Matthew 27:51-56: A Strange and Dreadful Strife

The signs accompanying Jesus’ death provide God’s testimony for the victory that He has won. The tearing of the temple curtain showed that the once-for-all sacrifice has been made by Jesus so that He is our true and only Mediator before God. The earthquake showed the reality of God’s judgment and served as a confirmation of Jesus’ teaching. The raising of the saints showed that Jesus’ death was life-giving. Of all people, the Roman centurion realized that Jesus’ death showed Him to be the Son of God. As the women looked on, they saw that Jesus had truly died. At that moment, He was ministering to them far more than they were ministering to Him. 

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 27:27-44. 

To learn more about Trinity in Marshfield, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org