The Day The Tombs Opened

If I was there…

It was the middle of the day; the sun was just out a few hours earlier. The sky was clear blue and the warmth flowed over my face. The songs of various birds, the bleat of lambs, ribbits of frogs, and laughing of children all filled my ears. The air was sweet with the scent of tulips and lupines.

But then, everything changed. It was only midday, but it became dark all around and in spite of the yelling and cursing there was an eerie silence. The smell of death filled my nostrils. The air was stale and damp, and I could feel it even in my bones. There was a knot in my stomach and an ache in my soul that I could not quite figure out.

I stood behind an angry mob. On the other side, there were three criminals hanging on crosses. At least that’s what I was told. I couldn’t see because of all the people moving back and forth, jumping up and down, thrusting their fists into the air, cursing and yelling. I wanted to get a closer look at the crosses. I wasn’t convinced the one man was a criminal. My mind was confused trying to clear all the mixed words and messages I had heard over the last few days about this man. I had to see for myself. I started forcing my way through the crowd. I could hardly move, being knocked back and forth as I pushed past legs, torsos, and moving arms. I was invisible, not even catching a glimpse from anybody. So, I continued. I continued to slowly push my way through the screaming mob closer and closer to the crosses. Then I caught sight of a large boulder off to the side, away from the mob. As I was tossed side to side, bent over and covering my head to protect against angry fists swinging in the air, I finally broke loose. I was close enough I could hear the soldiers talking to the prisoners. I hid behind the boulder. I leaned against the stone, out of sight.

I heard a hoarse weak voice say “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”. There was no doubt that this was the man who claimed to be Gods Son. I understood the words to say, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

I gasped, how did I understand that? This language was foreign to me, yet, I understood the words exactly. I immediately remembered the talk about this man raising the dead, making the blind see, and healing the sick. What was this about? Then I heard that same hoarse voice speak, only softer, “I’m thirsty”.

The guards mumbled and laughed. The smell of vinegar filled my nostrils. I again heard words come out of this same man, only this time they were strong, bold, clear and loud, “It Is Finished.”

I heard a quick gust of wind mixed with a soft groan, and then nothing.

I lost my balance and was thrown down onto the ground, away from the rock. The earth was shaking so violently. I heard a loud explosion and a cracking noise. I looked at the stone I was just standing behind, only to see it break in half and crumble to the ground. The crowds anger turned to fear with screaming and running in all directions. I stood up the best I could and walked quickly towards the city. A person ran past me, yelling frantically, “The temple curtain is ripped in half! The veil is torn!”

As I entered the city, a man ran into my arm, throwing me off balance. Another came straight towards me; I moved out of his way just in time. I heard people screaming, “The tombs are opening! The graves are opening!”

I stopped where I was. I realized that the people stopped running. They were all standing still, their eyes wide open and they were all staring past me. Their faces were white with fear and their bodies were trembling. Their mouths were barely moving, but I could hear something about ghosts. I turned to see what was going on. I saw people, with loose strips of linen hanging and falling off them, walking into the city. The smell of Myrrh and aloe filled the air. Their faces were washed out, yet everyone of them were smiling. It was a very strange sight, yet it was not eerie, it was peaceful and calm.

Surely that man on the cross was the Son of God!

Surely this man called Jesus, IS the Son of God!