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Matthew 27:45-56
The Death of Jesus Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. |
The death of Jesus
It is about 3 in the afternoon. Some bystanders have been busy mocking Jesus. Others are distracted by dividing Jesus’ garments, while many of His own have fled. Meanwhile in the city preparations are underway for Passover. If we had lived then, I wonder, where would we have been?
After six hours on the cross Jesus dies. Death neither came sudden or gradual. Jesus’ cry uttered with a loud voice was not one of bewilderment. Instead, completely in control, Jesus obediently submits Himself to God’s abandonment, bearing the sins of His people and enduring God’s rightful wrath in our place.
It is an uncomfortable scene, but we must take time to linger like the women did. We would then see the signs of what Jesus’ death accomplished. The temple curtain torn in two means through Jesus we now have free (though costly) access to God. Those who had fallen asleep raised from their tombs reveal that in Jesus death is defeated. One day, on that final day, all believers will be raised imperishable (1Cor.15:52).
Jesus’ death means life for us, both now and at our future resurrection. Come let us place all our faith on what the centurion exclaimed in utter awe: ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’
Who has felt the nails upon His hands?
Bearing all the guilt of sinful man?
God eternal, humbled to the grave
Jesus, Saviour, risen now to reign.
Behold our King, nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him.
Christiaan Hofstra