Matthew 28:1-10

Earthquakes & Cosmic Animation

In Matthew 27:51, we read of an earthquake that occurred the moment Jesus breathed his last breath. Matthew wants us to note that the following chain of events (including the earthquake) are catalyzed by Jesus’ death: 1) curtain torn in the holiest place of the temple, 2) earth shaken and rocks split, 3) unearthing of deceased “saints” from their tombs, 4) resurrection appearances of these saints within the city, and 5) the profession of the centurion keeping watch over the crucified Jesus, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (v. 54).

Matthew’s point? Jesus’ death is cataclysmic. Its impact is not merely confined to family and friends, disciples and detractors, but it involves nature itself. It evokes a response of…