Jesus knew. He knew as he divided the bread and sent the cup around the table. He knew He was facing the cross. He knew the darkness that stood between Him and Easter morning.
“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:45-46
What is the meaning of this darkness at the cross? Jesus had repeatedly said His ministry would culminate at a certain point in time, “…my hour is not yet come,” but now we hear him pray in John 17, “Father the hour has come.” And as the chief priests came to arrest him, “This is your hour, the power of darkness.” It was the time of evil’s dominion.
During that time of darkness, a transaction took place. No longer could Christ call out, “Abba, Father” but instead he cried out in abandonment as God turned away from the sight of the sin-bearer.
The chief priests and the mob had shouted, “Come down from the cross,” but He went up from the cross, to triumph over principalities and powers. They shouted, “Save yourself,” but He saved others instead. In this darkness, He saved not Himself, but us. He declined to pursue His own deliverance, that He might loose us from sin. Out of that darkness, came a mighty light!
When Jesus took the sinners’ place He passed beyond the limits of God’s mercy. Under the judgment of sin, Jesus Christ went for a time out of the divine presence of His Father. Ultimately, He conquered the powers of darkness.
No wonder the old world rocked and the mountains trembled. No wonder graves were opened and the veil of the temple split in two. No wonder the darkness covered the land. Praise the Lord; the darkness did not triumph. Praise the Lord; Jesus emerged victorious!
Tonight, as we celebrate the Last Supper, let's not forget that the love Jesus shared around the table that night long ago had not blinded His eyes. He knew what was before Him. He walked toward it for us.
Dear Jesus, Your agony on the cross bought our lives; Your separation from Your Father bought our relationships with Him. Your compassion and love are beyond understanding, and we are so very grateful. In the mighty name of our risen Savior , amen.
For His Glory,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:45-46
What is the meaning of this darkness at the cross? Jesus had repeatedly said His ministry would culminate at a certain point in time, “…my hour is not yet come,” but now we hear him pray in John 17, “Father the hour has come.” And as the chief priests came to arrest him, “This is your hour, the power of darkness.” It was the time of evil’s dominion.
During that time of darkness, a transaction took place. No longer could Christ call out, “Abba, Father” but instead he cried out in abandonment as God turned away from the sight of the sin-bearer.
The chief priests and the mob had shouted, “Come down from the cross,” but He went up from the cross, to triumph over principalities and powers. They shouted, “Save yourself,” but He saved others instead. In this darkness, He saved not Himself, but us. He declined to pursue His own deliverance, that He might loose us from sin. Out of that darkness, came a mighty light!
When Jesus took the sinners’ place He passed beyond the limits of God’s mercy. Under the judgment of sin, Jesus Christ went for a time out of the divine presence of His Father. Ultimately, He conquered the powers of darkness.
No wonder the old world rocked and the mountains trembled. No wonder graves were opened and the veil of the temple split in two. No wonder the darkness covered the land. Praise the Lord; the darkness did not triumph. Praise the Lord; Jesus emerged victorious!
Tonight, as we celebrate the Last Supper, let's not forget that the love Jesus shared around the table that night long ago had not blinded His eyes. He knew what was before Him. He walked toward it for us.
Dear Jesus, Your agony on the cross bought our lives; Your separation from Your Father bought our relationships with Him. Your compassion and love are beyond understanding, and we are so very grateful. In the mighty name of our risen Savior , amen.
For His Glory,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
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