CLEAN – podcast 23 (OT Saints of Matthew 27)

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/clean-podcast-23-ot-saints-of-matthew-27/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Introduction</strong></p><ul><li>This is the fourth reanimation in the Bible. Actually, no single person is raised from the dead. Rather, it’s a <i>mass </i>reanimation.</li><li>There are two discussion into which we will not enter today:<ul><li>There is some disagreement among conservative Christians about whether we are required to interpret the phenomenon as an historical event. In today’s podcast we will not join that discussion. (My friend and NT scholar Mike Licona has addressed this passage, for those who want more.)</li><li>And, although it might be interesting to explore what life for the returnees was like, the true import of this passage lies in the <i>theological</i> and <i>Christological</i> areas. So be ready to learn about God, and to grow in our appreciation of Christ.</li></ul></li><li>Powerfully meaningful events attend the death of Christ, 3 in particular: the rending of the veil; the splitting of the earth; and the opening of tombs and reanimation of OT saints.</li><li>Jesus’ death affects even the realm of the dead.</li><li>The blood of Christ saves not only us who live under the new covenant, but also those who followed the Lord under the old covenant.<ul><li>Keep in mind that Matthew’s gospel is written for those from a Jewish background.</li><li>The mass reanimation would have meant little to those from a Gentile background.</li></ul></li><li>Holy persons. Without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14).</li><li>The impact on those who were watching was tremendous.</li><li>This event signals that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews, even those who have died—and who one day will be raised to life (Dan 12:1-2).</li><li>Jesus’ death makes new creation possible:<ul><li>New creation is changed, holy, pure, reverent, transformed lives.</li><li><i>And</i> the re-creation of the entire cosmos. 2 Cor