Matthew 27:60
“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”
This verse is part of the account of the burial of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion. Let’s explore the context and significance of this verse in the larger narrative.
Matthew 27:60 occurs towards the end of the chapter, which focuses on the events following Jesus’ death. After Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross (Matthew 27:50), Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and a disciple of Jesus, approaches Pilate, the Roman governor, to request permission to bury Jesus’ body (Matthew 27:57-58). Pilate grants Joseph’s request, and Joseph takes charge of Jesus’ body for burial.
The verse tells us that Joseph laid Jesus’ body in his own new tomb, which he had prepared by hewing it out of the rock. This detail underscores the fact that Jesus was buried in a tomb that had not been used before. It signifies the honour and respect Joseph had for Jesus, as well as fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which says that the Messiah’s grave would be with the rich.
Moreover, the act of rolling a great stone to the door of the sepulchre was a common practice in ancient times to seal tombs securely. This action ensured that the tomb was protected and that nobody could tamper with or remove the body. It also highlights the finality of Jesus’ death and burial.
The significance of this verse extends beyond the literal act of burial. It emphasises the reality of Jesus’ death and His physical burial, which becomes a crucial aspect of the resurrection story. The empty tomb on the third day serves as a pivotal event in Christianity, affirming Jesus’ victory over death and providing hope for believers in His resurrection.
In summary, Matthew 27:60 describes the honourable burial of Jesus’ body by Joseph of Arimathea in his own new tomb. The verse highlights the respect shown towards Jesus and sets the stage for the profound event of His resurrection, which forms the foundation of the Christian faith.
