1. The hour of darkness (44-46)

The sun stopped shining from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on the day Jesus died. The light of life was extinguished by the sins of men. But Jesus did not doubt God's love even in the darkest hour. He committed his spirit to his Father God and breathed his last. The curtain that shut sinful men out from the presence of the Holy God was torn in two. Jesus' shed blood opened the way for sinners to go to God, be forgiven and be born again into his family.

2. The witnesses (47-49)

The centurion was a hardened soldier, and a Gentile--but when he saw what happened he praised God. He testified, 'Surely this was a righteous man.' Those who had come to mock or to sight-see beat their breasts and went away full of remorse. But those who believed in him watched and waited.

Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus who shed his blood on the cross so that the way into your presence might be opened for me and for all sinners.
One Word: Jesus died for me