Pastor Frank Gordoa – Lead Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Grand Island, NE
The Apostle Matthew reports at the moment Jesus died, a massive earthquake shook the land and rocks cracked open.
“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,“
Matthew 27:51
Imagine the loud sounds of rocks and boulders breaking and splitting apart as the ground quaked and buildings collapsed — certainly not a typical occurrence at a death. Imagine feeling the earth shake so violently you could hardly stand. What would you think? How would you react?
Creation was audibly crying out over the death of its Creator, the Son of God.
Jesus hinted at this kind of noise several days earlier as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. During His triumphant entry into Jerusalem He was celebrated and welcomed loudly by the people of the Holy City. Pharisees urged Him to rebuke His followers for praising God so loudly. But Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” Luke 19:40
What do you think Jesus meant by this statement? Did He mean the rocks would literally start shouting praises to the Lord?
Most likely, no. The expression of the stones crying out seems to be proverbial and not to be understood as a literal statement. But, the meaning seems to be this: it is more likely to see the impossible happen than for the King of kings to enter His capital city without honor.
In saying the stones will cry out, Jesus indicates the people’s acclamations should be encouraged, not suppressed. The people of Jerusalem were expressing great joy, joy so appropriate, so necessary, that, if they did not express praise, it would be appropriate for inanimate objects to fill the void. Because Jesus will receive His due praise.
Colossians 1:16 states “all creation was made for God’s glory. Everything in creation declares His praise”. However, men and women are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), so we are the ones who should be praising God!
In the days following Jesus’ triumphal entry, the people who were shouting at His arrival would suddenly fall quiet. And then, by Friday, they would yell for Him once again, but this time to be crucified (Luke 23:18–23).
The idea of rocks crying out in praise to the Lord is poetic, startling imagery. Throughout Scripture are similar poetic passages that present inanimate objects praising God.
For example, in Psalm 114:6, “the mountains leap.”
Isaiah 55:12 says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Throughout Psalm 148, there are numerous examples of created things praising their Creator—the sun, moon, stars, heavens, water, sky, animals, and people. Everyone and everything was created. And we were created to give God our praise and worship.
Yes, the stones certainly cried out at the death of Jesus. Our God is all powerful and the Creator of everything. The sheer majesty of all of creation should warrant a response of worship.
But all too often in life, we get too distracted, complacent or blinded by what’s in front of us to give God the praise and worship He deserves. When God’s creation doesn’t give proper worship to Him, His creation will. Because He is so worthy and holy. If we fail to worship, surely the earth will.
This is a profound reminder of our responsibility, and privilege, to give God glory and praise. Anytime, always and in everything!
