The death of Jesus on the cross is one of the most significant events in Christian theology, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The events that occurred immediately after Jesus' death are profound and multi-faceted, carrying deep theological implications and providing a rich tapestry of meaning for believers.
According to the Gospel accounts, several extraordinary events took place immediately after Jesus breathed His last. These events are recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and each offers a perspective that, when combined, provides a comprehensive understanding of the aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion.
One of the most dramatic occurrences was the tearing of the temple veil. Matthew 27:51 states, "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." This veil separated the Holy of Holies—the most sacred part of the temple where God's presence was believed to dwell—from the rest of the temple where people worshipped. The tearing of the veil symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, signifying that through Jesus' sacrificial death, all people now have direct access to God. This event fulfilled the prophecy and served as a powerful visual representation of the new covenant established by Christ's blood.
In addition to the tearing of the veil, the Gospel of Matthew records that "the earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open" (Matthew 27:51-52). This earthquake was not merely a natural phenomenon but a divine sign, emphasizing the cosmic significance of Jesus' death. The splitting of rocks and the opening of tombs also pointed to the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, foreshadowing the resurrection and the promise of new life for believers.
Another remarkable event was the resurrection of many holy people who had died. Matthew 27:52-53 describes how "the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people." This extraordinary occurrence underscored the victory over death that Jesus' death and resurrection would achieve. It served as a foretaste of the resurrection of all believers, affirming the hope of eternal life.
The Gospels also record the reaction of the Roman centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus. According to Matthew 27:54, "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'Surely he was the Son of God!'" This acknowledgment from a Roman soldier, a representative of the occupying power, highlighted the universal recognition of Jesus' divine identity and the far-reaching impact of His death.
Luke's Gospel adds another layer of detail, noting that "the sun stopped shining" (Luke 23:45) for about three hours, from noon until three in the afternoon. This supernatural darkness served as a sign of mourning and divine judgment, emphasizing the gravity of the moment. It echoed the Old Testament prophecies of a day of the Lord characterized by darkness (Amos 8:9) and underscored the cosmic significance of Jesus' sacrifice.
Following these extraordinary events, the Gospels recount the actions of Jesus' followers. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council who had not consented to their decision to condemn Jesus, boldly approached Pilate to request Jesus' body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, along with Nicodemus, took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in a new tomb hewn out of rock (Matthew 27:57-60; John 19:38-42). This act of devotion and care provided Jesus with a dignified burial, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which states, "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death."
The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, witnessed where Jesus was laid and prepared spices and perfumes to anoint His body (Luke 23:55-56). Their faithfulness and devotion, even in the face of immense grief, exemplify the love and loyalty of Jesus' followers.
The chief priests and Pharisees, fearing that Jesus' disciples might steal His body and claim He had risen from the dead, went to Pilate and requested that the tomb be secured. Pilate granted their request, and they sealed the stone and posted a guard at the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66). This precautionary measure, intended to prevent any tampering with Jesus' body, ironically set the stage for the undeniable proof of His resurrection.
In summary, the events that occurred immediately after Jesus died on the cross are rich with theological significance and deep meaning for believers. The tearing of the temple veil symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, the earthquake and the resurrection of holy people underscored the transformative power of Jesus' death, and the acknowledgment of the centurion highlighted the universal recognition of His divine identity. The actions of Jesus' followers, including the burial by Joseph of Arimathea and the devotion of the women, demonstrated their love and loyalty. Finally, the securing of the tomb by the chief priests and Pharisees set the stage for the glorious resurrection that would follow.
These events collectively point to the profound impact of Jesus' sacrificial death, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the hope of new life and resurrection for all who believe in Him. As believers reflect on these events, they are reminded of the depth of God's love, the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ.
