Matthew 27:45-56 The Death of Jesus

Jesus' death was not a conventional execution. It was an extraordinary moment in history marked by natural and supernatural events. As Jesus bears the sin of all humanity, darkness covers the earth for at least three hours. It is a testimony through nature of God's judgment and wrath, even displeasure with the sin of humanity that is upon Jesus. Jesus is carrying my sin upon himself at the cross and suffered the forsakenness of the Father for me. His cry to the Father expressing this abandonment was a testimony to all bystanders of what was taking place. The Father's wrath was unleashed upon his own Son for my sin and those of all humanity.

Jesus gives his life at the ninth hour. It is believed that the Jews offered the evening sacrifice at the ninth hour when Jesus exhaled his last breath and yielded his spirit to the Father. The parallels between the sacrificial lamb and the sacrifice of Christ cannot be missed. He is the lamb that was slain for my iniquities. He gives his life voluntarily, no one takes it from him. Jesus took my place and paid the penalty for my sin so that I can have life in him today. Hallelujah!

Earthquakes were not uncommon in the area of Palestine, but to have an earthquake at the ninth hour combined with the splitting of rocks and the opening of tombs is just out of this world. There is some speculation about those who experienced resurrection at Jesus' death. Some believe that they were raised from the dead like Lazarus; others think they were raised with glorified bodies as a testimony to the promise of resurrection for all believers. Whether they died again or were taken up into heaven at the ascension is not really important. The important thing is that there was a supernatural testimony to all the bystanders that what took place was not a common execution.

Add to all these events the tearing in two of the temple curtain. This curtain was between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. It is here where the ark of the covenant is kept and the place where God used to make his presence known. No one was allowed to walk into the Holy of Holies except the high priest once a year to offer atonement for the people. The tearing of this curtain signifies that the presence of God is no longer to be confined to that place. Due to sin being paid for, the presence of God can manifest anywhere without restrictions. I am the temple of the Holy Spirit thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

All these things led to one conclusion: "Truly, this was the Son of God!" If anyone had missed the reality of his identity, all these details proved whom he claimed to be. My faith is strengthened by these testimonies. Jesus is the Son of God. He was not a liar nor a lunatic. He is the Lord!

Father, grow my faith day to day to trust and obey your Son. Thank you for the awesome work of redemption on the cross. Fill my heart with awe at what took place there. May you fill me with the hope of resurrection glory.