THURSDAY, MARCH 29
Luke 23:44-56
Hebrews 10:19-25

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter
into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…”

DEATH ON THE CROSS

Jesus died a very slow and agonizing death. Crucifixion was the most cruel form of execution in those days; the man on the cross must struggle to bear his weight, with pain in his hands and feet, and has difficulty breathing. It would be hours (some were recorded to have lasted for days) before they die. The Romans purposely placed their crucifixions near the gate so people would see the horrible death to bring a grave warning against heinous criminals.

Luke described that the sun was darkened. It was not an eclipse, nor vapours or clouds that preceded an earthquake, as some liberals would suggest. Calvin commented, “the darkness was intended to arouse them to consider the astonishing design of God in the death of Christ.” The veil of the temple was rent upon His death. This rent veil is symbolic for believers that they are now given direct access to God (Heb 10:19). The Father in heaven has all the power to prevent the suffering, but if He did that we would all end up in hell. Jesus is our substitute so we can be forgiven and enter heaven.

After Jesus commended His Spirit to the Father, He died physically. Not only the Jews but the Romans also witnessed His death. Some of the Jews smote their breast for sorrow over the death of a good man whom they did not realise was their Messiah. One Roman centurion who knew Jesus well affirmed that truly He was the Son of God.

Joseph of Arimathaea, a believer of Jesus, asked for His body to bury Him for that was the custom of the Jews. Since it was on a Friday (the next day was their Sabbath), they hurriedly took Jesus and laid Him in a tomb carved inside a cave nearby. Nicodemus brought ointments for the burial and the women saw how Jesus was buried. The wages of sin is death. The sinless Jesus died on behalf of us sinners that we may live forever.

THOUGHT: Am I mindful of the great work of Christ on the cross?
PRAYER: Father, may I remember Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Stir my heart to be a zealous messenger of this great grace.