EIGHT STUPENDOUS,SUPERNATURAL SIGNS
Anita Clark – Pastor, Carbondale, KS
In Matthew we see more details of the death and resurrection of Jesus than in other Gospels, — from crucifixion to resurrection momentous days and mighty happenings. These were the most important of all the ages. Eight miracles with far reaching purposes set forth by God at this time. He marks these days with mighty happenings so that everyone who heard of and witnessed them, could know that these spectacular events were indeed of divine origin.
Natural creation of Gen. 1 and 2 came on the scene with little fanfare and disturbance. Greatest aspect of creation was when God “breathed in nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Gen 2:7. However, when God brings the Spiritual Man on the scene, the head of the New Creation, He announced the fact with this emphatic series of events. God declaring “Christ His Son the Redeemer of all mankind.” Matt. 27:33-37; 27:45-46; 27:51(3 events), 27:52-53; 28:1-6.
Great men of the world both good and bad have come and gone. Creation did not respond to any of them as it did to the death of the Son of God. David, Abraham, Daniel, Moses, Elijah, Apostle Paul – Rulers like Julius Caesar, George Washington, Adolph Hitler – Scientists, musicians, sports heros, etc. With none of these were there great convulsions of creation as are described here concerning Christ. Only one Man has died whose death called forth these tremendous upheavals and convulsions of creation – Jesus Christ. All creation owned Him as Lord and Creator. God advertised His death and resurrection. Man has tried to analyze Him with no success.
EIGHT SUPERNATURAL SIGNS -
1. Matt. 27:45-46 Dense darkness from noon to 3 p.m. as He hung on the Cross.The Light of the world hung as our sin-offering. In compassion the sun refused to shine. Darkness more than eclipse or even sunset, - dense and black as man’s sin. Represents darkness of separation from God for those who refuse to accept Christ. This darkness was instant darkness and then instant Light! Glory!!!! John 1:9 “That was the true Light” (Christ).
2. Matt. 27:51 “And the veil in the temple was rent in twain from top to the bottom” Access gained for man into the presence of a Holy God! Nothing separates!! Glorious truth. Supreme sacrifice! Once for all! Heb. 10:17—”Sins remembered no more!” “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” John 3:16
When Jesus cried “It is finished” God was satisfied.
3. “And the earth did quake” Such supernatural evidence!! This convulsion of nature felt throughout the entire region that day. The day of Jesus’ death! The quake rocked back and forth, and trembled, and vibrated. Nature making open display, advertising death of THE MAN! Whole world will feel this quaking at His second coming with power and great glory. Vs.54 Those watching “feared greatly” Today the world still feels this pain, sorrow, terror and suffering. Woe and wailing are appointed for all who reject this Man. This source of light and life. 1 Cor. 3:11 tells us “For other foundation can no man lay that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
4. “And the rocks rent” The word “rent” means — “split, sever, break open, torn apart!! The ROCK of all ages had died!! Nature shows its disapproval and arouses in sympathy! “Upon this Rock will I build my Church. Christ will stand forever as the Stone, Elect and Precious to God and men who will believe.
5. “And the graves were open” Not all graves. To believers the power of death and the grave was annulled. “Where sin abounded grace did much more abound” Rom. 5:20.
6. “And the bodies of the saints which slept arose (after His resurrection).” Accuracy of Scripture noted. 1 Cor. 15:20 “Christ the firstfruits of them that slept.” These saints (holy ones) went into the city and appeared (witnessed) to many!! They who rose were a foretaste or earnest of the resurrection when Jesus comes again!!
7. Matt. 28:2 “Behold, there was a GREAT EARTHQUAKE! for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.”
8. Matt. 28:5-6 “And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. HE IS NOT HERE FOR HE IS RISEN, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.” The Resurrection of Christ was the greatest and most astounding sign of all! A miracle of miracles!! Rom. 8.22-23. “The whole creation groaneth and travileth … waiting for the ... redemption of our body.”
