Matthew 27:45–61 provides a detailed account of Jesus’ death and burial. This passage highlights the significance of Jesus’ death and burial as a pivotal moment of redemption.
Even in death, Jesus is fulfilling prophecy, breaking spiritual barriers, and setting the stage for resurrection, an outcome deeply intertwined with Jesus death and burial.
Matthew 27:45–61 (NASB 2020)
45 Now from the sixth hour, darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, Lemma Sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. 49 But the rest of them said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. 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 Also, 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. 54 Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” 55 And many women were there watching from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while caring for Him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. 57 Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
Who Was Involved?
- Jesus, dying in complete surrender and purpose during his burial process
- Roman soldiers, mocking but ultimately confessing
- Women followers, loyal and grieving
- Joseph of Arimathea, courageous and compassionate enough to oversee Jesus’ burial
- Pilate, permitting the burial
- God, demonstrating power in signs and fulfillment of prophecy
What Happened?
- Darkness covered the land
- Jesus cried out and gave up His spirit
- The temple veil tore supernaturally from top to bottom
- Earthquake, tombs opened, the dead were raised
- A Roman centurion declared Jesus to be the Son of God
- Joseph of Arimathea received and buried Jesus’ body, marking the significance of Jesus death and burial
- Women witnessed it all with quiet strength
The Mood: Holy, Grief-Stricken, Awe-Filled
- Heaven and earth responded to Jesus’ death
- The world stood still at the cost of sin
- Yet this moment also brought a breakthrough and access to God
The Principle: Jesus’ Death Gives Us Life
- The torn veil symbolizes direct access to God
- Jesus willingly gave His life; it was not taken from Him
- Even in silence and death, God is working, through Jesus death and burial
Audience Response (Then)
- Soldiers trembled and confessed the truth
- Women stayed when others fled
- Joseph honored Jesus in His death and took charge of His burial
- God responded with power, shaking creation itself
What This Means for Us in 2025
- We live in the power of the cross, not the weight of sin
- Jesus tore the barrier between God and us—walk boldly
- Don’t run from pain—let it produce awe, reverence, and hope
Action Steps for Today
- Honor Christ’s sacrifice by living with purpose and reverence
- Trust God in silence. He is still working behind the veil
- Be bold like Joseph. Honor Jesus even when it costs you, and reflect on His death and burial
- Draw near to God. The torn veil is your open invitation
- Stay close. Be present in moments of pain and waiting
Final Prayer
Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for mine. Even in death, You were powerful and purposeful. Help me to live in the power of Your sacrifice. Tear away any barrier that keeps me from You. I want to honor You in life and death. In Your name, Amen.
The veil tore, the earth shook, but hope remained. Jesus’ death is not the end—it’s the door to new life.
