“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”– Matthew 27:60
Matthew 27:60 Meaning
Matthew 27:60 describes a crucial moment in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. This verse captures the actions taken right after Jesus breathed His last on the cross. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, took a significant risk by claiming the body of Jesus. By doing this, Joseph showed immense bravery and devotion, particularly given the climate of fear surrounding Jesus’ followers.
The phrase “laid it in his own new tomb” signifies not just a physical placement of Jesus’ body, but also the deep respect Joseph held for Jesus. The fact that the tomb was newly hewn from rock indicates it had never been used before, suggesting a royal or important burial. This shows us that Jesus was treated with honor even in death.
Matthew 27:60 Commentary and Explanation
This verse not only highlights the burial of Jesus but also aligns with the prophetic words of the Old Testament, which indicated the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9). Joseph’s involvement underscores the fulfillment of these prophecies and demonstrates how God’s plan was meticulously coming together, even in the midst of people’s sorrow and confusion.
When we look deeper, we can see that Joseph’s actions also challenge us to reflect on our own faith. Joseph risked his reputation and safety in society to care for Jesus. In the same way, we are invited to consider how we are living out our faith in our daily lives—whether we are willing to take risks for what we believe in or if we often let fear dictate our actions.
He rolled “a great stone” to guard the tomb, which serves as a powerful image. This stone was an attempt to seal Jesus’ body away permanently, symbolic of the world’s effort to put an end to His influence once and for all. However, we know that this effort would be futile. Three days later, Jesus would rise from the dead, breaking the chains of death. The stone that covered the tomb would be rolled away, not just physically, but spiritually too, as we see in the following chapters in Matthew.
Therefore, this part of the story is not one of despair but rather a precursor to hope. We must keep in mind that moments of darkness often lead to the most remarkable transformations. It’s in life’s burial moments, when things seem hopeless, that God’s light and power can emerge to shine the brightest. By taking time to reflect on this, our spirits can be uplifted, knowing that God is always at work behind the scenes.
Context of Matthew 27:60
To understand Matthew 27:60 fully, we must consider the preceding chapters. Here, we see the events of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and His ultimate death. After living a life devoted to teaching, healing, and loving others, Jesus faced brutal rejection, betrayal, and ignominy at the hands of those He came to save.
Joseph of Arimathea is introduced as the man who requested Jesus’ body. This is significant because, during this time, the act of honoring someone’s body with a proper burial was of paramount importance in ancient Jewish culture. The absence of such honor could be seen as disgraceful. When Joseph stepped in to give Jesus a dignified burial, he countered the dishonor brought on by Christ’s crucifixion and displayed the love he held for the Savior.
Another context clue is that Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin. This group had played a role in condemning Jesus. His actions therefore show that even those who may have once stood against Jesus could still choose to align themselves with Him in a powerful declaration of faith.
The emotional weight of this moment cannot be overlooked. The disciples were devastated, frightened, and facing hopelessness after witnessing their leader’s death. The sacrifice of Jesus was the centerpiece of their faith—his physical absence meant deep despair. But within that sadness, God was orchestrating a dramatic turn of events. The resurrection is what forms the bedrock of our faith today.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:60
The phrase “laid it in his own new tomb” indicates the honor Joseph felt for Jesus. This wasn’t merely a place for burial; it was a mark of reverence. Joseph believed that Jesus deserved a proper resting place. When we think about how we honor those around us, we can ask ourselves whether we are showing appropriate esteem for others in our lives.
The act of rolling a stone in front of the tomb represents a human effort to contain or limit Jesus. However, through this, we learn that no earthly act can thwart God’s plans. There will be moments in our lives when situations appear insurmountable, yet we must always remind ourselves that God’s purposes will prevail. The resurrection provides a promise of hope, reminding us that barriers can be broken.
Furthermore, “and he departed” serves as a poignant closure to this narration of Jesus’ burial. It foreshadows an important transition, signaling the world’s absence of Jesus and the intense sorrow that surrounded His followers. Yet, the excitement that would come soon should not be lost on us. In the face of sorrow, we are often on the brink of a breakthrough that we cannot yet perceive.
Lessons From Matthew 27:60
There are many lessons we can take away from this scripture. One powerful lesson is the importance of stepping forward in moments when we are called to act, even if it feels daunting. Joseph of Arimathea chose to take a stand, risking his safety and reputation. His willingness to carry out this important gesture reminds us that our actions can speak volumes about our faith.
This narrative also challenges us to confront our own fears. We might not face the same risks that Joseph did, but we all have moments where we can choose to follow God or hold back. We must ask ourselves: Are we brave enough to honor Jesus in our decisions, even when it isn’t easy? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones for the sake of our values?
Joseph’s actions remind us that, even in the wake of devastating events, we can create spaces of dignity and respect. Conversely, we are called to be aware of how our actions can impact others. This powerful moment serves as a metaphor for the hope and honor we can extend to those around us.
Additionally, we can find comfort in the fact that God uses times of apparent loss to signal new beginnings. When we experience moments of despair or grief, we can hold onto the truth that God is working behind the scenes for our good. In praying, seeking, and stepping forward with faith, God will show us the light that follows shadows.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 27:60 may seem like a brief verse, yet it encapsulates the essence of love, sacrifice, and hope. Joseph of Arimathea’s willingness to honor Christ’s body teaches us valuable lessons about bravery and devotion. The actions taken in that moment became a part of an even grander narrative that would lead to the resurrection, the ultimate victory over death.
As we ponder over this verse, let us be encouraged to bravely represent our faith in the face of adversity. When we feel the burdens of life weighing on us, remember that each end can lead to a profound new beginning. Like the stone that was rolled away from Jesus’ tomb, anything that aims to bind us can be shattered by God’s magnificent power. This call to action is something we can all strive for; to be the kind of people who honor what is truly important, regardless of societal pressures.
If you’re looking to explore more uplifting themes, check out this summary of The Fifth Wave or visit our guide on Bible verses about Easter for kids. There is always more to learn and appreciate in our journey of faith.