The Son of God and Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrates His power over death and His glory as the Son of God, leading to eternal freedom and reign.
H.J. Vine preaches on the powerful witness of the centurion and his companions who saw the earthquake, the opening of graves, and the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection, leading them to declare, 'Truly this was the Son of God.' The resurrection of the saints at the time of Christ's resurrection serves as a profound testimony to His glory and triumph over death, echoing the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11 and the future resurrection of all from the graves in John 5, affirming His power, triumph, and glory as the Son of God, the Resurrection, and the Life.
Text
When the centurion and his companions who were on guard while our Lord Jesus Christ was in the tomb saw the earthquake which opened the graves, and the things that took place at His death and resurrection, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54).
It should be noticed that this was said at the time when "many bodies" of the saints arose, and came out of "the graves" after Christ's own resurrection.
What a witness were those raised "bodies" out of "the graves" to the glory of the Son of God, and to His triumph over death. In John 11 His glory is seen in bringing Lazarus forth from "the grave" also; and in John 5 it is written, "Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming in the which all that are in "THE GRAVES" (μνημεîους) shall hear His voice, and shall come forth" (v. 28).
The word for "grave" is indisputably the same in each of these scriptures. It unquestionably assures our hearts as to His power to raise the dead, as to His triumph over death, and as to His glory, who is the Son of God, the Resurrection and the Life. What victory! What glory! Blessed be His name for ever.
"The Lord is risen indeed:
And death has lost its prey:
And with Him all the ransomed freed
Shall reign in endless day."
Sermon Outline
- The Witness of the Resurrection
- The Centurion's Confession
- The Witness of the Raised Saints
- The Glory of the Son of God
Key Quotes
“Truly this was the Son of God” — H.J. Vine
“The Lord is risen indeed: And death has lost its prey: And with Him all the ransomed freed Shall reign in endless day.” — H.J. Vine
Application Points
- Recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Resurrection and the Life, who has triumphed over death.
- Acknowledge the glory and power of Jesus Christ in raising the dead and freeing the ransomed.
- Look forward to the ultimate outcome of Jesus' resurrection, where all the ransomed will reign in endless day.