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.”