|
From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o-clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some of the bystanders who heard it said, "This one is calling for Elijah." Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him." But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!"
-Matthew 27:45-54 (NABRE)
The last words of Jesus (from the cross) were the opening words of Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And those who didn’t understand thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah...
Do you ever think it seems that everyone around Jesus was constantly missing what was happening right in front of their eyes? The disciples were often noted for missing the point throughout his ministry...
And did you read what happened next??? Read it again! The earth quaked... the curtain of the temple was torn... the rocks split open... and if THAT wasn’t enough, resurrected dead were coming out of tombs, walking around, appearing to many in the holy city?? And this was long before the Walking Dead series... Can you even imagine??? It’s as if God the Creator were saying PAY ATTENTION ALREADY—THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!! If you read a little further, you'll see that the centurion and his men didn't miss a beat. It could be no one else. With all of the sudden chaotic events occurring at the moment of Jesus' death, this had to be the Son of God!
So on this Good Friday, I encourage you to read the Biblical account again, contemplating who Jesus really is, and remembering the purpose of his death and resurrection, to cancel our sins, and restore our broken relationship with God, so that we may have everlasting life!!
How will you respond? With thanks and praise to God? Of course! We hope you will worship with us (online or in person) on Easter!
|
