:23, we learn that “the wages of sin is death.” This speaks to the nature of the world we live in, a world where death seems constant. However, Jesus offers us hope, promising that He would defeat sin and death. Essentially, God does this through the opposing force of resurrection. When we place our trust in Him, we are set free from the shackle of sin and the fear of death.
Context of Matthew 27:60
Moving deeper into the context, we observe the world surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion and burial. The events preceding this have stirred disbelief, anger, and grief among Jesus’s followers. The death of Jesus creates a somber atmosphere, and this was a significant turning point not just for the disciples but for humanity. The religious leaders and the Roman authorities had viewed Jesus as a threat, and putting Him to death was a misguided action that they believed would secure their positions.
This burial marks the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry. He had spoken about His death and resurrection throughout His time with His disciples (Matthew 16:21). However, at this moment, the hearts of His followers are heavy with sorrow and confusion. They cannot comprehend the resurrection, which will soon take place in a few days. We might even recognize our own moments where doubt clouds our faith during hard times. It is perfectly normal to have periods of questioning, and wrestling with our beliefs is also part of growth in faith. God welcomes our honest questions.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:60
As we dissect this verse, the action of Joseph is crucial. He was not only a member of the Jewish council but also someone who had a certain standing in society. His actions would certainly bring concern or additional scrutiny upon him. He risked his reputation and safety to claim Jesus’ body, which would make him an enemy of those who orchestrated Jesus’s execution.
Next, we consider how the tomb itself was significant. Cut from rock, it suggests that it was truly prepared for someone of importance, perhaps a royal figure. In Isaiah 53:9, it mentions how Jesus would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. This actually connects prophetic scriptures that anticipated Jesus’s sacrifices and fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. It serves as a reminder that God’s plans often come to fruition in ways we might not expect. We must remember that God works in the background through the lives around us to bring His promises and plans to pass.
The rolling of the stone creates an image of closure. For Joseph, the stone was a barrier to securing that he did all he could for Jesus. The stone not only sealed the tomb for protection but also built walls of separation for those who loved Jesus, preventing them from accessing Him in their time of grief. But this stone, while representing an ending, foreshadows the miraculous event of resurrection when that same stone would be rolled away.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 27:60
One of the key takeaways from Matthew 27:60 is the importance of courage in our faith. Joseph teaches us that when we stand up for what we believe, we can make a significant impact. This can be a great call to action for each of us. We often encounter circumstances where we may need to advocate not just for ourselves but for the truth of Jesus in tough situations. Though we may fear ridicule, we can take comfort in the promise that God stands with us. In Romans 1:16, Paul mentions that he is not ashamed of the gospel, reminding us that the good news of Jesus deserves to be shared regardless of the circumstances.
Another lesson we can embrace is that love sometimes requires sacrifice. Joseph’s act of providing his own tomb was not without cost. He gave willingly for the sake of Jesus. This models selflessness, a quality we should strive for in our relationships. Love is more than just a feeling; it is an action. How often are we willing to sacrifice for those we love? It invites us to reflect on both our relationships with people and our relationship with God, too.
Finally, we are called to hope. The sealed tomb marked an ending, but for believers, it was only the beginning. We must keep faith, trusting that when situations look bleak, God is still at work. Resurrection comes after suffering, and it is essential for us to remember this truth during hard times. As we explore our own challenges, God invites us to embrace hope, which may just be the very thing we need—hope that leads to joy and strength.
Final Thoughts
As we ponder the depth of Matthew 27:60, let us carry with us the lessons learned from Joseph of Arimathea. Boldness in faith and love is essential, and standing up for our beliefs can make a difference not just in our lives but in the lives of those around us. The significance of Jesus’ burial reminds us that the story does not end there. Instead, it propels us toward understanding the need for hope amidst despair.
We encourage readers to explore more topics if they are interested in deepening their faith or seeking to understand the teachings of Jesus further. Reading through topics like Matthew 11 and Genesis 18 can provide profound insights that shape our journey in faith. Remember, we are on this journey together, and with each scripture, we take a step closer towards understanding God’s grand design and love for us.