"THE WORLD IS ROCKED"

Parallel Gospel Accounts -

Matthew 27:51-56 - make a couple of observations

Mark 15:38-41 - make a couple of observations

Luke 23:45b, 47-49 - make a couple of observations

Proposition - This morning we are going to learn about three things: 1) the power of the cross, 2) the response to the cross, and 3) the commitment to the cross.

Interrogative question - How has the “cross” affected your life?

1. The Power of the Cross - vs. 51-53

Matthew 27:51–53 NASB95

51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

What is the “veil” that is referenced in vs. 51?

What was the purpose of it being torn?

What events happened right after Christ death on the cross?

Veil was torn from top to bottom

Earth shook

Rocks split

Tombs opened

Saints raised

Came out of the tomb

Went to Jerusalem

What would you have done if you saw these things happening?

2. The Response to the Cross - vs. 54

Matthew 27:54 NASB95

54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

What is a “centurion?”

How did he respond to all of these things that were happening?

Why did all of these things happen? (vs. 54 - earthquake)

How are you responding to the cross?

3. The Commitment to to the Cross - vs. 55-56

Matthew 27:55–56 NASB95

55 Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him. 56 Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

What people are mentioned in these verses?

What do you know about each of them?

Why do you think that they were so committed?

SO WHAT?