What happened in nature when Jesus died on the cross?
When Jesus died, the earth did quake, the rocks rent, and the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. All of nature responded convulsively to His death on Calvary, showing creation's reaction to the crucifixion.
Les explains that at the time of the crucifixion, Matthew 27:51 records that the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. All of this was in response to what had just happened on Calvary, His death, and all of nature responded convulsively. Then verse 52 says the graves in the area of Jerusalem were opened, and many bodies of the saints came out after His resurrection. Les points out that the saints are believers of any age, and these were Jewish believers. The timing mattered so Christ would be the firstfruits of resurrection.
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;