Matthew 27:50-56
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split
52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
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!”
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.
56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
INTRO
More than ever, the world needs to recognize that Jesus truly is the Son of God.
John 20:31 (NIV2011)
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Look at what the centurion saw which caused him to say, “truly…”
I. His DEATH (50)
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Jesus died the death that each and every one of us deserved
Romans 3:23 (NIV2011)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23 (NIV2011)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-10 (NIV2011)
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Romans 10:13 (NIV2011)
for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 3:3 (NIV2011)
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Titus 2:11 (NIV2011)
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
Salvation through the son of God is offered through His death
RESPONSE: Will you surrender your life to Jesus and receive forgiveness for your sins?
II. His DESTRUCTION (51)
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Tradition tells us that the veil was 60 feet high and 4 inches thick
Hebrews 9:12 (NIV2011)
He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV2011)
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart…
We now have access to Jesus because He, the true Son of God, died for us!
RESPONSE: Will you move from “religion” to “relationship” with the Son of God?
III. His DOMINION (51-53)
51 …The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
This is an amazing portion of Scripture that is found no where else in the Scriptures
We see Jesus’ power and dominion over:
NATURE — the Lord is greater than anything else in all creation
DEATH — this was a foreshadowing of HIs resurrection
Matthew 28:2-6 (NIV2011)
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
There is nothing that can compare to the power and the dominion of the Son of God
RESPONSE: Do you need the Son of God to show you His dominion over something you are facing?
IV. HIS DISCIPLES (55-56)
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.
56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons
Our world needs to see the commitment we have to God to to each other
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV2011)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
John 13:35 (NIV2011)
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Our culture is watching. Ae we love each other and Him, we show the culture that Jesus truly is the son of God.
RESPONSE: Can the world see your love and commitment to the Son of God?
CONCLUSION
* Do you need to give your life to the Son of God?
* Do you need to realize a closeness to the Son of God?
* Do you need the Son of God to demonstrate His power/dominion?
* Do you need to show your commitment to the Son of God to this culture?
