172. Darkness falls
over the land- Matt. 27:45, Mark 15:33, Luke 23:44
-This darkness that enveloped the area for three hours from
about 12:00pm to 3:00pm would be presumed to be a solar eclipse, but this is
not possible since the Passover only occurred during a full moon and a solar
eclipse can only occur during a new moon phase. Rather, this was a supernatural
act of the Sovereign LORD having a physical manifestation (the sun’s light
failed) with spiritual implications for us to consider. Darkness in Scripture
represents lament (deep, agonizing sorrow, Amos 8:9-10) and Divine judgment
(Exodus 10:21-23, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6, 13). It is often the sign of an
eschatological (last things) event taking place (Isaiah 60:2, Joel 2:1-2, 31,
Amos 5:18-20, Zephaniah 1:15). These spiritual implications are figurative
representing the fact that Jesus was bearing God’s wrath for His people, and it
was also expressive of the LORD’s displeasure for crucifying His One and Only
Begotten Son when we think about it. *Application* While there was darkness in
the death of the Christ, we see the end result as His children who have received
His grace. This vibrant biblical theme comes alive in us as we realize that in
Him we step into marvelous Light (1 Peter 2:9, John 12:46, 1 John 1:5; 2:8). He
overcomes the darkness of wrath and sin to give us victory and eternal life!
Jesus has overcome the grave, which is awesome news for us. He gives us His
Spirit to light and illuminate our way (Daniel 2:22, Matthew 5:16, John 1:9; 14:16-18;
16:13), and His Word as a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).
Verse to Memorize-
Luke 23:44
173. Jesus cries out
to the Father, given vinegar- Matt. 27:46-49, Mark 15:34-36, Luke 23:46, John
19:28-29
-Jesus now cries out to the Father because He has been
forsaken. God could not look upon the sin, which Jesus was taking on in the
spiritual realm, and this separation (which was momentary) frazzled (exhausted
and in a very confused or irritable state) the Lord to the point of desperation.
This was understandable under His mental and physical duress. We also must
consider that this was a new, and undeserved, sensation as He had always been
One with God the Father, and now was experiencing, in some way, disunion as a
sacrifice for all of mankind. He was taking the penalty as the Just for the
unjust (1 Peter 3:18).
-The observers were confused themselves over the words of
Christ Jesus, which were probably moaned in His agony and pain. They thought
that He may have been calling on Elijah and wanted to see if he would come in a
supernatural event. Someone offered Him sour wine as He thirsted (John 19:28),
and Jesus offered up His Spirit proclaiming that “Father, into Your Hands I
commit My Spirit (Luke 23:46),” and “It is finished (John 19:30)!”
-*Application* It is finished! Christ’s sacrificial death on
the cross covers our every sin when we accept His great salvation through
repentance and faith. Jesus, through taking on the sinfulness of man, has given
us all the unique opportunity to reconnect to the Father and His amazing grace,
which gives us all of His benefits in earth and eternity! He has taken pity on
us and considered our depraved state and actually done something in love to
correct it. Praise the LORD for His compassion and receive His bountiful and
abundant gift in this Thanksgiving season.
Verse to Memorize-
Luke 23:46
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