Day 38

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:45-56 NIV84

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" --- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

What happened from the sixth to ninth hour (noon to 3pm)?

How did the agony of crucifixion affect Jesus? How did He express it?

Note the people mentioned in this scene. Why were they there? bystanders? centurion? women? What about those conspicuously missing? Who do you most identify with?

Jesus's death literally rocked the world. How has it affected yours?

Father God, where were You? Where will You be for me? Jesus said You were always with Him because He did Your will. Help me to remember You are with me... even when it doesn't feel like it.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV84

Painting at the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
Taken by Kathy Abbott