What does the "great earthquake" signify about God's power in Matthew 28:2? Text Under the Lens “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it.” (Matthew 28:2) Earthquakes in Scripture: A Pattern of Power - Sinai: “The whole mountain trembled violently” when the Lord descended in fire (Exodus 19:18). - David’s song: “Then the earth shook and quaked; the foundations of the mountains trembled” (Psalm 18:7). - Early church: “After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken” (Acts 4:31). - Philippi: “Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison” (Acts 16:26). - Future judgment: “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but heaven as well” (Hebrews 12:26). Across Scripture, seismic shocks consistently mark moments when God breaks into human history with unmistakable might. What the Resurrection Earthquake Reveals about God • Undeniable divine intervention – The quake occurs “for an angel of the Lord” descends, tying the physical shaking directly to heavenly activity. • Power over creation and death – The same voice that “spoke, and it came to be” (Psalm 33:9) now shakes the ground, announcing that death’s grip on Jesus has been shattered. • Overturning human barriers – Rome’s seal, the soldiers’ watch, and the weight of the stone are rendered meaningless; God moves earth itself to roll it away. • Cosmic proclamation – The resurrection is not a private event. Creation testifies audibly, echoing the promise that “all creation will be liberated” (Romans 8:21). • Continuity with redemptive history – Just as at Sinai and in the prophets, shaking signals covenantal milestones. The empty tomb inaugurates the new covenant in resurrection power. • Foretaste of final judgment and renewal – Revelation pairs earthquakes with the Day of the Lord (Revelation 6:12–17). The quake at the tomb previews the ultimate shaking that will remove all that is temporary and usher in the unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:27–28). Living in the Power Declared at the Tomb - Confidence: The God who moves mountains also moves in our lives (Mark 11:23). - Security: If creation must tremble before Him, our salvation in Christ is rock-solid (John 10:28–29). - Urgency: The quake heralds a living Savior; His followers proclaim a faith that cannot be silenced (Acts 4:20). |
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