The True Easter Story: Dead People Came Back to Life!

Matthew 27:50-53 - Jesus passionately cried out, took his last breath, and gave up his spirit. At that moment the veil in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth shook violently, rocks were violently split apart, and graves were opened. Then many of the holy ones who had died were brought back to life a and came out of their graves. And after Jesus’ resurrection, they were seen by many people walking in Jerusalem.

Matthew 27:52-53 states that graves were opened, dead people came back to life, and they were seen walking in the city. What a newsworthy item! But why is Matthew the only Gospel where this amazing event is described? And have you ever seen or heard this part of the story mentioned in an Easter sermon or an Easter movie? Me neither! Why isn't this part of the Easter story more widely known?

This passage raises so many questions in my mind! Were these people raised from the dead at the time of the earthquake or at the time of Jesus’ resurrection? Did they return to their families? Did a mother answer a knock at the door and find her deceased child standing before her once again - and hungry for a good home-cooked meal? Did people celebrate wildly to see their departed friends and loved ones return from the dead? Did these resurrected people continue to live normal lives on Earth? Or were they taken up to Heaven shortly after their resurrection? I don't know of any other references to this strange event in the Bible. But it certainly foreshadows the coming resurrection of all believers at the End of the Age!