Matthew 27:32-66

Jesus' death and burial Matthew 27:32-66: The power of the cross makes salvation possible. The sign over His head read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." He is far more though, "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever." (1 Timothy 1:17) Jesus showed the world God in the most sacrificial way possible. Now we must be, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

Simon of Cyrenia helped Jesus bear the cross to Golgotha. This place is also called Calvary and the place of the skull. There Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the world. Even nature acknowledged the death of the Son of God for sinners. No wonder the sun hid its face, the veil of the temple rent and the graves opened. God had died for the sins of man! "Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God." (Matthew 27:54)

Jesus was buried in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. He had not consented to the action of the council even though he was a member. He displayed love and courage by seeing that Jesus was properly buried. Joseph's tomb was a "new tomb hewn out in a rock." (Matthew 27:60) Some Roman soldiers were given the impossible task of trying to keep Jesus in the tomb. In spite of their guard "He arose."

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the result of amazing love. "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." If Jesus could willingly endure this suffering for us, surely we can live for Him! To prepare for eternity you must obey the gospel NOW and keep faithful to God. Purify your heart by deep faith (John 8:24), change your life through repentance, (Acts 17:30), change your relationship with God through baptism. Then, from that watery grave of baptism arise to walk in newness of life in Christ. (Romans 6:3-4) Now is the time when you should prepare for eternity. “For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Why not be the person you can be through Christ?