Meaning of Matthew 27:60

The burial of Jesus in Joseph of Arimathea's new tomb, sealed with a large stone, marks a pivotal moment of finality and profound significance in the Gospel narrative. This act, performed by a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, underscores the somber reality of Jesus' physical death and the apparent end of his mission from the perspective of his followers and the religious authorities. The choice of a new tomb, never before used, emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus' burial and implicitly sets the stage for the unprecedented event of his resurrection. The rolling of the stone, a massive undertaking requiring significant effort, signifies a deliberate act to secure the tomb, intended to prevent any tampering or removal of the body, thereby reinforcing the belief that the burial was permanent.

Context and Background

This verse occurs immediately after the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Jewish Sabbath was approaching, necessitating the swift burial of the body according to Mosaic Law. Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus in secret (John 19:38), boldly requested Jesus' body from Pilate. His wealth and status are highlighted as they enabled him to provide a tomb of his own, a significant act of generosity and devotion that publicly associated him with Jesus at a time when most disciples had fled in fear. The tomb being "new" and "cut out of the rock" speaks to its permanence and the deliberate care taken in preparing a resting place.

Key Themes and Messages

• Finality of Death: The physical burial and sealing of the tomb represent the apparent finality of death. For those who did not believe, this was the conclusive end of Jesus' claims and ministry.
• Respect and Dignity: Despite the ignominious manner of his execution, Jesus was afforded a burial befitting a respected individual, due to Joseph's intervention. This highlights the human dignity extended to him, even in death.
• Divine Foreknowledge and Provision: The fact that a tomb was readily available, and a man of influence was willing to provide it, can be seen as divine providence ensuring Jesus' burial occurred according to prophetic expectation.
• Security and Secrecy: The large stone was intended to secure the tomb, preventing any unauthorized access. This act, ironically, becomes a crucial element in the subsequent narrative of the resurrection, as its removal by divine power will be undeniable proof.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The burial of Jesus is not merely a historical footnote but a crucial element of the Christian faith. It affirms the reality of his human suffering and death, validating the sacrifice he made for humanity. The burial signifies his descent into the realm of death, a necessary step before his triumphant resurrection. For believers, this act represents Jesus taking on the full weight of sin and death, and overcoming them. It provides assurance that Jesus understands the depths of human suffering and the finality of death, and that he has the power to bring life out of it.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The burial of Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and death. While specific prophecies about the tomb are not explicit, the overall narrative of the Messiah being "numbered with the transgressors" and dying for sins (Isaiah 53) is powerfully embodied in his death and subsequent burial. Furthermore, his burial is the necessary precursor to his resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian theology, validating his identity as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Without the burial, the resurrection would lack its full significance as a triumph over death.

Analogies

One analogy for the tomb and the stone is a sealed vault containing an immensely valuable treasure. The vault is secured to protect its contents, but the true power lies not in the security of the vault, but in the inherent value of what is inside. Similarly, the tomb was sealed to secure Jesus' body, but his true power lay in his divine nature and the redemptive purpose of his death. Another analogy is a seed being planted. A seed must be buried in the ground (the tomb) and covered by soil (the stone) before it can sprout and bear fruit. This burial is not an end but a necessary stage for new life and growth.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 53:9: "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth." This prophecy is directly fulfilled by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, providing a tomb for Jesus, who was crucified as a criminal.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." This foundational passage explicitly includes Jesus' burial as a key event in the redemptive narrative.
• John 19:41-42: "At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, never used before. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, Joseph took the body of Jesus and put it there." This passage from John provides further detail about the tomb's location and newness, reinforcing the significance of its use.
• Matthew 28:2: "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it." This verse directly follows Matthew 27:60 and highlights the supernatural removal of the very stone that was placed to secure the tomb, signifying the power of God over death and earthly security.