Scripture: Luke 23:44-56
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (NIV)
Observation:
Upon Jesus death, the sun stopped shining from noon to about 3:00 pm. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) When he had said this, he breathed his last.” The curtain in the temple was torn in two and the Centurian soldier recognized that Jesus was a righteous man. When the curtain of the Temple was torn in two, many commentators say that it indicated that because of Jesus sacrificial death, we now have access to the Holy of Hollies.
Application:
Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are reconciled to our Holy God by His perfect sacrifice and our faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah. As believers in salvation through Jesus Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit in our baptisms, and the Spirit remains with us throughout our lives. Therefore, we should cooperate with the Holy Spirit in our lives, as the Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus taught His disciples during His time on earth.
Prayer:
Almighty Father in Heaven, we thank You for Your boundless love for us Your children, demonstrated through the gift of Your Son Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Grant us Your grace, and through the guidance of Your Spirit, teach us to live our lives in accordance with Your divine will. Enable us to fulfill Your highest intentions for our lives, utilizing the spiritual gifts and talents You have entrusted to us. Guide us to be fruitful disciples of Your Son, Jesus, so that we may bring glory to Your Name. Amen.