The Death of Jesus on The Cross

Matthew 27:45–56
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Mark indicates that the crucifixion began around nine o’clock in the morning (Mark 15:25 “third hour”). From then until noon Jesus repeatedly prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 24:34). He spoke to the repentant thief and assured him of a place in paradise (Luke 23:39-43) and He committed His mother into the care of His beloved disciple, John.

At noon, a miraculous darkness covered the land (v. 45). This was not a sand storm or an eclipse, as some have suggested but was a heaven-sent darkness that lasted for three hours. There were three days of darkness in Egypt before the Passover (Ex. 20:21-23); and now there were three hours of darkness before the Lamb of God died for the sins of the world. Jesus was silent for these three hours while He became the sin offering for the world (Jn 1:29) and was forsaken by the father.

After three hours the darkness left and Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (v. 46). Then with one last cry, He gave up His spirit (vv. 47-50), committing it into the hands of His Father (Luke 23:46). In other words, having borne the wrath of God’s judgment against sin, He knew He had triumphed over Satan and the curse of sin. Three miracles took place simultaneously:

1. The veil of the temple was torn (v. 51) - This indicates that He conquered sin.

2. An earthquake opened many graves (v. 52) - This suggests He conquered the law.

3. Some saints rose from the dead (vv. 52-53) - These prove that He defeated death.

The Roman soldiers said, “Truly this was the Son of God” (v. 54) and many of the women watched from a distance (vv. 55-56).

Application

How do I want to be remembered? (1)___ someone who cared for people. (2) ___ someone who loved God. (3) ___ someone who lived life to the fullest.