20. "The Descent into Hell

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“The Descent into Hell – Easter”

Matthew 27:52-53 relates: “... tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.”

In the Apostles Creed, we profess: “He descended into Hell and on the third day He rose again.”

Jesus stands on the broken gates of Hell. He is freeing Adam and Eve from their tombs. In the time of Jesus, slaves were purchased and sold. When purchasing a slave, one could do so in two ways. First, they could simply pay for their slaves and take them home with them. Or they could pay the cost of the slaves plus the cost to free the slaves. If the slaves were taken by the wrist, they knew immediately that they were now free slaves, never to be sold again.

Jesus died for all. He paid for our freedom by sacrificing his own life. No longer would slavery of any kind be able to hold us prisoner. The corners of the tombs of Adam and Eve extend into the border symbolizing the present.

Just as Jesus extended His hands to Adam and Eve, he does the same today and every day of our lives. He raises us up to live in dignity.

Thank you, Jesus, Savior of the World!