Matthew 27:45-56; Psalm 143:1

Matthew 27:45-56
Review of the sufferings of Jesus:

• Mocked by the Roman soldiers
• Crucified
• Mocked by the Jews
• Rejected by the Father

On the day Christ was crucified, darkness fell across the whole land in the middle of the day for 3 hours. This was not merely the kind of darkness that comes with a storm or an eclipse but rather a miraculous darkness that God sent as Jesus died for the sins of the world. During this time Jesus actually became sin for us. "For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV. During this time of darkness when Jesus became sin, He was rejected by the Father. The darkness symbolizes the judgment that God must serve on sin. God is holy, and He could not look on Jesus when He had become sin.

This rejection by the Father was the most painful suffering that Jesus endured. At 3 o'clock He called out with a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

"Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit." Notice that Jesus gave up or released His spirit. The people had no power to kill Him without His allowing it. He voluntarily gave up His life. Upon His death, "At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." This symbolized the fact that the way to God was now open to man through Jesus. There is no more need for priests or sacrifices! Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, and He is the great High priest. We can go directly to God through Him!

"The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead." vv. 51-53  This miracle foresaw the coming resurrection of Jesus from the dead and symbolized the fact that Jesus had conquered death. Death had no power over Him, and because of His resurrection, we too can live forever.

The earthquake hearkens back to the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai and symbolized the fact that Jesus conquered the law. The law could not save us, but Jesus could!

These dramatic happenings were evidence to the Roman soldiers that "This man truly was the Son of God!"

Most of the disciples had run away at the crucifixion of Jesus. Only John and several faithful women remained. They are mentioned here by name.

Psalm 143:1
"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous."

Remember that our prayers are to a faithful and righteous God. It is right to pray even when it may seem that God is not listening. We know that He is listening because He is faithful and righteous! He keeps His promises.