Matthew 27:51-66

51 Look, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split,

52 and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised.

53 After Jesus' resurrection they came out of their graves and went into the holy city where they appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what had just happened, they were filled with awe and said, "This was certainly God's Son."

55 Many women were watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to serve him.

56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Burial

57 That evening a man named Joseph came. He was a rich man from Arimathea who had become a disciple of Jesus.

58 He came to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission to take it.

59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had carved out of the rock. After he rolled a large stone at the door of the tomb, he went away.

61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting in front of the tomb.

Guard at the tomb

62 The next day, which was the day after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate.

63 They said, "Sir, we remember that while that deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will arise.'

64 Therefore, order the grave to be sealed until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people, ‘He's been raised from the dead.' This last deception will be worse than the first."

65 Pilate replied, "You have soldiers for guard duty. Go and make it as secure as you know how."

66 Then they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.