Happy Thursday! During the month of Easter I listen to pastors preach on the significance of Holy week for believers and nonbelievers. It moves my heart to hear the passion that fills their sermons as they engage us to remember how much Jesus loved us, how much God loves us and how the Holy Spirit continues to guide us. I know the world tries to commercialize the week with Easter bunnies and candy, but don’t let it take the place of the reason Jesus came. He came to give us life… Join me as we continue in Matthew chapter 27.

Bible Verse – Matthew 27:50-56 NLT
“⁵⁰ Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. ⁵¹ At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, ⁵² and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. ⁵³ They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

⁵⁵ And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.”

REFLECTION
Let’s point out a few key points in these verses:

• Jesus released his spirit. v.50

• The curtain in the sanctuary was torn in two, from top to bottom. v.51

• Tombs were opened. v.52

• Bodies of godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. v.52

• Soldiers said “This truly was the Son of God!” v.54

While reviewing the Bible Knowledge Commentary on this subject, the author described the curtain being torn as follows: “This curtain separated the holy place from the holy of holiest in the temple (Heb. 9:2-3). The fact that this occurred from top to bottom signified that God is the One who ripped the thick curtain. It was not torn from the bottom by men ripping it. God was showing that the way of access into His presence was now available for everyone, not simply the Old Testament high priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22)”

All these events were seen and experienced by numerous people. There was no way that anyone could deny the power that went forth. Brothers and sisters as we reflect on the ressurection of the risen Lord also known by the world as Easter, let us remember because of Jesus we now have access into God’s presence – we can go directly to him in prayer. He came to set us free from bondage and to give us new life in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for sending your son Jesus to make a way for us. Thank you for providing a perfect sacrifice for us, so that our sins would be forgiven and we can go to you with a clean heart and spirit. Lord, clean us again, purify our hearts and touch our souls so that we will be alive in you. Lord, wherever we are broken, no matter what we are going through today, make your presence known and fill us with your hope, encouragement and strength to endure. Lord, touch finances today, touch broken homes today, touch singles, orphans and widows today. Repair and renew marriages today. Lord, protect our children. Lord, be with us on the job and in school, give us favor with our bosses/co-workers/teachers/peers. Lord, help us to live a life that glorifies you. Transform us to be more like you every day. In Jesus name, amen!

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PRAYER REQUEST
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Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck Bible Knowledge Commentary (Unites States, SP Publications, 1983), 90.

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