“And laid it (the body of Jesus) in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed.” – Matthew 27:60
Matthew 27:60 Meaning
This verse comes at a crucial moment in the story of Jesus’ life, specifically after His crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man and a secret disciple of Jesus, takes it upon himself to honor the body of Jesus after He dies. He approaches Pilate to request the body so that he can give it a proper burial.
Joseph’s actions demonstrate his deep respect and love for Jesus. In a time when fear and uncertainty surrounded the followers of Jesus, Joseph steps forward. By asking for Jesus’ body, he risks his standing in society and the possible backlash from the religious authorities who wanted Jesus dead. This act of bravery and faith signifies a turning point in the narrative and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what we believe, even in the face of opposition.
Matthew 27:60 Commentary and Explanation
When we read Matthew 27:60, we find ourselves witnessing an intimate and poignant moment. Joseph of Arimathea is not just any character; he is a man of means, a member of the council that condemned Jesus. By his actions, he showcases that individuals from all walks of life can show kindness and compassion.
He lays Jesus’ body in his own new tomb, a place that was meant for himself or his family. This is a significant gesture. The choice of a new tomb reflects the idea of purity and respect for Jesus’ body. One can imagine the emotions swirling within Joseph as he carries the lifeless body of Jesus. He had witnessed the miracles and teachings of Jesus throughout His ministry, and now he could hardly believe that the one he followed was gone.
Following this, the verse mentions that Joseph rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb. This act signifies closure. We often use stones in our lives to represent barriers or obstacles. Here, the stone represents a moment of deep grief, yet also a transition. This is a moment when Jesus’ burial symbolizes an ending but ultimately points to the new beginning that follows His resurrection.
As we reflect on this moment, we see Joseph as a courageous figure who acted with integrity. His commitment signals to us that we are called to act with courage and integrity, even when facing unfavorable consequences. Whether we are standing for our faith or supporting someone in distress, our actions can reflect the heart of God.
Historical and Literary Context of Matthew 27:60
Understanding the historical context in which this verse is situated gives us greater insight into its meaning. Jesus’ crucifixion was a brutal and public affair. His followers were scared and disheartened, fearing for their own lives. The leadership, particularly the Jewish council, sought to eradicate Jesus and His teachings once and for all.
The act of burying a crucified body presented its own challenges. Roman law dictated how crucified individuals should be treated, often leaving them on the cross until they decayed. Joseph’s bold decision to ask for Jesus’ body was not just a gesture of love; it was an act against the norms of that time.
Literarily, Matthew’s account highlights the compassion and tenderness that Jesus’ story encompasses, even in death. By including the role of Joseph of Arimathea, Matthew weaves in humanity amongst the brutality, showing a different perspective of those who opposed Jesus’ fate. Here, an act of kindness shines through a narrative filled with violence and hatred.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:60
Let’s look at this verse in a few key parts, highlighting what each segment means and its implications for us:
1. Joseph of Arimathea
Joseph represents hope, courage, and faith. He was a member of the Jewish council yet remained a secret follower of Jesus. In moments of darkness, he chose to exemplify light.
2. Laid it in His Own New Tomb
This symbolizes deep respect for Jesus. It shows Joseph’s recognition of Jesus’ worthiness and the intimate connection he felt with Him.
3. Rolled a Great Stone
The stone signifies the finality of death from a human perspective, serving as a natural barrier. But it also foreshadows the miracle of resurrection, pointing to the hope beyond the grave.
Theological Significance of Matthew 27:60
This verse holds great theological implications. It captures a pivotal moment in Christian history. The burial of Jesus serves a dual purpose: it highlights His humanity and foreshadows the promise of resurrection. In a world filled with hopelessness, Jesus reminds us that death is not the end.
Furthermore, this moment emphasizes the importance of community in faith. Joseph demonstrates how we can play a part in God’s story, expressing a commitment to caring for one another. In various ways, we are called to bear the burdens of others and stand up for what we believe, just as Joseph did.
Moreover, the act of laying Jesus in the tomb signifies the fulfillment of prophecy. Isaiah 53:9 indicates that the Messiah would be buried with the rich. Joseph’s involvement deepens our understanding of God’s plan, illustrating how man’s actions align with divine purpose.
Matthew 27:60 Cross-References and Related Verses
Isaiah 53:9
“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” – Isaiah 53:9
This verse links directly to the burial of Jesus, emphasizing how prophecy is fulfilled through Joseph’s actions.
John 19:38-40
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.” – John 19:38
This passage provides additional insight into Joseph’s character, confirming his discipleship in a discreet yet profound manner.
Mark 15:46
“So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.” – Mark 15:46
This is another account of his tender care for Jesus, highlighting the respect and love that existed in Joseph’s actions.
Practical Application of Matthew 27:60
How can we apply the lessons from this verse in our daily lives? Here are some ideas:
1. Stand Firm in Your Beliefs
Like Joseph, we may find ourselves in situations where we need to stand for what we believe. Let us have the courage to support one another, especially when it is unpopular to do so.
2. Show Compassion
Even in the darkest moments, we can extend kindness. Reach out to those who are grieving or in need. Small acts of love can bring immense comfort to others.
3. Reflect on Our Choices
Consider what our actions communicate to others. Are we aligning our choices with our beliefs? Let us strive to embody our values in every decision we make.
4. Support Each Other
Be an encouragement for one another within our communities. Like Joseph was for Jesus, stand up for those who might be marginalized or forgotten.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Matthew 27:60
As we reflect on Matthew 27:60, we are reminded of the depth of sacrifice and the beauty of compassion. Joseph of Arimathea, a figure often overlooked, plays an essential role in the gospel narrative, showing us the profound impact one person’s actions can have. When we act with courage and love, we can create ripples of hope and healing in our communities.
This moment encourages us to consider what we truly believe and how we express that in tangible ways. Are we willing to stand up and take risks for others? Are we ready to roll away the stones that hinder us from helping those in need?
Let us draw inspiration from Joseph. His actions encourage us to examine our faith, to act boldly in love, and to be beacons of hope in the lives of those around us.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 27:60 reveals much about our faith and the power of kindness. Joseph of Arimathea demonstrated bravery, love, and respect in a time filled with despair. His actions are a testament to how we, too, can stand boldly in our faith and extend love to those who need it most.
As we reflect on this powerful moment, we can lean into our own faith journeys, embracing the call to love and serve others. We are part of a larger story, and each act of kindness can lead to incredible transformations. May we always strive to be like Joseph, taking courageous steps for the sake of love and truth.
For more insights and encouraging reflections, feel free to explore other biblical passages that may inspire you.