After Jesus took His last breath, never seen catastrophe took place- there was darkness over the land for several hours; the veil of the temple was torn into two and the Most Holy place became visible, while lightnings and thunders struck the earth with deafening strokes. Yet many did not discern the time, because their hearts were hardened. But at great risk Joseph, a secret admirer, stepped forward to take the LORD’s body down and laid Him in a newly hewn tomb, one he had probably reserved for himself. The women who had cried their eyes out and the bewildered disciples all had to return home after all was done. Their LORD had died in their very eyes and had been laid to rest. It was all over! Their hope was forever gone. The tomb was sealed with a great stone. Everything became quiet, silent as night!
But while everyone held their breath in bewilderment, something was happening deep down in the lower parts of the earth. The LORD had descended to the lower parts of the earth – the place of the dead . There he destroyed him who had the power of death. Up to this point death had reigned over man. First, as a Master and tyrant no one could defy because of its sting- Sin. Sin could not be resisted by any man except those who had the presence of God, like Joseph, Daniel and a few others. All men fell at the feet of Master Sin. You cannot say ‘No’ to its demands. But when Jesus died, He destroyed that power and authority. For those who believe in Jesus, sin does not have that dominion anymore. Secondly, the gate of death was closed on man. There was no way out of Hades and Death. Even the Saints of old were held in Hades (the place of the dead). The rich man, in hell (Hades), saw Abraham and Lazarus in his bosom. But when Him who is the LIFE entered the place of the dead, He took away the keys of Hades and Death (Rev 1:18) and opened the gates from the dead to man. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Mat 27:52-53
So, while everything on this side was quiet and it seemed all hope was lost, the LORD used one stone to kill two birds: He took the Mastery through sin and death away from the Devil; Sin to keep us obeying him and death to keep us perpetually in his company. Now, we can say ‘No’ to sin and absolutely, we shall never die. Hallelujah!
Eph 4:9
Ps 63:9-10
Heb 2:14
1Cor 15:56
Rom 6:14
Lk 16:22-23
Jn 11:25