What Jesus Did! 'No Barriers Allowed' — Matthew 27:51-53

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

When Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn into two pieces. The tear started at the top and tore all the way to the bottom. Also, the earth shook and rocks were broken. All the graves opened, and many of God's people that had died were raised from death. Those people came out of the graves. After Jesus was raised from death, those people went into the holy city (Jerusalem), and many people saw them.
— Matthew 27:51-53 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 27:51-53 NLT — After Jesus was raised from death, those people went into the holy city (Jerusalem), and many people saw them.

Key Thought

There comes a time when God has to do something dramatic to help get it through people's hard heads and hard hearts that they just don't get it. Jesus came to fulfill all that Judaism was intended to mean. Jesus came to bring all the blessings that God had promised to bring. Jesus came to save all those who are willing to come to him and be saved. This is the dawning of a new age and a new covenant and the fulfillment of God's promises to his people. Jesus doesn't want barriers between people, especially racial ones and religious ones. He wants us to come to him and find unity in his Lordship.
The time is now. The Gospel must triumph so all people can come to feast at God's table and enjoy the blessings of his salvation.

Today's Prayer

Forgive me God, when I have let my own prejudices, narrow-mindedness, or hard heart block me from having active and ongoing fellowship with other believers. I know Jesus came and brought something fresh and new and that all peoples need it. Please help me see, and then act upon, those special moments of opportunity to bless others in Jesus' name and bring them closer to you! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:12-18
  • Revelation 7:9-10
  • Romans 1:16

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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