The Earthquaked
and Rocks Split
Introduction:
We
continue our series on the miracles that took place when Jesus died. This is the 3rd installment.
Matthew is the only writer that records the event of the earthquake and rocks
being split (27:51). Tonight we wish to discuss the significance of the
earthquake and rocks splitting and the effect it had on the centurion & those
present at Jesus’ death. What can we learn from this?
I. What is the significance of this
phenomenon?
A.
What
others have said:
1.
Hendrickson: the stones were now crying out because no
disciple, standing near the cross, was praising the Savior.
2.
Another
view: Calvary’s earthquake answered
Sinai’s, as if to say, ‘the curse pronounced upon sin at Sinai is now removed.’
B.
What we
do know.
1.
In
scripture, earthquakes were testimony to God’s presence and power.
a)
Ex.
19:10-12; 16-20; 20:18-20; Psalm 68:7-8
b)
Mt.
28:2-4; Acts 16:26
2.
Earthquakes
had a purpose – to incite fear. Exodus 20 and Matthew 28
3.
Earthquakes
also demonstrate God’s presence and power in judgment.
a)
Nahum
1:1-6, esp. 1:5
b)
Isa.
64:1-3 – mountains quaked at God’s
presence.
c)
Joel
3:15-17 – the Lord roars from
Zion…heavens and earth tremble.
C.
What is
the significance of the earth quaking at Jesus’ crucifixion?
1.
Evident
that God created this earthquake.
2.
Could
it indicate God’s judgment on Satan? Heb. 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8
D.
This
event did:
1.
indicate
God’s presence & power at this event (the crucifixion)
2.
Bring
about faith in and reverence for God.
II. The centurion and others
understood it to indicate God’s presence & power.
A.
Mt.
27:54; Mk. 15:39; Lk. 23:47
B.
Why
would these events cause them to conclude He was the Son of God?
1.
Mt.
27:43 – would they not have heard the jeers of Jesus’ enemies?
2.
Jhn.
19:6-8 – Jews had accused Jesus of blasphemy because of His claim to be
the Son of God.
III. Will we accept the
earth-shaking evidence that God has provided for us?
A.
God has
given us earth-shaking evidence for faith in Him, the Bible, and His Son!
B.
John
20:29-31 – Jesus says it is possible to believe in Him w/o seeing!
C.
Testimony
of God’s word should lead us to conclude that Jesus Christ is the Son of God! Heb. 11:1, 3, 6
IV. One day the earth will shake
again with God’s judgment.
A.
Hosea
10:8b; Isa. 2:19-21; Rev. 6:14-16 – take a look at this language.
B.
Symbolic
in nature – describing the terror of men as they faced God’s judgment
C.
Heb.
9:27 – appointed for all men to die & then comes judgment.
1.
2 Pet.
3:10-12 - no running from this event. No hiding from God.
D.
Are we
prepared to meet God? What is the condition of your soul?