As Jesus hung, dying on a cross, the sun stopped shining. The physical world mourned the death of the Son of God as darkness covered the land from noon until three in the afternoon. The thick, heavy temple curtain, which symbolized sinful man's separation from our Holy God, completely tore in two. Our sins separate us from God (Is 59:2), but Jesus took up all our sins in his body through his death (1 Pe 2:24). The tearing of the temple curtain meant Jesus' work was complete. Finally, Jesus committed his spirit into Father's hands and died.

Those who witnessed Jesus' death had varied responses. A Roman centurion praised God and declared that Jesus was a righteous man. Most people who had gathered only beat their chests and went away after a while, treating the event as nothing more than a gruesome spectacle. But those who knew Jesus watched to the end. A Sanhedrin member named Joseph, who had not consented to Jesus' execution, asked Pilate for Jesus' body. He took down the body, wrapped it, and then placed the body in his own tomb.

Jesus died for our sins. Through Jesus, we are no longer separated from God. How will you respond to Jesus? Will you believe and receive his death for your sins?


Application: Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for us. I receive your death for my sins.
One Word: Jesus died for us