Matthew 27:60
And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Matthew 27:60
This verse records Jesus’ burial in Joseph’s own new tomb hewn out of rock, a significant act of generosity and precedence. A tomb hewn from rock indicates a prime burial place, not a cave or common grave. The text notes that Joseph rolled a great stone to cover the entrance, sealing the tomb. The use of a new tomb emphasizes fresh beginnings, aligning with the resurrection expectation. The juxtaposition of Jesus’ crucifixion with a private, honorable burial underscores the paradox of humiliation and honor, defeat and victory, that characterizes the gospel narrative. The presence of the stone also introduces the motif of “closed doors” and “opening doors” that will become central to resurrection scenes and early Christian proclamation.
The tomb becomes a symbol of human entrustment and divine sovereignty. Joseph’s act of providing a tomb foreshadows Jesus’ victory over death and the possibility of new life for all who follow him. The stone also foreshadows the rolling away of barriers—emphasizing the impending resurrection and the universality of Jesus’ lordship. This moment anchors the tomb as a real space where death happens, while anticipating the divine intervention that will defy death itself.
In your life, think about what tombs you might be rolling away or barriers you are asked to remove for others—barriers to hope, to opportunity, or to healing. Practical steps: remove a barrier for someone in your community—offer a job, a loan, or a listening ear; support a community project that creates new beginnings; be intentional about giving others second chances after failure. The tomb scene invites you to trust in God’s capacity to bring life from stone-cold places.
Cross-References: John 19:41-42; Luke 24:1-12; Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Revelation 1:18